Enjoy China

For any international visitor with a keen interest in Chinese culture and history, the Shanghai Museum, majestically located at the heart of People’s Square, is undoubtedly an unmissable destination. This grand museum, with its distinctive “round top, square base” design—a circular upper part and a square lower part, symbolizing the ancient Chinese philosophical concept of “heaven is round, earth is square”—is itself a work of art. It is more than just a repository of cultural relics; it is a window into China’s five-thousand-year-long history, exquisite craftsmanship, and brilliant civilization.

Magnificent Architecture and Rich Collections

The architectural design of the Shanghai Museum is ingenious and unforgettable for its unique shape. The museum houses a total of 11 permanent galleries and 3 special exhibition halls, holding over 120,000 precious cultural relics. These collections span more than ten categories, including bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy, painting, sculptures, jade, coins, furniture, seals, and ethnic minority crafts, systematically showcasing the artistic achievements and developmental trajectory of Chinese civilization across various historical periods.

Unmissable Treasures and Themed Galleries

As you wander through the various galleries of the Shanghai Museum, you will have the opportunity to admire countless breathtaking Chinese treasures up close. Here are some of the most highly recommended galleries and exhibits that you should prioritize visiting:

Ancient Chinese Bronze Gallery: As one of the museum’s prized possessions, this gallery houses a vast collection of bronzes from the Shang and Zhou dynasties to the Warring States period, including ritual vessels, weapons, and tools. These artifacts vary in shape and boast exquisite patterns. Notably, the famous Da Ke Ding and E Ji Fang Yi are not only national treasures but also crucial historical materials for studying ancient Chinese ritual systems, social life, and metallurgical technology. Their imposing grandeur and exquisite craftsmanship are a testament to the early splendor of Chinese civilization.

Ancient Chinese Ceramics Gallery: This is one of the most representative galleries in the Shanghai Museum, systematically displaying the history of Chinese ceramics from the Neolithic Age to the Qing Dynasty. From the painted pottery of primitive society and the proto-porcelain of the Shang and Zhou dynasties, to the celadon of the Han Dynasty, the sancai (tri-color glaze) of the Tang Dynasty, the masterpieces of the Five Great Kilns of the Song Dynasty (Ru ware, Official ware, Ge ware, Ding ware, Jun ware), and then to the blue-and-white, underglaze red, wucai (five-color), and fencai (famille rose) porcelains of the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, the display is dazzling and beautiful. Each piece of porcelain carries historical information, showcasing ancient Chinese artisans’ ultimate pursuit of color, form, and craftsmanship.

Ancient Chinese Sculpture Gallery: This gallery covers various stone, wood, clay, and pottery sculptures from the Warring States period to the Ming and Qing dynasties, with Buddhist sculptures being particularly captivating. These sculptures boast fluid lines and diverse expressions, vividly demonstrating the evolution and development of ancient Chinese sculpture art, as well as the dissemination and integration of Buddhist culture in China.

Ancient Chinese Painting Gallery: It treasures exquisite paintings from the Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, including landscapes, figures, and birds-and-flowers themes. You can admire masterpieces such as Li Cheng’s “Dense Woods and Distant Peaks” from the Song Dynasty and Huang Gongwang’s “Fisherman on Fuchun River” from the Yuan Dynasty, experiencing the ink artistry and profound essence of traditional Chinese painting.

Ancient Chinese Calligraphy Gallery: From oracle bone script and bronzeware inscriptions to seal, clerical, regular, running, and cursive scripts, this gallery systematically displays the evolutionary trajectory of Chinese calligraphy art and the stylistic characteristics of different schools. You can see rubbings or copies of authentic works by calligraphic masters like Wang Xizhi, Yan Zhenqing, and Su Shi, appreciating the unique charm of Chinese character writing.

Ancient Chinese Jade Gallery: This gallery showcases the history of Chinese jade development from the Neolithic Age to the Qing Dynasty. Jade holds a special place in Chinese culture, considered a symbol of virtue and power. The exhibits here are rich in variety and exquisite in craftsmanship, including jade cong (cylinders), bi (discs), and pendants, each embodying the wisdom and dedication of ancient artisans.

Ancient Chinese Coin Gallery: This collection features various currencies from the pre-Qin period to the Republic of China, including cowrie shells, knife coins, spade coins, square-holed round coins, and paper money. Through these coins, you can learn about China’s ancient economic development, social changes, and the evolution of minting technology.

Ming and Qing Furniture Gallery: This gallery displays representative furniture pieces from the Ming and Qing dynasties. These furniture items are renowned for their intricate structures, meticulous materials, and elegant designs, reflecting the unique artistic charm and practical functions of traditional Chinese furniture.

Visiting Experience and Helpful Tips

The Shanghai Museum offers guided tours in multiple languages and audio guide rentals, making it convenient for international visitors to better understand the stories behind the exhibits. There is also a cultural products store where you can purchase exquisite souvenirs related to the museum’s collections, bringing a piece of Chinese cultural charm home with you. Additionally, the museum has a cafe and restaurant for visitors to relax during their visit.

• Opening Hours: Generally open from Tuesday to Sunday, closed on Mondays (except for public holidays). Please refer to the official website for specific opening hours.
• Tickets: Admission is free, but advance reservation is required. It is recommended to book through the official website or WeChat official account, especially during peak tourist seasons or holidays.
• Transportation: The museum is located in the center of People’s Square, making it extremely accessible. You can take Metro Line 1, 2, or 8 to People’s Square Station and walk from Exit 1.
• Allocate Time: The museum has a rich collection, so it’s recommended to set aside at least half a day to a full day for your visit to fully appreciate its charm.
• Important Notes: Large luggage is not allowed inside the museum and can be stored at the cloakroom. Flash photography is prohibited, and some exhibits may not allow photography at all. Please adhere to museum regulations for a pleasant visit.

The Shanghai Museum is not only a treasure trove of Chinese civilization but also a bridge connecting the past and the present. Here, you will be immersed in the ocean of Chinese art, experiencing its long-standing historical charm, adding a significant highlight to your Shanghai trip.