A Guide To Shanghai Museum

Things to do / Highlights

Comprising four floors in total, the museum features eleven galleries focusing on Chinese art. Here are the highlights or the most popular galleries that must not be skipped:

See the staggering number of ceramics at Ceramics Gallery

Did you know the differences between the ceramics from Qing Dynasty and the ceramics made during the Neolithic Age? What about the ceramics from Tang Dynasty and Southern Song Dynasty? For answers to these questions and more, visit the Ceramics Gallery at Shanghai Museum. You will be stunned by the museum’s astounding collection of ceramics, coming in at more than 500 pieces!

Check out famous calligraphy works at Calligraphy Gallery

Who doesn’t love Chinese calligraphy? It is one of the best and most unique things about China. To enjoy a collection of the finest calligraphy works from different time periods, you should stop by the Calligraphy Gallery at this museum. Famous calligraphy works at the museum include Ya Tou Wan Tie by Wang Xianzhi and The Red Cliff Ode by Zhu Yunming.

Admire amazing jade works at Jade Gallery

Jade is charming, jade is precious. That is why you need to visit Shanghai Museum’s Jade Gallery. You can admire jade items in various shapes and sizes here. The highest quality of jade can be seen in The Jade Divine Figure. Be sure to check out Jade Ware in Landscape Style, another top jade work displayed here.

What to eat

Since the museum does not have any on-site restaurants, recharge yourself by visiting these nearby restaurants instead. All of them are within walking distance of the museum.

Charme Restaurant

Want to indulge in delicious Cantonese cuisine? Make a stop at Charme Restaurant, which can be reached within five minutes on foot. This fabulous restaurant serves a selection of classic Cantonese dishes like dim sum and wonton noodles alongside fusion creations, like cooked potato and spicy and creamy beef curry.

Jiu Jiu Japanese Cuisines

Situated not far from Shanghai Museum, Jiu Jiu Japanese Cuisines can help you recharge in an instant through its selection of Japanese dishes. At this amazing restaurant, you can savor dishes like sushi, sashimi, ramen, tempura, and more.

Things to buy

Visiting an attraction without buying souvenirs or gifts for loved ones just does not feel right. At the Shanghai Museum Shop, you can find a variety of items to take home.

Books

After exploring every single corner of the museum, if you feel like you want to learn more about the history of China and its culture, feel free to choose from a wide selection of books about these topics at the museum shop. Interestingly, the museum also sells books for children. If you’ve got kids, then children’s books would make ideal presents for them.

Calendars

Filled with beautiful images, calendars make perfect gifts for your work desk or as gifts for friends, especially if you visit the museum between December and January.

Ceramics

Decorate your house with beautiful ceramics from the museum shop. The ceramics here may be pricey, but they will certainly make charming additions to the decor of your house.

Miscellaneous

Other than the above items, you can also find the usual souvenir shop items like key chains, magnets, agendas, notebooks, t-shirts, and scarves here. Pick up a few for yourself, your friends or colleagues.

Travelers tips

Photography

Be extra careful when you take pictures and look for restriction signs around the museum. Some galleries do not allow you to take pictures. To protect the precious objects housed in the museum, it is also best not to use your camera flash.

No stationery allowed except pencils

You may find this strange but if you wish to visit the museum, you must not bring pens, markers, and chalks with you. The only stationery allowed inside is pencils.

Bring cash

Even though admission to the museum is free, entry to some special exhibitions carries a charge. So, it is advisable to carry some cash if you wish to visit these special exhibitions.

Security

As one of the most popular museums in Shanghai, Shanghai Museum has strict security protocols. Patience is required as long queues can be expected at the entrance. Get your passport ready beforehand to hasten the security process.

How to get there

Taxi

If you want to reach quickly and conveniently, it is always best to take a taxi to the museum. You can grab a taxi from anywhere in the city. In case you are worried that the taxi driver may not be able to understand you, simply write the name of the museum, both in English and Mandarin, on a piece of paper.

Metro

Travel like the local people and absorb the busy atmosphere of public transportation by taking a metro to the museum. You can either take Line 1, 2 or 8 and get off at People’s Square Station. Take Exit 1 and start walking south for a few minutes to reach the museum.

Bus

There are several bus numbers to choose from: 46, 49, 123, 145, 312 and 451. Similar to the metro, you should get off at People’s Square Station.

City sightseeing bus

You can also take one of the city sightseeing buses in Shanghai to access Shanghai Museum. Take either Line 1 or 2 that will drop you off right in front of the museum.

Shanghai Museum information

Shanghai Museum

Address: 201 Renmin Ave, Ren Min Guang Chang, Huangpu, China, 200003

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

Cost: free

Website: Shanghai Museum

Department of Tourism: Visit Shanghai

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