Shanghai Museum East, the east wing of the museum and a new cultural landmark of the city, is now officially open to visitors after months of trial operation.
The new wing in Pudong New Area has a total floor space of nearly 120,000 square meters, with 13 permanent galleries.
The following is a guide to visiting the museum.
In the bronze gallery, you can explore 3,600 years of Chinese ancient bronze art, spanning from the Xia Dynasty (c.21st century-16th century BC) to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), offering a comprehensive view of the development of Chinese bronze.
Featuring 289 sculptures, the gallery displays bone and jade carvings, bronzes, wooden and pottery figurines, with a third of the artifacts being displayed for the first time.
Known as the "country of jade", China boasts a tradition of jade carving for up to 10,000 years. In the Jade Gallery, you can explore artifacts ranging from the Neolithic era to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).
The Seal Gallery delves into the history of Chinese seals in the context of global ancient civilizations. It showcases 568 artifacts, 35 percent of which are new to the gallery.
The two galleries are the world's only permanent exhibitions that present the history of ancient Chinese calligraphy and painting separately. After a comprehensive upgrade, they now display many national treasures and masterpieces that have not been shown to the public for years.
The gallery delves into the Jiangnan (the southern region of the lower reaches of Yangtze River) culture, Haipai culture (Shanghai-style culture) and Red culture of Shanghai through calligraphy and paintings.
The gallery not only records the history of Chinese ceramics but also illustrates the role that ceramics play in the history of ancient Chinese culture and their contribution to the communication between China and the rest of the world.
The gallery, a new permanent exhibit introduced by the museum, chronicles the economic, cultural, and political exchanges between China and other countries from the Sui and Tang (581-907) to the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911) through presenting the historical evolution of Chinese ceramics trade.
The gallery displays over 6,000 coins, nearly double the size of the original exhibit. It offers a comprehensive review of the development of currency and finance throughout the Chinese history.
The gallery explores the life and works of Zhao Puchu (1907-2000), a prominent figure in Chinese calligraphy.
Where is the root of Shanghai? How did this city develop into today's Shanghai? In this gallery, you can see over 2,000 archaeological relics illustrating Shanghai's urban evolution over 6,000 years.
The gallery blends modern minimalist style with cultural elements of Jiangnan region, offering a serene setting for visitors to enjoy artifacts amid natural light and outdoor views.
You can reach there by taking Metro Lines 2, 4, or 6.
1. Take Metro Line 2 to Shanghai Science and Technology Museum Station and exit through Exit 8.
2. Take Metro Line 4 to Pudian Road Station and exit through Exit 2.
3. Take Metro Line 6 to Pudian Road Station and exit through Exit 1.
Reservation for individual visitors is not required. You can enter the museum with a valid ID through the B1 East Gate (near Dingxiang Road) after a security check.
Groups of 20 or more must make reservations by phone (021-2072-9999 ext 134) seven to 14 days in advance. Groups with reservations can enter through the North Gate (1F, near Century Avenue) after a security check. A valid reservation number, a list of group members, valid IDs, and an original introduction letter are required at the North Gate (1F) before the security check.
(Source: Shanghai Museum)
