The Shanghai Museum, a top travel destination in China, is renowned for its vast collection of 120,000+ ancient Chinese artifacts, including bronzes, ceramics, paintings, and jades. Established in 1952 and relocated in 1995, it showcases 140,000 national treasures across 33 categories, offering travelers a deep dive into China’s rich cultural heritage. As one of the country’s four major museums, it’s a must-visit for art and history enthusiasts.
The Shanghai Museum currently has two locations open to visitors: its original site at People’s Square and the newly opened East branch on Century Avenue, with a North branch currently in development. This expansion allows for greater international cultural exchange.
Shanghai Museum on People’s Square
| Entrance Fee | Free |
| Opening Hours | Tuesday to Sunday: 09:00 – 17:00 (Latest entry at 16:00) Closed on Mondays (except national holidays) |
| Reservation | Required for all visitors |
| Location | 201 Ren Min Da Dao (South Entrance gate on Wusheng Road) |
| Recommended Time for a Visit | 1.5h |
The Shanghai Museum on People’s Square, located at No. 201 Renmin Avenue in central Shanghai, is a landmark of Chinese cultural heritage. Its unique circular dome and square base design embodies the ancient Chinese concept of “round heaven and square earth.”
As one of China’s top museums, it displays precious collections including Chinese paintings, calligraphy, Ming and Qing dynasty furniture, and minority artworks. The museum actively collaborates with international institutions to present special exhibitions that create meaningful dialogues between Chinese artifacts and world cultures. Through these global exchanges and its impressive permanent displays, the museum offers visitors profound insights into China’s ancient wisdom and artistic traditions while promoting cross-cultural understanding.
Shanghai Museum East
| Entrance Fee | Free |
| Opening Hours | Wednesday to Monday: 10:00-18:00 (Last entry at 17:00) Closed on Tuesdays (except national holidays) |
| Reservation | Not required for individual visitors |
| Address | 1952 Century Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai |
| Entrance (Individual) | B1 East Gate (near Dingxiang Road) – Valid ID required + security check |
| Entrance (Groups) | North Gate (1F, near Century Avenue) – Reservation required + security check |
| Recommended Time for a Visit | 2h |
Located at No. 1952 Century Avenue in Pudong, Shanghai Museum East is a major new cultural landmark covering 113,200 square meters. This modern museum features 20 specialized galleries showcasing China’s artistic heritage through comprehensive displays of bronze, calligraphy, painting, ceramics, jade, and coins – with some collections considered the most complete of their kind globally. The exhibitions are organized into four main themes: Ancient Chinese Art History, Shanghai & Jiangnan Culture, Cultural Exchange, and Interactive Experiences.
Beyond traditional displays, the museum incorporates innovative interactive spaces that enhance visitor engagement with the artworks. With its balanced layout dividing space equally between exhibitions, public areas, and functional zones, Shanghai Museum East creates an inviting environment where visitors can explore the depth and beauty of Chinese cultural traditions while enjoying modern museum amenities.
How to get to Shanghai Museum
To Shanghai Museum on People’s Square
By Metro: Take Metro Line 1, line 2, or 8 to People’s Square Station, exit from Gate 1, then walk south for about 5 minutes.
By Bus:
- Take any of the 20+ bus routes (including 18, 23, 42, 46, 49, 71, 108, 112, 123, 145, 455, 537, 775, 782, 783, 789, 930, 934, 952, 952B, 980, Tunnel 3, or Shanghai-Zhujiajiao Line) and alight at People’s Square or nearby stops like Yan’an East Rd./Xizang Middle Rd., then walk to the museum.
- City Sightseeing Bus Line 1 or 2: Alight at Shanghai Museum
- Take bus no. 51 or Tunnel Line 6 and get off at People’s Square Station.
To Shanghai Museum East on Century Avenue
By Metro:
- Take Line 2 to Shanghai Technology Museum station, and exit at Exit 8
- Take Line 4 to Pudian Road station, and exit at Exit 2
- Take Line 6 to Pudian Road station, and exit at Exit 1
By Bus：
- Take 638 or 975 to the station South Yanggao Road Century Avenue
- Take 987 or Pudong 36 to Century Avenue Dingxiang Road
- Take Pudong 106 to Pudian Road Zhulin Road
- Take Lujiazui Financial City 4 to South Yanggao Road Eshan Road
- Take 736 to Pudian Road Songlin Road
- Take 1069 (loop) to Pudian Road Fushan Road
- Take Pudong 78 to Jindai Road Yingchun Road
Useful Tips to Go to Shanghai Museum
- Photography is permitted in most galleries without flash to protect the artifacts. Please be mindful when taking pictures.
- The museum maintains rigorous security checks, so expect slightly longer wait times than at other institutions. Have your passport ready for both entry and cloakroom services.
- Only pencils are allowed for note-taking; all other writing and painting tools are prohibited.
- Professional photography equipment including tripods and medium/large video cameras are not permitted inside.
- The museum operates souvenir shops selling replica artifacts, books, and cultural items at four locations: the museum’s first floor, Pudong International Airport, Oriental Pearl Tower, and Taicang Road.
- Note that special temporary exhibitions may require separate admission fees.
- Some galleries may be closed periodically for maintenance or renovations.
FAQs About Shanghai Museum
You can book tickets via the WeChat mini program ‘上海博物馆参观预约’ by registering with their passport information.
Yes, both locations (People’s Square & East Museum) offer free luggage storage.
To Bund: You can take bus No. 932 from Lingling Road Dong’an Road Station to Zhongshan East Second Road Xinkaihe Road Station, and then walk about 650 meters north to arrive. It takes about 1 hour and costs 2 yuan.
To Museum: Take Line 4 to Xizang South Road, transfer to Line 8 to Dashijie Station (Exit 4), then walk 600m to Shanghai Museum
Admission to Shanghai Museum’s permanent exhibitions is free, but some special temporary exhibits may charge a fee.
The People’s Square Museum focuses on Ming and Qing art and furniture, and the East Museum boasts several galleries that feature fine art, sculpture, and calligraphy.