Shanghai Museum (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is Shanghai Museum?
What makes it 72% Baby-Friendly: Free stroller loans, elevators, family toilets, and a Pudong baby-care room help, but long entry lines, quiet rooms, and no nursing room at the main site need extra planning.
Positives:
- Free admission: No entry fee keeps costs low for families
- Stroller & wheelchair access: Ramps and elevators serve all galleries
- Family toilets: Available on every floor with child-friendly fixtures
- Air conditioning: Comfortable indoor spaces on hot days
Challenges:
- No nursing room at main branch: Use family toilets or find a quiet corner for feeding
- Deposit required for stroller: You must leave RMB 300 and ID to borrow
- Limited baby engagement: Fragile exhibits offer few hands-on areas
- Walking distance: Galleries may tire a baby after 1–2 hours
What is Shanghai Museum?
- A museum presenting Chinese art and history from the Neolithic through the Qing dynasty, with a permanent collection exceeding 120,000 bronzes, jades, ceramics, calligraphy works and paintings
- A public institution established in 1952 that played a key role in safeguarding national treasures during the Great Leap Forward and Cultural Revolution
- An architectural landmark on People’s Square featuring a circular roof and square base that blend traditional bronze vessel symbolism with modern design
What is so special about Shanghai Museum for with baby?
- Free entry makes budget planning easy
- Stroller loan and ramps ensure smooth access
- Family toilets and babycare room support feeding and changing
- WeChat guide delivers short, engaging commentary
- Wide galleries let you stroll at a comfortable pace
Recommended visit duration: 3-4 hours
Why 3-4 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Allows time to borrow a stroller, explore key galleries at a calm pace, and take breaks
Baby-Friendly Activities in Shanghai Museum
Borrow a stroller:
Use the free stroller loan at the Information Desk
Tip: Bring a valid ID and RMB 300 deposit to borrow quickly
Explore the Jade Gallery:
Wide corridors and open spaces suit a slow stroller walk
Tip: Visit early to avoid crowds and enjoy calm surroundings
Use family toilets:
Each floor has family toilets with changing tables
Tip: Note their locations on signs to plan gallery visits around breaks
Scan the WeChat guide QR code:
Access a free mobile audio tour on your phone
Tip: Follow prompts for short highlights to keep your baby engaged
Visit East Branch babycare room:
Private space for nursing and diaper changes
Tip: Ask staff on B1 or 1F for directions when you need a quiet break
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Shanghai Museum
- Arrive at opening: Beat the crowds and secure a stroller loan early
- Plan café breaks: Use the ground-floor café to rest and feed your baby
- Use water fountains: Bring a bottle for free refills throughout the visit
- Limit gallery stops: Focus on 2–3 key galleries to match baby’s attention span
- Split visits: Combine main and East branches on separate days
Reviews of Shanghai Museum
Pasindu Ranasinghe
The Shanghai Museum at People's Square has limited displays. During my visit, most of the rooms were closed. However, the building itself is quite impressive. I've heard that there are two or three other branches of the Shanghai Museum nearby that feature more interesting exhibits worth exploring. If you are visiting People's Square, a half-hour visit to the museum is sufficient, and there is gen...
Alan G
The part of the meusem in people's square is now much easier to access with no ticket required since 1st September.
Petrie
Visited in December last year Free for all Booked thru Shanghai museum mini app on wechat..Pick the time slot you want Weekend available slot only about two weeks later. Bring your passport along Beautiful relics.
Daphne Yeo
上海博物馆 (人民广场馆) The museum is spread over 2 buildings, some distance apart. This is the one at Renmin Square. Free to enter but you need to plan early and snatch tickets online in advance. The slots open at 12.10pm thru their WeChat account 2 wks out (recommend going in at 12nn and keep refreshing the page until it opens). All the slots were snapped up within 20 mins or so. Level 1: A special Egy...
Phuwathid Summaviwat
As of April 2025, the main exhibition is "The Civilization of Ancient Egyptian" special exhibition, with many permanent exhibitions relocated to the Pudong branch ("Shanghai Museum East Campus" on Google Maps), leaving only three permanent exhibition halls at the People's Square branch. That's why I spent most of time here on Egyptian exhibitions, the artifacts on display are very well curated wi...
When is the best time to visit Shanghai Museum (Shanghai, China)?
Weekdays are quieter. Summer heat makes the museum’s air conditioning a welcome break. Public holidays get crowded—arrive at opening.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Stroller deposit | RMB 300 |
| Adult audio guide (optional) | RMB 40 |
| Children’s audio guide (optional) | RMB 10 |
| Total Estimated | RMB 350 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Shanghai Museum
Address: 201 Ren Min Da Dao, People's Square, Huang Pu Qu, China, 200003
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About Shanghai Museum
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+86 21 6372 350010 BEST nearby Activities
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