destinationShanghai Museum

Shanghai Museum

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The Shanghai Museum houses over 120,000 pieces of high - quality collections, bringing together historical relics from various dynasties. It is particularly renowned for its ancient bronze ware, ceramics, calligraphy, and paintings. Among them, the Great Ding of Duke Ke from the Western Zhou Dynasty, the Zhong Jiang Basin from the Spring and Autumn Period, the *Portrait of Lofty Recluses* from the Tang Dynasty, and *Yatouwan Tie* by Wang Xianzhi of the Eastern Jin Dynasty are all world - famous national - treasure - level collections. In the Ancient Chinese Bronze Ware Gallery of the Shanghai Museum, the most precious collection, the Great Ding of Duke Ke from the Western Zhou Dynasty, is preserved, along with other treasures such as the Ox - shaped Zun and the Zhong Jiang Basin from the Spring and Autumn Period. In the Ancient Ceramics Gallery, there are exquisite pieces like the Primitive Celadon Zun from the Shang Dynasty, the Begonia - shaped Large Bowl from the Tang - Dynasty Yue Kiln, a set of Song - Dynasty Ru - kiln plates, and the Blue - and - White Lotus Jar from the Jingdezhen Kiln of the Yuan Dynasty. The Ancient Calligraphy Gallery houses masterpieces such as *Shangyu Tie* by Wang Xizhi, *Yatouwan Tie* by Wang Xianzhi, and *Qianziwen* in the Slim - Gold - Style Calligraphy by Emperor Huizong of the Song Dynasty. In the Ancient Painting Gallery, *Portrait of Lofty Recluses* by Sun Wei of the Tang Dynasty, *Scroll of Summer Mountains* by Dong Yuan of the Five Dynasties, and *Scroll of the Stories of Eight Eminent Monks* by Liang Kai of the Song Dynasty are all rare treasures. In addition, there are also the Sculpture Gallery, which preserves the art of ancient Buddha sculptures; the Ethnic Minority Arts and Crafts Gallery, which displays traditional handicrafts of ethnic minorities; the Jade Gallery, which showcases high - quality jade items from various dynasties in China; the Ming and Qing Furniture Gallery, which reflects the living style of Ming and Qing furniture. The collections in the Gallery of Imperial Seals and the Gallery of Coins through the Ages rank among the top in Chinese museums. The Shanghai Museum also frequently holds special exhibitions (sometimes tickets may be sold according to circumstances), featuring themed exhibitions mainly composed of various cultural relics, artworks, calligraphy, and paintings from both home and abroad.

1. Why Shanghai Museum is a Must-Visit?

Step into 5,000 years of Chinese civilization through priceless artifacts in a architectural masterpiece. As China's premier ancient art museum, Shanghai Museum houses 120,000+ cultural relics across 11 galleries. You'll stand face-to-face with imperial treasures, decode symbols on mystical bronzes, and witness how China's philosophies shaped global aesthetics.

2. Discover the Gems

a. Must-See Artifacts

The Great Bronze Ding of King Wu (西周大克鼎): This 3,000-year-old ritual cauldron carved with 290 mystical characters will make you ponder ancient divination practices. Touch the 3D replica to feel its dragon-patterned legs!
Qing Dynasty Imperial Jade Seal (乾隆田黄三联玺): Marvel at this watermelon-sized nephrite treasure used by emperors to stamp life-or-death decrees.

b. Architectural Mysticism

The circular dome atop a square base embodies "Heaven圆 & Earth方" philosophy. Fengshui enthusiasts note: The south-facing main entrance aligns with the City God Temple across People's Square, creating cosmic harmony.

c. Smart Itineraries

Family Fun Route (2 hrs):
1F Bronze Gallery → 3F Minority Crafts → 4F Chinese Furniture (interactive screens)
Deep Dive Route (4 hrs):
1F Bronzes → 2F Ceramics → 3F Calligraphy → 4F Jade
Golden 2-Hour Route:
Highlights Trail: Great Bronze Ding → Tang Tri-Color Glazed Horses → Ming Dynasty Buddha Statue

d. Cultural Codes

Bronze vessels reveal Confucian hierarchy – the more elaborate the decor, the higher the owner's status. Ceramics showcase China's "Five Elements" philosophy through glaze colors: celadon (wood), white (metal), cobalt blue (water).

3. Unforgettable Experiences

a. Tech Adventures

Scan QR codes to AR-resurrect ancient battle scenes on bronze weapons. VR stations at 4F let you "fly" over Song Dynasty landscapes depicted in scrolls.

b.Special Exhibitions:

For details on various themed exhibitions, please check the official website(https://www.shanghaimuseum.net/mu/frontend/pg/display/index?scrollTarget=.gallery-east-title) for updates

c. Hands-On Magic

Create your own "bronze" souvenir at 1F DIY Workshop (¥50-150). Don't miss the Museum Café's replica Tang Dynasty desserts – rose-shaped cakes served in ceramic poetry cups.

4. Stay & Transport

a. Shanghai Hotels Near Shanghai Museum

Luxury (¥1,500+/night):
  • The Portman Ritz-Carlton (8min walk): Next to Plaza 66 mall, ideal for Nanjing Road shopping.
  • JW Marriott Tomorrow Square (10min walk): Glass observation deck overlooking the museum.
Mid-Range (¥500-800/night):
  • Jinjiang Metropolo Hotel (5min walk): Heritage building with art deco interiors.
  • Holiday Inn Express Shanghai Downtown (12min walk): Free shuttle to Bund.
Budget (¥200-400/night):
  • Green Court Serviced Apartments (15min walk): Kitchenettes, family-friendly.
  • Hanting Hotel (10min walk): 3min from Dashijie Metro.

b. Getting Here

Metro: Line 1/2/8 to People's Square Station (Exit 1), 3min walk.
Bus: No. 46, 123, or 145 to People's Square stop.
Taxi: Show “上海博物馆南门” to drivers; ¥25-40 from the Bund.

5. Pro Tips

a. Tickets & Booking

Free entry; reserve time slots via [https://www.shanghaimuseum.net/mu/frontend/pg/infomation/about]. Special exhibitions cost ¥50-80.

b. What to Wear

Comfortable shoes – polished marble floors get slippery. Avoid loose bags – narrow bronze gallery aisles.

c. Smart Visiting

Peak Hours: 10:00-12:00 & weekends. Best Time: Thursday nights (fewer crowds). English audio guides (¥30) available at North Entrance. Lockers behind ticket counter.

6. Beyond the Museum

Half-Day Cultural Trail:
Museum → People's Park (10min walk) → Nanjing Road shopping (metro Line 2, 5 stops) → Yuyuan Garden (taxi 15min).
Must-Buy Souvenirs:
1:4 replica bronze wine vessels (¥280-600) at 1F shop. Silk scarves with artifact patterns (¥150).

7. FAQs

a. Opening Hours

9:00-17:00 (last entry 16:00). Closed Mondays.

b. Guided Tours

For English guided tours, please reserve in advance through the official website（https://www.shanghaimuseum.net/mu/frontend/pg/service/guide）

c. Accessibility

Wheelchair ramps at all entrances. Tactile maps available. Prayer rooms upon request.

d. Seasonal Advice

Summer: Arrive before 10:00 to avoid tour groups. Winter: Coats must be checked – central heating keeps galleries at 22°C.

e. Photo Hotspots

  • Bronze Gallery skylight spiral (1F)
  • Calligraphy Gallery moon window (3F)
  • South Entrance stone lions with People's Square backdrop

f. Nearby Eats

  1. Yang's Fry Dumplings (8min walk) – Crispy shengjian bao.
  2. Old Jesse Restaurant (10min taxi) – Award-winning red-braised pork.
  3. Huanghe Road Food Street (metro Line 1, 2 stops) – 50+ local stalls.

8. Final Word

Let Shanghai Museum be your time machine – where every artifact whispers ancient secrets, and every gallery turns history into an adventure. Come curious, leave enlightened.