Live Your Best Lives
Rewi Alley, born on December 2, 1897, was a New Zealander. He arrived in China on April 21, 1927, and lived there for a long time. He stood with the Chinese people through thick and thin, sharing weal and woe, and dedicated 60 years to their liberation and development.
From 1931 to 1938, Rewi Alley's Shanghai residence was No. 4, Lane 1315, Yuyuan Road. It was a three-story Western-style house with an outdoor staircase leading directly to the second-floor living quarters. The front half of the ground floor housed a reception room and dining room, while the back half contained the kitchen and other auxiliary rooms. There was also a small workshop with a lathe and some tools. There was also a garage along the alleyway and a small garden in front of the house.
In the spring of 1989, the Shanghai Municipal People's Government held a stone-carving memorial ceremony for Rewi Alley's residence in Shanghai; on June 1, 1992, Rewi Alley's former residence was announced by the Shanghai Municipal People's Government as a municipal memorial site.
Subtropical monsoon climate; the former residence is in good condition. An additional floor was added in the mid-1970s and it is now a four-story building. It is a residence for ordinary citizens and is suitable for travel in all seasons.
Rewi Alley House;
It is recommended to play for 1-2 hours
free
All day
The Rewi Alley House is dedicated to Rewi Alley, a New Zealand-born socialist who played a key role in the development of modern China. He is known for his efforts in establishing vocational education in China, his support for the Chinese Communist Party, and his advocacy for the rights of workers and peasants. The house serves as a cultural exchange hub and showcases his deep ties with the country.
Rewi Alley House is located in the heart of Shanghai, China. It is accessible by metro (Line 1, Shanghai Railway Station), taxi, or by walking from nearby central areas such as People's Square or Nanjing Road.
The Rewi Alley House is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. The best time to visit is during weekdays to avoid large crowds, especially in the mornings.
The entrance fee is typically around 30 RMB for adults. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance. It's advisable to check the museum’s website for any online ticket options.
Booking tickets in advance is not required, but it may be recommended during busy periods such as national holidays or weekends.
A visit to the Rewi Alley House typically takes 1-2 hours to fully explore, depending on your interest in the exhibits and available time for reading the displayed materials.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and occasionally in English. Audio guides are also available in multiple languages, including English.
The museum’s courtyard and the exterior of the building offer excellent spots for photography, particularly the traditional architecture. Inside, the exhibition spaces allow for photos of the exhibits, though it’s best to check the photography policy upon arrival.
Start with the introduction to Rewi Alley’s early life and education. Then move on to explore his contributions to China, followed by his later years and legacy. Don’t miss the cultural exchange area for a broader perspective on his work.
There are no night visits or light shows at the Rewi Alley House. However, special tours and events may be organized from time to time. It’s best to check the museum’s website for event schedules.
The Rewi Alley House can get crowded, especially on weekends and during public holidays. The least crowded times are weekday mornings, especially before noon.
The museum provides basic facilities such as toilets, a water station, and seating areas. There are no large dining facilities, but small snack shops may be available nearby.
The Rewi Alley House is generally accessible for elderly visitors, but due to the historical architecture, some areas may have limited wheelchair accessibility. Families with children will find the museum welcoming, though it may not have many child-specific facilities.
Both cash and mobile payments (such as WeChat Pay and Alipay) are accepted. Credit cards are also widely accepted, but it’s best to have some cash on hand, especially for smaller purchases or services.
There are several restaurants and cafes around the museum, offering a range of Chinese and international cuisines. For a quick snack or coffee, small cafes near the entrance of the museum provide light refreshments.
Vegetarian and vegan food options are available at nearby restaurants. Halal food options may be limited, but there are some restaurants serving halal cuisine in the broader area of Shanghai.
There are no dedicated souvenir shops at the Rewi Alley House, but nearby shops sell typical Shanghai souvenirs such as postcards, tea sets, and silk products.
After visiting, you can take a taxi, metro, or bus to continue your trip. The museum is conveniently located near metro stations and is well-connected to other tourist spots in the city.
