Shanghai Jewish Ghetto

The Shanghai Jewish Ghetto, located in the Hongkou District, is a poignant reminder of the city's role as a haven for Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi persecution in the 1930s and 1940s. Unlike other ghettos in Europe, this area was not a prison but a designated 'Restricted Sector for Stateless Refugees' imposed by the Japanese authorities. Today, the neighborhood retains a mix of old residential buildings, synagogues, and the Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum, which houses photographs, artifacts, and personal stories of the refugees. Walking through the streets, you'll see plaques marking former refugee homes and businesses, and the Ohel Moshe Synagogue has been restored as part of the museum. What makes this site distinctive is its testament to Shanghai's unique humanitarian history, where over 20,000 Jews survived the war in relative safety. The area is quiet and residential, offering a reflective experience away from the city's modern bustle.

Don't miss

• Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum (in the restored Ohel Moshe Synagogue)
• Plaques marking former refugee homes and businesses along Huoshan Road
• The 'Rescue' sculpture at the museum's entrance
• Nearby historic buildings like the old Broadway Theatre
• Personal stories and photo exhibits in the museum

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Shanghai Jewish Ghetto

Cheapest way inShanghai Tower Ticket Booking4.3★ · 68 travelers1-3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$39 per personSee dates →Most booked4-Hour Private Shanghai City Tour with Old and New Highlights5★ · 284 travelers4-5 hoursFree cancellationFrom$93 per personSee dates →Private & flexible3-Hour Private Tour to Jewish Ghetto and Shanghai Bund5★ · 74 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$90 per personSee dates →

Good for

How travelers rate it

Getting there

Know before you go

• Photography is allowed in the museum but without flash; respect the solemn atmosphere.
• English audio guides are available at the museum for a small fee.
• Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking on historic streets.
• Read about the history beforehand to enrich your visit; the museum provides context.

A bit of history

Between 1933 and 1941, Shanghai accepted Jewish refugees without visas, making it one of the few places open to them. In 1943, the Japanese occupiers confined stateless refugees to a one-square-mile area in Hongkou, which became known as the Shanghai Ghetto. The community thrived with schools, theaters, and businesses until liberation in 1945.