Shanghai Museum: Tickets & Guide

About Shanghai Museum: People's Square & East Branch

• Shanghai Museum actually has two branches. The original location is in People's Square city centre. It's in 201 People's Avenue, People's Square - ever since 1996. The original branch 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.

Shanghai Museum Opening Hours

Shanghai Museum hours change by season:

Regular Hours (Most of the year):

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

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).

What to Do and 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 around 1600 BC. Don't miss the massive Da Ke Ding cauldron in the centre.
• Ming Furniture Gallery (2nd Floor): Over 100 hardwood chairs, beds and cabinets displayed in room settings.
• Minority Arts (4th Floor): Colourful costumes and silver jewellery from China's 55 ethnic groups.

Credit: Shanghai Museum Official, Shanghai Museum East

What to See At the East Branch (Pudong)

• Jade Gallery: Ritual blades from 5000 years ago to delicate Qing dynasty ornaments.
• Digital Experience Room: Interactive screens where you can "unwrap" virtual artefacts.

Shanghai Museum Map

Map: Shanghai Museum Main Building Location Map

Shanghai Museum - Main Building Location

Right in centre of People's Square - that big public space city centre. 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

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 metres long!
4. Fourth Floor: Minority crafts and ancient coins - perfect finale.

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 (People's Square Branch) - Facilities & Services

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

Shanghai Museum East - Facilities & Services

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.

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

• People's Park: Watch locals dance, play chess or practise tai chi
• Nanjing Road: Shop at historic stores like First Food Hall
• Shanghai Urban Planning Centre: See the jaw-dropping scale model of the city

Things to Do - Near Shanghai Museum Pudong East Branch

• Century Park: Rent bikes or paddle boats in Shanghai's largest green space
• Pudong Art Museum: Contemporary exhibitions in a sleek building
• Shanghai Science Museum: Great for kids with interactive tech exhibits

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