Museum · Pudong
Shanghai City History Development Museum
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The Shanghai City History Development Museum is a fascinating journey through Shanghai's past, housed within the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower in Pudong. The museum uses life-sized dioramas, artifacts, and multimedia displays to depict the city's transformation from a small fishing village to a global metropolis. Visitors walk through recreated streets of old Shanghai, complete with rickshaws, shops, and traditional architecture. Exhibits cover key periods: the Opium Wars, the rise of the International Settlement, and the economic boom. What makes this museum distinctive is its immersive approach, you can step into a 1930s alleyway or see a replica of a traditional shikumen house. The museum is well-organized and provides context for the skyscrapers visible outside. It's a perfect complement to a visit to the Oriental Pearl Tower, offering a deeper understanding of Shanghai's heritage.
Don't miss
- Walk through a recreated 1930s Shanghai street with period shops and vehicles
- See the life-sized diorama of a traditional shikumen residence
- View artifacts from the Opium War and colonial era
- Watch multimedia presentations on Shanghai's urban development
- Explore exhibits on local customs, from rickshaws to early cinemas
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Shanghai City History Development Museum
You can visit on your own (paid entry; purchase a combo ticket for the tower and museum to save). A tour adds transport and a guide, or combines nearby sights into one day.
Cheapest way inShanghai Tower Ticket Booking4.3★ · 68 travelers1–3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$39 per personSee dates →
Best full dayPrivate Shanghai Full Day City Tour with Old and New Highlights5★ · 1,217 travelers7–8 hoursFree cancellationFrom$115 per personSee dates →
Private & flexiblePrivate Amazing Shanghai City Day Tour in Your Way5★ · 163 travelers~8 hoursFree cancellationFrom$135 per personSee dates →Good for
How travelers rate it
Know before you go
- Allow extra time for security checks at the tower entrance.
- Photography is allowed, but no flash in some areas.
- Audio guides are available in multiple languages.
- Large bags must be checked at the cloakroom.
A bit of history
The museum opened in 2001 as part of the Oriental Pearl Tower complex, aiming to preserve and present Shanghai's rich history. It was curated by local historians and features over 1,000 artifacts.
Common questions
Can I visit the museum without going up the tower?
Yes, the museum has a separate entrance.
How long does it take to see everything?
About 1.5 to 2 hours.
Is the museum suitable for children?
Yes, the dioramas are engaging for kids.
Are there English descriptions?
Most exhibits have English translations.
Can I buy tickets on site?
Yes, but online booking is recommended to skip lines.
Is there a café inside?
No, but the tower has restaurants and cafes.
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