Explore the Wonders of Shanghai Natural History Museum: A Complete Guide

Hello, I’m Michael Zhang, a travel enthusiast with extensive international travel experience. I have a particular passion for exploring the history, culture, and in-depth experiences of different places. Through my posts, I aim to guide you beyond traditional sightseeing and help you experience destinations rich in unique stories and deep culture. Today, I’ll be taking you on a journey through the Shanghai Natural History Museum — a place that not only showcases the beauty of natural science but also embodies the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature. As one of the most distinctive museums in Shanghai, it blends rich history with modern scientific technologies, making it a must-visit destination.

Shanghai Natural History Museum Overview

The Shanghai Natural History Museum, themed around “Nature, Humans, Harmony,” uses three main narratives: “The Symphony of Evolution,” “The Gallery of Life,” and “The Epic of Civilization.” With 10 permanent exhibition areas, including “The Mystery of Origins,” “The River of Life,” and “The Path of Evolution,” it covers topics from the origins of the universe to biological evolution and human civilization. Spanning 45,257 square meters with an exhibition area of 32,200 square meters, it is a comprehensive museum integrating natural sciences, education, and research.

• Address: 510 Beijing West Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai (Apple Maps / Amap)
• Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays and national holidays)
• Recommended Visit Time: 3-4 hours
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Ticket Price: 30 RMB

Shanghai Natural History Museum Floor Guide

The museum spans five floors, with the recommended visiting route from top to bottom:

• 2nd Floor: The Mystery of Origins (Exploring the Universe and Earth’s Life Origins), 4D Theater
• 1st Floor: The River of Life (Animal Specimens, Fossils, Skeletons), Rediscovering Nature
• B1: The Path of Evolution (Ancient Creatures of the Natural World), Future Pathways, Temporary Exhibitions
• B2M: The Shanghai Story (Shanghai’s Geographical Formation)
• B2: Exploration Labs, Earth Treasures (Natural Gemstones and Minerals), Ecological Diversity (African Safari), Survival Life (Butterfly Exhibition), Tied to Earth (Human Activities and Nature), Survival Skills, and more

Why You Need to Visit the Shanghai Natural History Museum?

Rich Exhibits and Dynamic Displays

The museum presents a complete history of life evolution, from the Cambrian Explosion and the age of dinosaurs to the flourishing of modern-day life. One of the museum’s most notable exhibits is the 22-meter-long fossil skeleton of the Charonosaurus, a dinosaur that offers a glimpse into the ancient tremors of Earth. The museum also utilizes cutting-edge technology like holographic projections to bring extinct species like the dodo back to life, enhancing the interactive and engaging experience.

Educational Value and Interactive Experiences

The museum features a children’s exploration corner, where young visitors can engage in activities such as archaeology and microscope observations, allowing them to experience the excitement of science firsthand. Additionally, the museum’s interactive installations and light-and-shadow theaters make scientific knowledge accessible to visitors of all ages.

Convenient Location

Located in the heart of the city, the Shanghai Natural History Museum is easily accessible by public transport, making it a convenient stop for travelers. Furthermore, the museum offers reasonable opening hours and affordable ticket prices, ensuring it is a great choice for visitors at any time of day.

Things to do in Shanghai Natural History Museum

Major Attractions

The River of Life

This floor displays a wide range of animal specimens, including snakes, monkeys, and peacocks. A giant model of the Charonosaurus stands out, roaring as it twists its neck, looking incredibly lifelike. Here, visitors can experience the diversity of life through famous biological “celebrities” from Earth’s history.

The Path of Evolution

This floor mainly features a wide array of animal skeletons and fossils, showcasing the entire timeline from the Cambrian Explosion to the emergence of humans. Not only can you see various dinosaur fossils, but there is also a moving Tyrannosaurus rex model!

Free Theaters and Experiences

The Shanghai Natural History Museum offers free theaters, which require ticket reservations through WeChat. These slots fill up quickly.

• “The Big Bang of the Universe” Theater, located on Level 2, 10 minutes long. This immersive dome movie condenses over 13 billion years of cosmic history in just 10 minutes, explaining the origins and evolution of the universe, along with the human exploration of outer space.
• “Escape from the Cretaceous” Theater, located on B1, 10 minutes long. This movie depicts the fifth mass extinction caused by the asteroid impact that wiped out the dinosaurs during the Cretaceous period. It explores the rise and fall of species over millions of years, demonstrating how each extinction event is followed by the adaptation, evolution, and flourishing of new life forms.
• Fossil Digging Experience, located on B2. Children between 1m and 1.3m in height can participate independently for a 30-minute session. This hands-on activity allows young visitors to experience the life of an archaeologist by digging up fossil models.

4D Movies

In addition to free exhibitions and activities, the Shanghai Natural History Museum also offers paid 4D movies, perfect for visitors eager to explore natural sciences in greater detail. Reservations are also made via WeChat, with the option to book in advance.

• Cost: 30 RMB per person
• Available Movies:
  • African Savannah (Recommended): This movie follows a young protagonist who travels to the African savanna and cleverly solves various crises during migration. After watching the film, you can visit the African Savannah exhibition for a richer experience.
  • Panda Gungun (Recommended): This film tells the story of the giant panda Gungun, whose forest home faces a disaster. Gungun and its friends embark on a challenging journey to find a new habitat. Recommended for children aged 4 and above, as the realistic depiction of snakes and wolves might be frightening for younger children.
  • The Jiaolong Goes to the Deep Sea: This movie tells the story of China’s first deep-sea manned submersible, “Jiaolong.” It combines animation and documentary elements, making it an excellent choice for those interested in marine scientific exploration.
  • The Elephant Fairytale: Set against the diverse natural world of Xishuangbanna, this film explores the relationship between humans and nature through a dreamlike fairytale narrative.

Shanghai Natural History Museum Ticket Guide

Ticket Prices

• Adults: 30 RMB
• Children: 12 RMB (for children over 1.3 meters tall)
• Students: 12 RMB (for students with a bachelor’s degree or lower)
• Seniors: 25 RMB (for seniors aged 60-69)
• Free Admission: For children under 1.3 meters tall or 6 years old and younger, and seniors aged 70 or above.
• Opening Hours
  • Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays and national holidays)

Ticket Purchase Channels

• Online: Available via official WeChat accounts.
• On-site: Tickets can be purchased at the ticket counter. Be aware that during Chinese public holidays, the lines can be long, so online ticket purchase is recommended during these times.

Recommended Hotels Near Shanghai Natural History Museum

The Shanghai Natural History Museum is located in the heart of Shanghai, close to Nanjing West Road metro station. Nanjing West Road station is one of the most recommended areas for tourists to stay in Shanghai. From here, you can easily access popular attractions and transport hubs. If you’re looking for more accommodation recommendations in Shanghai, be sure to check out the Shanghai Accommodation Area Guide. Below are some highly recommended hotels.

CitiGO Hotel Jingan Shanghai

• Location: 12-minute walk from Nanjing West Road Metro Station, 14-minute walk from the Natural History Museum Metro Station
• Price Range: 422 RMB
• Check Rates: Trip.com Specials, Compare on Klook
• Rating: Trip 4.8
• Special Amenities: Gym, laundry, robot room service

Very convenient, close to Nanjing West Road shopping district, easily accessible to other attractions. Be aware, there is another hotel with the same name nearby; double-check the address when taking a taxi.

Clean and well-equipped. Breakfast offers a wide variety, including fresh vegetables, fruits, delicious mousse, Swiss rolls, and freshly ground coffee. Free night snacks including dumplings available after 10 PM.

Ji Hotel (Shanghai People’s Square Nanjing Road)

• Location: 9-minute walk from Huangpi South Road Metro Station, 10-minute walk from Nanjing West Road Metro Station
• Price Range: 487 RMB
• Check Rates: Trip.com Specials
• Rating: Trip 4.8
• Special Amenities: Laundry, robot room service, triple rooms

Located near People’s Square inside an old building, quiet, with easy access to transportation. Close to the Old Shanghai Museum, City God Temple, and local parks. Great value for money.

Excellent facilities, friendly and attentive staff. Rooms are clean, odor-free, and quiet. Varied breakfast options.

Atour Hotel X Nanjing West Road Shanghai

• Location: 7-minute walk from Nanjing West Road Metro Station, 9-minute walk from the Natural History Museum Metro Station
• Price Range: 649 RMB
• Check Rates: Trip.com Specials, Compare on Klook
• Rating: Trip 4.8
• Special Amenities: Laundry, robot room service, triple rooms, family rooms

Prime location near Shanghai’s central business district, just below Wujiang Road, convenient for dining and close to a subway entrance.

Well-equipped, clean, and quiet. Features soft-bristled toothbrushes, excellent Wi-Fi, and high-pressure showers in the bathrooms with upscale fixtures.

How to Get to Shanghai Natural History Museum from Downtown Shanghai

By Metro

There are several metro stations near the Shanghai Natural History Museum, making it convenient for visitors to get there. You can take:

• Metro Line 1, get off at Xinzha Road Station and take Exit 1.
• Metro Line 2, get off at Nanjing West Road Station and take Exit 2.
• Metro Line 13, get off at Natural History Museum Station.

• Transportation Card Purchase: Trip.com Discounts, Klook Deals, KKday Offers

By Bus

If you choose to take the bus, the following routes will take you close to the museum:

• 36, 19, 64, 136, 955, 41, 109, 301, 927, 324, 104, and more.

• Transportation Card Purchase: Trip.com Discounts, Klook Deals, KKday Offers

By Taxi/Online Ride-Hailing

If you’re taking a taxi or using an online ride-hailing service, it typically takes about 10 minutes from downtown Shanghai, with an estimated cost of around 20 RMB.

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