The theme of the 2000 Shanghai Biennale 'Shanghai Spirit' reflects the eager readiness of the city to assimilate various cultural elements and renovate its own cultural tradition. The changes that Shanghai has been undergoing these years are typical changes undergone by China in the past century. Fang Zengxian wrote in the preface, 'for years, China has always observed and absorbed Western Civilization through Shanghai and at the same time, Shanghai is always the window to China through which the rest of the world came to know and appreciate her culture and people.' As a result, the 3rd Biennale for the first time has formed a board of sponsors composed of members from both China and abroad. It is not only an exhibition of Chinese contemporary art, but also a stage for displaying works by artists from all over the world.

The catalogue includes preface by Fang Zengxian, artist statements and biographies.

Other participating artists: Matthew Barney, Gordon Bennet, Philip-Lorca Dicorcia, Marlene Dumas, Bernard Frize, William Kentridge, Anselm Kiefer, Bodys Isek Kingelez, Emily Kame Kngwarreye, Aglaia Konrad, Lani Maestro, Georges Lilanga Di Nyama, Sarkis