Shanghai Museum (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Shanghai Museum?
What makes it 77% Kids-Friendly: East branch offers role-play labs, kids’ audio guides, and family toilets, yet fragile displays and few hands-on zones at the main site can leave under-12s restless.
Positives:
- Free Entry: Admission is free for all visitors, so you can revisit favorite galleries without extra cost.
- Accessible Facilities: Ramps, elevators, stroller loans and family toilets on every floor ease travel with young children.
Challenges:
- No Hands-On Exhibits: The main branch has fragile displays and few interactive areas; kids may lose interest quickly.
- Weekend Crowds: People’s Square station and the museum fill up on weekends; expect lines for guided tours and entry.
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 kids?
- Free entry lets the whole family explore Chinese art at your own pace.
- Volunteer tours and a free WeChat guide keep kids engaged with stories and activities.
- Accessible services include stroller loans, family toilets and elevators on every floor.
- East Branch interactive Curio-City offers hands-on archaeology and restoration role-play for older kids.
- Highlights include ancient bronze vessels, carved jade pieces and dynamic digital displays.
Recommended visit duration: 3-6 hours
Why 3-6 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Gives enough time to explore main galleries with short breaks to keep kids engaged.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Shanghai Museum
Join a Volunteer Guided Tour:
Listen to lively stories about key artifacts from trained volunteers.
Tip: Arrive early and check the digital board near the Information Desk for tour times.
Scan the WeChat Free Guide:
Follow a step-by-step tour on your phone without extra devices.
Tip: Scan the QR code at the entrance before you enter to avoid queues.
See the Bronze & Jade Galleries:
Spot animal-shaped bronze vessels and carved jade pieces.
Tip: Let kids pick their favorite shape to keep them engaged and take photos at the jade display.
Visit East Branch Curio-City:
Kids role-play as archaeologists and curators with hands-on replicas.
Tip: Reserve spots via WeChat at least one day in advance and combine with a visit to the East Branch.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Shanghai Museum
- Start Early: Begin at the Bronze Gallery when kids are fresh and avoid midday crowds.
- Pack Quiet Activities: Bring a small sketchbook or sticker set to occupy kids during slower gallery tours.
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)?
Avoid major Chinese holidays like National Day and Chinese New Year for shorter lines. Weekday mornings stay calm year-round.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Admission (all ages) | CNY 0 |
| Family round-trip metro | CNY 12 |
| Audio guide set (optional) | CNY 40 |
| Snacks and drinks | CNY 50 |
| Total Estimated | CNY 102 |
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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