Shanghai Museum: Tickets & Guide

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 artefacts 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 Exhibition Tickets

  • Shanghai Museum Tickets (Adult)

    Ancient Americas Exhibition · Adults aged 18–59

  • Shanghai Museum Tickets (Student)

    Ancient Americas Exhibition · Students aged 6–18, or full-time undergraduates under 23

  • Shanghai Museum Tickets (Senior)

    Ancient Americas Exhibition · Aged 60+

Shanghai Museum Nearby Hotels

Shanghai Museum Reviews

4.6/5
3170 reviews
5/5
A fantastic exhibition, arranged on a grand scale. It's well worth the ticket price. The collection is magnificent, beautifully presented, the exhibition space is spacious, and the lighting is good, making it easy to view. Descriptions are also in English.
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5/5
I recently visited "On Top of the World Tree: Ancient Civilizations of the Americas" at the Shanghai Museum, and it is a monumental achievement. The scale is staggering: nearly 3,000 artifacts from Mexico and Peru, spanning three floors and almost 3,000 years of history.The star pieces are breathtaking. The massive Olmec Colossal Stone Head and the towering 4-meter Maya stela from Calakmul are worth the visit alone. The Tlaloc rain god vessel from the Aztec Great Temple is a viral highlight, its blue-green colors still vibrant after centuries. I was also struck by the "Golden Empire" section on the third floor, displaying exquisite Andean gold work from Peru, including a stunning Chimú headdress.What makes this exhibition truly special is its comparative dialogue. Curators have placed Chinese artifacts—like a Western Han jade burial suit—alongside American treasures like a Maya jade mask, inviting viewers to ponder the striking parallels in cosmology and artistry across continents.
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5/5
A magnificent exhibition dedicated to the Maya and Aztec peoples. All information is available in English. Four floors of original exhibits, many of which are over 2,000 years old, are on display. The exhibition runs until November 2027, so there's still time to visit!
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5/5
Выставка американских цивилизаций очень понравилась
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4/5
The exhibition is huge and with great museum didactics. It’s a bit expensive at full price but definitely interesting and we learned a few new things about Mesoamerican cultures
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Shanghai Museum: Tickets & Guide

About Shanghai Museum: People's Square & East Branch

Shanghai Museum

Shanghai Museum East

  • 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.

Key Info about Shanghai Museums

What's Inside

Over 120,000 artefacts 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 Do and 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 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.
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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)

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

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

Shanghai Science and Technology Museum
Shanghai Science and Technology Museum
4.7/5
3738 reviews
There are many interesting interactive exhibits, but when visiting, please keep in mind that there are many younger schoolchildren coming on the excursion.
Museum of Art Pudong
Museum of Art Pudong
4.7/5
1196 reviews
An excellent experience to visit the Museum of Art Pudong, there were several exhibitions on at the time and I purchase an evening ticket for Sunday night through Trip.com which is reduced rate for 5pm - 9pm entry the perfect time for visiting galleries. I started on the top floor with a fashion and sculpture exhibition with Chanel, classical oil painting on floor 2 and Dance Reflections photography on floor 4. There was also a sustainability installation of Blue Wales that ran through the entire building from floor to ceiling. An excellent evening out highly recommend this for all people if you are interested in art, fashion or just want some inspiration.
Century Park
Century Park
4.8/5
711 reviews
Just a short ride from Shanghai’s busy center, Century Park feels like a quiet escape into a slower, softer world. It’s huge, but that’s part of the charm - you don’t need to see everything. Wandering through spring greenery and blooming flowers, every corner feels like a photo moment.Best of all, it’s completely free yet offers a peaceful break from the city’s energy. We didn’t finish exploring, but that only made it more memorable - some places are meant to be felt, not completed.
Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street
Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street
4.7/5
1176 reviews
busy street but nice experience
People's Park
People's Park
4.7/5
74 reviews
People’s Park is a great natural escape from Shanghai’s concrete buildings. There is a pond with fishes in the park and a restaurant overlooking the pond. The park is quite big and beautiful. Some months you can see lotus blooming over the pond. It is truly wonderful!

Shanghai Hotels Recommendations

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FAQ – Shanghai Museum

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