Shanghai Museum

Located on the southern side of People’s Square, the Shanghai Museum is a large and comprehensive museum dedicated to showing Chinese art and history. Originally founded in 1952, the museum's collection has expanded over the years as the institution played an important role in saving historic artifacts during tumultuous periods in Chinese history such as the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution.

Recommended sightseeing time: 3-6 hours Address: 201 Renmin Avenue, Huangpu District,Shanghai

Shanghai Museum Tickets for The Attractions Inside

  • Shanghai Museum Tickets (Adult)

    The Civilization of Ancient Egypt Tickets. Adult age: over 18 and up to 59 years old

  • Shanghai Museum Tickets (Student)

    The Civilization of Ancient Egypt Tickets. Student tickets aged 6-18, or full-time undergraduate aged 18-23.

  • Shanghai Museum Tickets (Senior)

    The Civilization of Ancient Egypt Tickets. Age: 60 and over

Shanghai Museum Nearby Hotels

Shanghai Museum Reviews

4.6/5
3081 reviews
5/5
I love traveling, I love the feeling of freedom on the road. No need to play a predetermined role, no need to deal with mundane affairs; you are simply yourself, a traveler wandering the road, stopping and starting as you please. You can spend an afternoon gazing at a tranquil lake, or hike up a mountain path until you reach the summit, feel the breeze, and watch the clouds drift by. All your worries are left far behind, and your body is filled with renewed energy. This feeling of starting anew is a gift you can never obtain by staying at home.
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5/5
The small fishing village is relatively undeveloped. The guesthouse is right by the pier, and you can see fishing boats floating on the sea just by opening the window. In the morning, I went out to sea with the captain to fish. The wind carried the salty smell of the sea, and the shrimp and crabs we caught were still lively and jumping around. We found a restaurant on the shore to cook them, and the processing fee was only ten yuan. The steamed shrimp were sweet and had their original flavor intact. In the afternoon, I sat on the stone steps of the pier peeling oranges and watching the fishermen mend their nets. They spoke slowly and leisurely. At night, I lay in bed listening to the waves lapping against the shore, the gentle murmur like a lullaby. After staying for three days, even my tense nerves relaxed. It was so much more comfortable than staying in a luxury sea-view hotel.
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5/5
Taking a long-distance overnight bus trip offers a unique experience. The bus is quiet; most people are asleep, with only the headlights illuminating the road ahead. I lean against the window, looking out at the scattered lights of distant villages. A cool breeze blows in through the window cracks. You can think about anything, or nothing at all, just watching the scenery recede in the darkness. This kind of time alone is something you rarely find. It's on these night buses that I've come to understand so many worries.
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5/5
The love of travel is the love of that feeling of rediscovering yourself. In our daily lives, we play many roles, but on the road, you only need to be yourself: wake up early to watch the sunrise, sleep in until noon if you want to, and go find whatever you want to eat—without having to cater to anyone else's preferences. Leave all social obligations and rules behind, and completely follow your heart. This trip is like a massage for your soul, leaving you feeling incredibly relaxed.
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5/5
The exhibition at the Shanghai Museum left a very strong impression. The exhibit is well-thought-out and presented in a modern format—the combination of history, visuals, and interactive elements makes the visit truly engaging. I especially appreciated how the topic of ancient culture is explored through modern technology—the information is easily digestible while maintaining depth and respect for the historical context. The space is conveniently organized; there's no sense of chaos; everything is logical and consistent. It's suitable for both those already interested in Chinese history and those just beginning to explore the culture. Overall, a very high-quality and memorable event, definitely worth attending.
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Shanghai Museum Guide
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About Shanghai Museums (People's Square Branch & East Branch)

About Shanghai Museums (People's Square Branch & East Branch)
  • Shanghai Museum actually has two branchs. The original location is in People's Square downtown. It's in 201 People's Avenue, People's Square - ever since 1996. The first mainly shows China's artistic history.
  • The newer East Branch opened in Pudong across the river. 1952 Century Avenue, Pudong - opened 2024. The latter focuses more on how Chinese culture connects with the world.

Key Info about Shanghai Museums

What's Inside

Over 120,000 artifacts across 15+ galleries

Time Needed

Plan 2-3 hours for each location

Shuttle Service

¥4 buses run every 30 mins between them (10am-5pm)

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Shanghai Museum Opening Hours

Shanghai Museum hours change by season:

Regular Hours (Most of the year):

Branch

Opening Days

Daily Hours

Last Entry

Closed On

People's Square Branch

Tuesday to Sunday

09:00 – 17:00

16:00

Mondays (except national holidays)

Shanghai Museum East

Wednesday to Monday

10:00 – 18:00

17:00

Tuesdays (except national holidays)

Summer Extended Hours (July 1 - August 10):

Both locations open until 21:00 (last entry 19:00) Closed: Main branch on Mondays, East branch on Tuesdays

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How to Get to Shanghai Museum

How to Get to Shanghai Museum

How to Get to Shanghai Museum (People's Square Branch)

Address: No. 201 Renmin Dadao, Huangpu District (South Entrance on Wusheng Road)

  • Shanghai Metro: Take Line 1, 2, or 8 to People's Square Station. Walk 5–10 minutes from any exit to the museum.
  • Bus:
    • Routes: 18, 23, 42, 46, 49, 71, 71 (section), 108, 108 (section), 112, 112 (section), 123, 145, 167, 454, 455, 537, 775, 782, 783, 789, 930, 934, 952, 952B, 980, Tunnel Route 3, Tunnel Route 6, Shanghai-Chuansha Line, Shanghai-Zhujiajiao Highway Line.
    • Alight at stops near "People's Square" and walk 5–15 minutes.
  • CitySights Bus: Lines 1 and 2 (stops close to People's Square).
  • Shuttle Bus (to/from East Branch):
    • Operates on Wednesdays to Sundays and national holidays.
    • Departure times: 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00 (bidirectional).

How to Get to Shanghai Museum East

Address: No. 1952 Century Avenue, Pudong New Area

  • Metro:
    • Line 2 to Shanghai Technology Museum Station → Exit 8.
    • Line 4 to Xiangcheng Road Station → Exit 2.
    • Line 6 to Pudian Road Station → Exit 1.
  • Bus:
    • 638, 975 → "South Yanggao Road Century Avenue" stop.
    • 987, Pudong 36 → "Century Avenue Dingxiang Road" stop.
    • Pudong 106 → "Pudian Road Zhulin Road" stop.
    • Lujiazui Financial City 4 → "South Yanggao Road Eshan Road" stop.
    • 736 → "Pudian Road Songlin Road" stop.
    • 1069 (loop) → "Pudian Road Fushan Road" stop.
    • Pudong 78 → "Jindai Road Yingchun Road" stop.
  • Shuttle Bus (to/from People's Square Branch):
    • Operates on Wednesdays to Sundays and national holidays.
    • Departure times: 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00 (bidirectional).
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What to See at Shanghai Museum

What to See at Shanghai Museum

Credit: Shanghai Museum Official, Shanghai Museum East

Both Shanghai Museums are full with treasures. Here's what you shouldn't miss:

What to See At the Main Building (People's Square)

  • Ancient Bronzes Gallery (Ground Floor): Ritual wine vessels from 1600 BC - look for the massive Da Ke Ding cauldron.
  • Ming Furniture Gallery (2nd Floor): Over 100 hardwood chairs, beds and cabinets displayed in room settings.
  • Minority Arts (4th Floor): Colorful costumes and silver jewelry from China's 55 ethnic groups.
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What to See at Shanghai Museum

Credit: Shanghai Museum Official, Shanghai Museum East

What to See At the East Branch (Pudong)

  • Ancient Egypt Exhibit (Through Aug 2025): Real mummies, sarcophagi and hieroglyph-covered tablets.
  • Jade Gallery: Ritual blades from 5000 years ago to delicate Qing dynasty ornaments.
  • Digital Experience Room: Interactive screens where you can "unwrap" virtual artifacts.

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Where is Shanghai Museum? Location & Map

Map: Shanghai Museum Main Building Location Map

Shanghai Museum - Main Building Location


Right in center of People's Square - that big public space downtown. It's:

  • 5 minutes walk to Nanjing Road shopping street
  • 10 minutes to The Bund waterfront
  • Next to Shanghai Grand Theatre

Shanghai Museum - East Branch Location


In Pudong's cultural zone:

  • Across from Century Park
  • 5 minutes walk to Shanghai Library East
  • 15 minutes by taxi to Lujiazui skyscrapers

Handy tip: Grab a free paper map at the entrance - the galleries can feel like a maze.

Shanghai Museum Layout & Visiting Route

Shanghai Museum Layout & Visiting Route

Credit: Shanghai Museum Official, Layout - People's Square Branch

Shanghai Museum Layout - People's Square Branch

  1. Start on Ground Floor: Begin with the ancient bronzes - these heavy ritual objects show China's earliest artistry.
  2. Second Floor: Move to ceramics - see how pottery evolved over dynasties. Then explore the Ming furniture exhibit.
  3. Third Floor: Chinese painting and calligraphy masterpieces - some scrolls are 10 meters long!
  4. Fourth Floor: Minority crafts and ancient coins - perfect finale.
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Shanghai Museum Layout & Visiting Route

Credit: Shanghai Museum Official, Layout - Pudong East Branch

Shanghai Museum Layout - Pudong East Branch

  1. First Floor: Head straight to the Egypt exhibit - it gets crowded by noon.
  2. Second Floor: Bronze and ceramics collections show China's global connections.
  3. Third Floor: Painting galleries feature works inspired by foreign techniques.
  4. Rooftop Garden: End here for skyline views and fresh air.

Shanghai Museum - Facilities & Services

Shanghai Museum - Facilities & Services

Shanghai Museum (People's Square Branch) - Facilities & Services

Here's the facilities & services guide for the main Shanghai Museum:

Category

Details

Cloakroom

- Locations: North & South Gates.

- Stores: Coats, bags, luggage (keep valuables; laptops allowed).

- Process: Security check first (get a ticket for storage).

- Free borrowables: Wheelchairs/strollers (¥300 deposit, in-museum use only).

- Extras: Sewing kits, first aid kits, lost & found (South Gate).

Food & Drink

- Restaurant (1F, South Gate): Chinese/Western meals, 11:00–14:00.

- Tea Room (2F): Tea, coffee, snacks, 09:00–16:30.

Multimedia Guides

- Free WeChat Guide: Audio for highlights via official WeChat (“GO - 上博 - 人广馆导览”).

- Audio Devices:

- Chinese: ¥20 (adult/parent-child), ¥10 (children’s); no deposit (ID/phone needed).

- Foreign languages (8 options): ¥40 + ¥400 deposit (or $50/passport).

- Smart Guide (Chinese only): ¥30 (tablet with videos/games); no deposit (ID/phone needed).

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Shanghai Museum East - Facilities & Services

Category

Details

Cloakroom

- Location: F1 (B1 closed).

- Stores: Coats, bags, luggage (laptops allowed; no other valuables).

- Free borrowables: Wheelchairs/strollers (ID or ¥300 deposit, in-museum use only).

- Extras: Sewing kits, first aid kits, water fountains, baby care rooms, accessible elevators, lost & found.

Information Centre

- Location: F1 hall (east side).

- Services: Brochures, help, complaints.

Food & Drink

- Café (1F) & Café Staircase (2F–3F): Coffee, snacks.

Multimedia Guides

- Free WeChat Guide: Audio via official WeChat (“GO - 上博 - 东馆导览”).

- Audio Devices: Chinese (¥20), English (¥40); no deposit (8 languages coming soon).

- Smart Guide: ¥30+ (tablet with videos/games); no deposit (ID).

- AR Guide: ¥60 (AR glasses); no deposit (ID/phone).

Guided Tours

- Paid English tours: Starting at ¥300.

- Booking: WeChat (scan QR code) or on-site at the guided tour desk.

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Tips for Visiting Shanghai Museum

Tips for Visiting Shanghai Museum
  1. Book tickets early - Free general entry tickets release 7 days ahead on their official WeChat channel. Special exhibits like Egypt need separate bookings.
  2. Go midweek - Tuesdays at People's Square and Wednesdays at Pudong East are quietest.
  3. Take the free tour - English guides start at 10:30am daily from the main lobby.
  4. Pack light - Big bags need checking (¥10 deposit lockers available).
  5. Photo rules - No flash or tripods. Video not allowed in special exhibits.
  6. Eat beforehand - Cafe options are limited and pricey.
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More Things to Do Near Shanghai Museum

More Things to Do Near Shanghai Museum

Shanghai People's Park

After the museum, check out these spots:

Things to Do - Near Shanghai Museum People's Square Branch

Things to Do - Near Shanghai Museum Pudong East Branch

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[8% Off] Shanghai Hotels Recommendations

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FAQs about Shanghai Museum

  • Do I need to book tickets in advance for Shanghai Museum?

    It depends on which branch you’re visiting. For the People’s Square Branch, reservations are not required on weekdays (Tuesday–Friday) under normal circumstances but are mandatory during peak times (weekends, national holidays, July–August, and special exhibitions like “Who is Leonardo Da Vinci?”). Use the official WeChat account, website, or mini-program to book—no third-party platforms are authorized. For the East Branch, individual visitors don’t need reservations; just bring a valid ID and pass through security. Groups of 20+ at the East Branch must book 7–14 days in advance by phone (021-20729999 ext. 134).
  • What are the opening hours for Shanghai Museum’s two branches?

    The People’s Square Branch is open Tuesday–Sunday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM) and closed on Mondays (except national holidays). The East Branch operates Wednesday–Monday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM) and is closed on Tuesdays (except national holidays). Both branches may adjust hours for special events, so check the official website before your visit.
  • How do I get between the two Shanghai Museum branches?

    There’s a shuttle bus connecting the People’s Square Branch and East Branch. It runs Wednesdays to Sundays and national holidays, with departures at 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, and 3:00 PM. The service is bidirectional, making it easy to visit both locations in one day. No need to book—just arrive at the designated pick-up points at the branches in time.
  • Are there guided tours available at Shanghai Museum?

    Yes, but options vary by branch. The People’s Square Branch offers free English guided tours daily at 10:30 AM (meet in the main lobby). For the East Branch, guided tours are paid: English tours start at ¥300. You can book these via the East Branch’s WeChat QR code or in person at the guided tour service desk on-site. Both branches also have audio guides (rental fees apply) in multiple languages for self-guided exploration.
  • What facilities are available for visitors at Shanghai Museum?

    Both branches offer practical amenities. Cloakrooms (North/South Gates at People’s Square; F1 at East Branch) store coats, bags, and luggage (keep valuables with you). Free wheelchairs and strollers are available (¥300 deposit required). Food options include restaurants/cafés (People’s Square: 1F restaurant and 2F tea room; East Branch: 1F café and 2F–3F café staircase). First aid kits, sewing kits, and lost & found services are also available. The East Branch adds water fountains, baby care rooms, and accessible elevators for convenience.
Bethy

Bethy

Trip.com Travel Expert

Hey there! I’m Bethy (Huang Lan, 黄澜) – a travel enthusiast and content creator for Trip.com. I live as a digital nomad, mostly based in China, and I’ve also lived in awesome places across Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe. I love traveling all over the world, sharing useful travel tips and guides for fellow wanderlusters. When I’m not on the road, I’m a huge cat lover and play guitar for fun~

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