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Shanghai Museum

The Shanghai Museum, located in the heart of Shanghai's Huangpu District on People's Square, stands as one of China's premier cultural institutions. As a first-class national museum, it showcases the essence of Chinese civilization through its distinctive architecture and vast collection of artifacts.

Panoramic view of Shanghai Museum

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

  • People's Square Branch: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM)
    • Closed on Mondays except for national holidays
    • Special night openings on Fridays and Saturdays in December until 9:00 PM (last entry 7:00 PM)
  • East Branch: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM)
    • Closed on Tuesdays except for national holidays

Admission and Booking

The museum offers free admission but requires advance reservation:

  • Book through WeChat Official Account or Mini Program "Shanghai Museum Visit Reservation"
  • Reservations open daily at 12:00 PM
  • Individual visitors can book up to 14 days in advance
  • Groups of 20 or more must book 7-14 days ahead by calling 021-20729999 ext. 134

Transportation

People's Square Branch:

  • Metro: Lines 1, 2, or 8 to People's Square Station, Exit 1
  • Bus: Multiple routes available
  • Parking: Available at People's Square Underground Parking (¥10/hour)

East Branch:

  • Metro: Line 2 to Shanghai Science & Technology Museum Station (Exit 8)
  • Shuttle bus service between branches operates Wednesday to Sunday, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Entrance of Shanghai Museum

Museum Highlights

People's Square Branch

The main building features a unique design representing ancient Chinese philosophy of "round heaven and square earth," spanning 38,000 square meters across four floors:

  1. Ground Floor

    • Ancient Bronze Gallery
    • Ancient Sculpture Gallery

  2. Second Floor

    • Ancient Ceramics Gallery
    • Temporary Exhibition Hall

  3. Third Floor

    • Chinese Calligraphy Gallery
    • Chinese Painting Gallery
    • Seal Gallery

  4. Fourth Floor

    • Jade Gallery
    • Coin Gallery
    • Ming and Qing Furniture Gallery
    • Minority Nationalities' Art Gallery

Must-See Collections

Ancient artifacts at Shanghai Museum

Bronze Gallery

  • The Da Ke Ding, standing 93.1cm tall and weighing 201.5kg
  • The Jin Hou Su Bells set from Western Zhou Dynasty

Ceramics Gallery

  • Tang Dynasty Yue Kiln celadon bowls
  • Song Dynasty Ru Kiln pieces
  • Yuan Dynasty blue and white porcelain
  • Ming and Qing imperial porcelain

Painting and Calligraphy Gallery

  • Sun Wei's "Portrait of Eminent Monks" (Tang Dynasty)
  • Wang Shen's "Misty River and Layered Peaks" (Northern Song)
  • Zhao Mengfu's "East Mountain of Dongting Lake" (Yuan Dynasty)

Visitor Tips

Guide Services

  • Audio guides in multiple languages
  • Free guided tours (check schedule at information desk)
  • AI digital guide through official APP
  • WeChat mini-program guide service

Facilities

  • Water fountains on each floor
  • Restrooms and nursing rooms on B1 and 2F
  • Cafes on 1F and 2F
  • Scenic restaurant on 4F

Museum Etiquette

  • Maintain quiet
  • No flash photography
  • No touching exhibits
  • No food or drinks in exhibition halls
  • Appropriate attire required

Shopping

The museum shop offers:

  • Stationery and accessories
  • Custom seals
  • Exhibition replicas
  • Cultural creative products

Conclusion

The Shanghai Museum offers an unparalleled journey through Chinese civilization, presenting over 5,000 years of history through its exceptional collections. Whether you're an art enthusiast, history buff, or casual visitor, the museum provides a comprehensive and engaging experience of China's cultural heritage.