Shanghai City History Museum(上海历史博物馆) Travel Guide
Nov 10, 2024
by orient china travel
Here is an English travel guide for the Shanghai City History Museum:
General Introduction
The Shanghai City History Museum is a significant landmark that comprehensively reflects the local history of Shanghai. It is located at No. 325 West Nanjing Road, Huangpu District13. Housed in a magnificent building with a rich history, the museum offers a fascinating journey through the city's development from ancient times to the present13.
The Shanghai City History Museum is a significant landmark that comprehensively reflects the local history of Shanghai. It is located at No. 325 West Nanjing Road, Huangpu District13. Housed in a magnificent building with a rich history, the museum offers a fascinating journey through the city's development from ancient times to the present13.
Location and Transportation
- Location: As mentioned, it is at 325 West Nanjing Road. It is in the heart of the city, surrounded by other important cultural and historical attractions.
- Transportation:
- By Subway: You can take Metro Line 1, 2, or 8 and get off at People's Square Station. From there, it is a short walk to the museum.
- By Bus: There are several bus routes that pass by the area. You can check the local bus schedules for the specific routes.
- By Taxi or Self-driving: If you choose to travel by taxi or drive yourself, you can use a navigation app to find the best route. However, be aware of the traffic conditions in the city center.
Opening Hours and Tickets
- Opening Hours: The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:00 am. The last admission is at 4:30 pm, and it closes at 5:00 pm. It is closed on Mondays (except for national holidays)2.
- Ticket: Admission is free2.
Main Exhibitions
- Ancient Shanghai: The second floor of the museum is dedicated to "Ancient Shanghai". It traces the development of Shanghai from the prehistoric era to the mid-Qing Dynasty. You can see exhibits related to the Majiabang culture, Songze culture, and Liangzhu culture, which are important archaeological cultures in the Shanghai area. There are also precious cultural relics such as the skull of "the First Person in Shanghai" dating back more than 5,000 years, as well as ivory scepters, bronze wares, and porcelain pieces from ancient times1.
- Modern Shanghai: The third and fourth floors are for the "Modern Shanghai" exhibition. It presents the process of Shanghai becoming a modern metropolis in the modern era. The exhibition is divided into several units, including "Shanghai's Opening as a Treaty Port and the Foreign Concessions", "The Integration of Chinese and Western Cultures and the Transformation of the City", "The 1911 Revolution and the Liberation of Shanghai", "The Founding of the Communist Party of China and the Beginning of a New Era", "The Economic Center and the Metropolis in the Far East", "The United Efforts in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression", and "The Pursuit of Democracy and the New Life of the City". It showcases the city's political, economic, cultural, and social changes during this period1.
- Special Exhibitions: In addition to the permanent exhibitions, the museum also hosts various temporary special exhibitions from time to time, which focus on different themes related to Shanghai's history and culture. These exhibitions provide a deeper understanding of specific aspects of the city's development1.
Tour Tips
- Guided Tours: The museum offers free guided tours. You can inquire at the information desk for the schedule. It is highly recommended to join a guided tour to better understand the historical background and significance of the exhibits.
- Audio Guides: Audio guides are available for rent at the museum. They provide detailed explanations of the exhibits in multiple languages, allowing you to explore at your own pace.
- Time Management: Allow at least 2 to 3 hours for your visit to fully appreciate the exhibits. The museum is quite large, and there is a lot to see and learn.
- Photography: Photography is allowed in most areas of the museum, but please follow the museum's regulations and do not use flash photography to protect the exhibits.
- Facilities: The museum has facilities such as rest areas, toilets, and a gift shop. You can take a break and purchase souvenirs related to Shanghai's history at the gift shop.