The temperatures are going rogue in Shanghai these days. If you are hanging out with your family or friends, your best choice would be somewhere indoor. The followings are the best indoor places in Shanghai and most of which are free!
1. World Expo Museum
World Expo Museum, as of now, is the only museum about Expo around the world. It exhibits the 150 years of Expo history, as well as the previous World Expo’s wonderful works. If you missed the chance in 2010 or you want to re-experience it, World Expo Museum is the perfect place to go.
Opening Hours: 9am-5pm (Last Admission at 4.15pm) (Tue-Sun). World Expo Museum, see listing here
Nearest metro: Line 13, World Expo Museum Station, Exit 2
2. Jiading Library
Dubbed as the most beautiful library in Shanghai, Jiading Library was also entitled as “The Best Public Library” in 2013 by Interior Design. You have a serene place to read the books, as well as spectacular views.
Opening Hours: 1pm-8pm (Mon) 8.30am-8pm (Tue-Sun). Jiading Library, see listing here
Nearest metro: Line 11, Jiading Xincheng Station.
3. Tushanwan Museum
Tushanwan is the origin of Shanghai culture and the birthplace of moder art and craft. Tushanwan Museum exhibits the masterpieces of many Chinese craftsmen, which plays an important role in the communication between Chinese and Western cultures.
Opening Hours: 9am-4.30pm (Tue-Sun). Tushanwan Museum, see listing here
Nearest metro: Line 1, 9 and 11, Xujiahui Station, Exit 1
4. Metal Toy Museum
Metal Toy Museum has a collection of over 3,000 metal toys of all kinds. Adults can relive their childhood, while children can appreciate the charm of metal toys.
Opening Hours: 9am-3.30pm (Wed-Sun). Metal Toy Museum, see listing here
Nearest metro: Line 3, Jiangwan Town Station
5. Shanghai Camera History Museum
If you are a photography enthusiast, Shanghai Camera History Museum is a must-visit. Shanghai Camera History Museum collects all kinds of old-fashioned cameras. In addition to these antiques, there is also a photo exhibition displaying the development of cameras.
Opening Hours: 11am-10pm (Mon-Sun). Shanghai Camera History Museum, see listing here
Nearest metro: Line 1 or 7, Changshu Road Station, Exit 7 or 8
6. Live Art Aquarium at Changfeng Park
Beat the summer heat by taking your children to the Live Art Aquarium in Changfeng Park. There are four themed zones and one interactive zone to entertain and educate your kids. Your children will have the opportunity to paint and view their designs projected into the ocean world to ‘live’ with thousands of other creatures.
Opening hours: 9am-5pm (last entry 4pm), RMB180 for adults and RMB120 for kids under 1.2m. Changfeng Park, see listing here.
Nearest metro: Line 13, Daduhe Lu
7. Liu Haisu Art Museum
Liu Haisu Art Museum is named after Liu Haisu, one of the founders of the new art movement in China. In Liu Haisu Art Museum you can find over 2,000 pieces of art. Furthermore, even the museum itself is gorgeous to look at. It has become the cultural landmark of Shanghai since established.
Opening Hours: 9am-4pm (Tue-Sun). Liu Haisu Art Museum, see listing here
Nearest metro: Line 3 or 4, West Yan’ an Road Station
8. Shanghai Museum
Shanghai Museum is a large museum of ancient Chinese art, with a collection of over 120,000 precious cultural relics including bronze, ceramics, calligraphy, paintings, etc. Recently, the Shanghai Museum is exhibiting some cultural relics from the British Museum. How could you possibly miss that?
Opening Hours: 9am-5pm (Mon-Sun). Shanghai Museum, see listing here
Nearest metro: Line 1, 2 or 8, People’s Square Station, Exit 1
