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Changning District Children's Palace offers a variety of engaging activities for children and families, including:
The Changning District Children's Palace in Shanghai, established in 1960, is a comprehensive extracurricular education institution under the leadership of the Changning District Education Bureau. It serves as an activity, training, and guidance center for arts education in all district's primary, secondary, and kindergarten schools. Its predecessor was Wang Boqun's private residence, completed in 1934.
The Changning District Children's Palace in Shanghai is a comprehensive extracurricular education institution under the leadership of the Changning District Education Bureau. Founded in 1960, it serves as an activity, training, and guidance center for arts education in all district-level primary, secondary, and kindergarten schools. The Palace also serves as the calligraphy and painting sub-center of the Shanghai Art Education Center, responsible for exchanges, promotion, and competitions in calligraphy, art, and craft programs for students across the city.
The Changning District Children's Palace currently offers over 140 classes in traditional Chinese music, Western music, vocal music, dance, fine arts, calligraphy, crafts, and chess, serving over 3,000 students. Several key programs at the Children's Palace have been designated student art troupes by the municipal and district art education committees, including the Shanghai Student Art Troupe's Folk Music Troupe No. 1, the Shanghai Student Art Troupe's Craft Performance Troupe No. 2, the Shanghai Student Art Troupe's Painting and Calligraphy Society, the Changning District Student Art Troupe's Dance Troupe, the Changning District Student Art Troupe's Chorus Troupe, and the Changning District Go Training Center for Primary and Secondary School Students.
The Changning District Children's Palace enjoys a subtropical monsoon climate. Open to the public, it welcomes over 10,000 international visitors annually, including the wives of heads of state and government dignitaries at the ministerial level and above. Students from the Children's Palace's folk music, dance, craft, vocal music, art, and calligraphy groups have performed in Japan, Singapore, France, and Hong Kong, making it a popular destination for year-round tourism.
The Gothic architecture inside and outside the Children's Palace, and the garden inside the building;
It is recommended to play for 2-3 hours
free
All day
Changning District Children's Palace has a long history as a center for cultural and educational development for children. It is part of the city's efforts to promote creativity, learning, and arts among the younger population. The facility hosts various programs and activities aimed at fostering intellectual and artistic growth.
The Children's Palace is located in the Changning District of Shanghai. It is easily accessible by metro, with the closest station being Zhongshan Park Station (Line 2, Line 3, and Line 4). You can also reach it by bus or taxi, depending on your location.
The Children's Palace is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is on weekdays, as weekends can be crowded due to family visits. Early mornings or late afternoons tend to have fewer visitors.
There is typically no entrance fee for visiting the Children's Palace, as many of the exhibitions and workshops are free for children. For specific activities or special events, there might be a small fee. Tickets can be bought on-site or via local event platforms for special programs.
Booking tickets in advance is not generally required unless attending special events or workshops. For popular events, booking a few days ahead is recommended.
To fully explore the Children's Palace, plan for about 2 to 3 hours. This will give you enough time to enjoy the exhibitions, performances, and participate in some workshops.
Some must-see areas inside include:
Guided tours are available in Mandarin and are generally led by staff members. Audio guides are not typically offered, but staff are happy to assist with any queries.
The main exhibition halls and the performance spaces offer great photography opportunities. Be sure to capture the children engaging with creative activities and performances.
Start by visiting the arts and crafts workshops, then proceed to the interactive exhibits. If available, attend a performance or cultural show at the main hall. Conclude with a visit to the gift shop or rest area.
Currently, night visits or light shows are not offered at the Children's Palace. However, special performances and events may take place during certain times of the year.
The Children's Palace can get crowded during weekends and school holidays. The least crowded times are weekdays, especially in the mornings and late afternoons.
Facilities include clean toilets, drinking water stations, a rest area, and a small gift shop. There are also snack kiosks offering refreshments.
The Children's Palace is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators available for visitors with mobility challenges. It is designed to be family-friendly, with spaces suitable for young children and elderly visitors.
Mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted. Credit cards may also be used in most areas, though having some cash on hand is recommended for small purchases.
Inside the Children's Palace, there is a small café offering light snacks and beverages. Nearby, you can find several restaurants offering Chinese and international cuisine.
Nearby restaurants offer a variety of options, including vegetarian and halal food. Some restaurants in the area cater to vegan diets as well.
There are several hotels close to Changning District Children's Palace, including budget options and mid-range hotels. For more luxurious stays, you can find high-end hotels nearby as well.
Nearby attractions include Zhongshan Park, which is within walking distance, as well as the Shanghai Zoo and the Shanghai Exhibition Center. All of these are great for combining with a visit to the Children's Palace.
Yes, there is a gift shop inside the Children's Palace, where you can find toys, educational kits, and arts and crafts supplies. Common souvenirs include educational materials and locally made crafts.
After visiting, taxis and metro stations are available nearby. Zhongshan Park Metro Station provides easy access to multiple lines, including Line 2, Line 3, and Line 4, making it convenient to continue your journey around Shanghai.
