Visit Zhang Leping's Former Residence to explore the life and work of the famous Chinese cartoonist, known for creating the beloved character Sanmao. The museum showcases his artwork and offers insights into his creative process and contributions to Chinese culture. You can also experience the atmosphere of his living space, reflecting the era in which he lived.

Zhang Leping's former residence, located at No. 3 , Lane 288 , Wuyuan Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai , is a three-story, modern-day garden house. Zhang Leping, the renowned Chinese cartoonist and father of Sanmao, lived here for over 40 years until his death. He created numerous popular comics, including "Sanmao's Rise" and "Sanmao's Diary."
Today, the former residence has been renovated, with the first floor serving as an exhibition hall. The second-floor studio has been preserved in its original state, with the inkstone and paintbrushes on the table still original. Exhibits include documents, historical images, paintings, and multimedia. The dozens-meter-long wall of the alley outside Zhang Leping's former residence is covered in paintings of his classic image, " Sanmao ."
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended playing time: less than 1 hour
free
9 : 00-16 : 30 ( last admission at 16:00 )
Closed on Mondays and Saturdays
Zhang Leping’s Former Residence is dedicated to the life and work of Zhang Leping, a pioneering Chinese cartoonist, best known for creating the popular comic character "Sanmao." His residence has been preserved as a museum to celebrate his legacy and influence on Chinese art and culture. The museum highlights his impact on the development of Chinese comics and cartoons.
The museum is located in the Zhabei District of Shanghai. It is accessible by metro via the Shanghai Railway Station (Line 1, 3, or 4). You can also take a taxi or bus to reach the museum. It’s about a 10-minute walk from the Shanghai Railway Station.
The museum is typically open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It is less crowded on weekdays, especially in the mornings, making it the best time to visit for a more relaxed experience.
The entrance fee is usually around 20 CNY. Tickets can be purchased on-site, or you can check online for advance booking options, especially during peak tourist seasons or public holidays.
Booking tickets in advance is not usually necessary, but it’s recommended during weekends or holidays. A few days in advance should be sufficient if you prefer to secure your tickets ahead of time.
It typically takes about 1 hour to fully explore the museum, which includes viewing the exhibits and learning about Zhang Leping's life and work.
The must-see highlights include Zhang Leping’s original sketches and cartoons, as well as personal items from his residence that reflect his lifestyle and creative environment. The Sanmao comics exhibit is particularly popular with visitors.
Guided tours in Chinese are available, but audio guides in English may be limited. It's advisable to check with the museum in advance regarding language options for audio guides.
The best photography spots include the preserved interior of Zhang Leping’s living space, which gives a sense of the era and his creative atmosphere. The exhibits showcasing his cartoons also offer great visual material for photos.
Start by exploring the introduction to Zhang Leping's life and career, followed by the main exhibit of his cartoons, including Sanmao. Finish by viewing his preserved living area to get a sense of his daily life and creative environment.
There are no night visits or light shows available at the museum. The museum operates during the day and focuses on providing a quiet and informative experience.
The museum can get crowded on weekends and public holidays. Weekday mornings are the least crowded times, offering a more peaceful visit.
The museum has basic facilities, including toilets, but there are no food or beverage options inside. However, you can find cafes and restaurants nearby for refreshments.
The museum is accessible to elderly visitors and children. However, due to its historical nature, there may be some limitations regarding accessibility for disabled visitors, such as stairs in certain areas. It is advisable to contact the museum ahead of time to inquire about accessibility options.
Mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) and credit cards are accepted at the museum. It’s generally recommended to use mobile payments, but cash may still be accepted for small purchases.
Nearby restaurants include the popular local spots in the Zhabei District, such as Xintiandi and the Shanghai Railway Station area, where you can find a variety of Chinese and international dining options.
Yes, there are vegetarian, vegan, and halal food options available in nearby restaurants, especially in the Xintiandi area and around the Shanghai Railway Station.
There are several hotels in the area, including budget options near Shanghai Railway Station and more upscale hotels like the Hilton Shanghai or the Marriott Hotel.
Nearby attractions include the Shanghai Museum, People’s Square, and Nanjing Road for shopping. These can easily be combined into a full day of sightseeing.
There are souvenir shops in the nearby areas, such as Xintiandi, where you can find traditional Chinese crafts, artwork, and memorabilia related to Zhang Leping’s work, including Sanmao merchandise.
After visiting Zhang Leping's Former Residence, you can continue your trip via metro (Line 1 or 3), taxi, or bus to explore other nearby attractions, such as the Bund or Nanjing Road.