Situated in the north of Hangzhou, by the banks of the Grand Canal connecting Beijing and Hangzhou, Loft 49 is an artist's dreamland, where famous local artists, architects, designers, and photographers have established their "loft" work spaces.

For those who have not visited Loft 49, the journey might be a surprise.

As you head down the small and swarming Hangyin Road, passing through old houses and crowds, it is hard to believe unique art spaces exist among the dirty old warehouses and factories.

Walls encrusted with dirt accumulated over a long time on old-style houses all recall the Hangzhou of the early 1980s.

However, some of the old-style buildings bear signs announcing the arrival of an "art factory".

Artists have changed the landscape, not from the outside but from the interior. The lofts now offer an attractive urban style.

Abandoned workshops provide artists with plenty of space and light. Different artists have taken advantage of these attributes to create working space reflecting their own styles.

Taking inspiration from the loft scene abroad, some local artists converted Loft 49 from an abandoned printing and dyeing factory into unique open studios in 2003.

The concept of lofts first gained popularity in the 1960s, when artists in New York City began using lofts as studios. The idea has since become popular in Beijing and Shanghai. Loft 49 is the first "loft" office space in Hangzhou.

There are about 21 artistic companies, studios and galleries gathered at Loft 49. No.12 Warehouse, owned by Li Jiawen, is one of them.

*No.12 Warehouse

The warehouse named "Common place" doubles as a gallery, design studio, cafe and bookshop selling a variety of art reference books.

"I am trying to provide opportunities for people to experience modern art in Hangzhou," said Li Jiawen. He hoped the gallery could be for everybody - hence the name.

The huge space, comparatively low rents and artistic atmosphere, which cannot be found in downtown areas, attracted Li to choose Loft 49 as his art space.

Li is a Hangzhou art lover known for organizing avant-garde video art events. His other art space - Common Place Coffee House and Bar - is famous for its prominent position as promoter and venue for art house cinema in Hangzhou.