Shanghai History Museum

Introducing Shanghai Museum of History

The Shanghai History Museum, formerly the Shanghai Art Museum, is located at the intersection of Nanjing West Road and Huangpi Middle Road. As a comprehensive local history museum, it has become a new cultural landmark in Shanghai.

The exhibition hall uses more than 1,300 cultural relics, documents, pictures and other materials to comprehensively display the long history of Shanghai from ancient times to the liberation of Shanghai in 1949 .

The Shanghai History Museum has a total collection of approximately 110,000 items, divided into 15 major categories: calligraphy and painting, metal, ceramics, crafts, badges, documents, printing, textiles, stone carvings, coins, photographs, paper-cuts, stamps, records and other miscellaneous items.

Climate and best time to travel

Suitable for all seasons

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Recommended play time: 1-2 hours

Tickets

free

Attraction opening hours

9:00-17:00 ( last admission at 16:00 ), closed on Mondays

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Most Popular FAQs for Shanghai History Museum

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

The Shanghai History Museum is dedicated to preserving and displaying the cultural heritage of Shanghai. It showcases the city's development from ancient times through to the modern era, highlighting key historical moments and its importance as an international trade hub.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

The museum is located at the People's Square in central Shanghai. You can reach it easily by taking the Shanghai Metro Line 1, 2, or 8 to People's Square Station, or by taxi or walking if you're staying nearby.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It is less crowded on weekdays, especially in the morning, so visiting then is recommended.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

The entrance fee is typically around 30 CNY for adults, with discounts for students and seniors. Tickets can be purchased at the museum's ticket counter or online through the museum's official website.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Booking tickets in advance is not mandatory, but it is recommended during peak tourist seasons or holidays to avoid long queues. You can book tickets a few days in advance.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

To fully explore the museum, you will need about 2-3 hours, depending on your interest in the exhibits.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• The Ancient Shanghai exhibit, showcasing the city's history from the Ming and Qing dynasties.
• The 20th-century Shanghai exhibit, highlighting the city's transformation into a global financial hub.
• Interactive displays that explain Shanghai's role in Chinese and world history.
• Artifacts such as ancient ceramics, calligraphy, paintings, and historical tools.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available in both Chinese and English, and audio guides are also provided in multiple languages, including English, French, and Japanese.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

Photography is allowed inside the museum, and the best spots for photos are in the sections that highlight ancient Shanghai's architecture and artifacts, as well as the panoramic display of Shanghai’s development through the centuries.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start with the ancient history section on the first floor, then explore the exhibits on modern Shanghai’s development on the second floor. Finish by visiting the interactive displays on the third floor for an immersive experience of the city’s transformation.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Night visits are not available as the museum closes by 5:00 PM. However, special tours and events may be organized on select dates, especially during cultural festivals.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The museum tends to be crowded on weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times are weekdays, especially in the morning.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

The museum has clean restrooms, a café offering light refreshments, and a souvenir shop with items related to Shanghai's history and culture.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The museum is wheelchair accessible and provides easy access for elderly and disabled visitors. There are elevators available for all floors.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are accepted, and credit cards are also accepted at the ticket counters and café. Cash is not commonly used.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

• Inside: The museum café offers snacks and drinks.
• Nearby: Many restaurants are around People's Square, offering a range of Chinese and international cuisines.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

There are vegetarian and vegan options available inside the museum café, and nearby restaurants offer halal food options as well.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

• The Fairmont Peace Hotel, offering luxury accommodations near the Bund.
• The JW Marriott Hotel, a high-end hotel near People's Square.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• The Bund, a historic waterfront area with colonial-era architecture.
• Yu Garden, a classical Chinese garden located nearby in the Old City.
• Shanghai Museum, another major museum in the city, located nearby in People's Square.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

There is a souvenir shop inside the museum selling items like postcards, miniature replicas of historical artifacts, and books about Shanghai’s history.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

After visiting, you can take the metro from People's Square Station, which is served by Lines 1, 2, and 8. Taxis are readily available, or you can take a short walk to nearby attractions like the Bund and Yu Garden.