A newly renovated block in downtown Shanghai, which has been designed to host art and cultural events, is set to become a new cultural hotspot in the municipality.

The In·Shanghai Artfest, which serves as the overture of a four-month art festival, kicked off on Nov 26 at the new cultural landmark known as The INLET in Hongkou district. Artists from different fields, including opera, jazz, and modern dance, will perform at the venue till Dec 12.

Introduced by the Center for China Shanghai International Arts Festival and supported by local government, the art festival aims to become a cultural event that brings art closer to the masses.

A series of events including artistic performances, exhibitions, cultural and creative fairs will take place after the In-Shanghai Artfest till the end of April.

Located close to one of Shanghai's major commercial streets, Sichuan North Road, The INLET is itself a highlight of the art festival. Renovated from a century-old block comprised of 60 shikumen - Shanghai-style stone-gate- houses - and eight independent buildings that include old mansions, the venue aims to become a window into Shanghai-style culture, which is believed to have originated from Hongkou district.