Guanfu Museum - Image 1
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Guanfu Museum

4.6
·18 reviews·, China

A unique museum on Shanghai's 37th floor, blending ancient Chinese treasures with a delightful population of resident cats.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more serene viewing

CrowdLow
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Guanfu Museum - Image 1

Guanfu Museum

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more serene viewing

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A unique museum on Shanghai's 37th floor, blending ancient Chinese treasures with a delightful population of resident cats.

4.6
(18 reviews)

"The cats are cute and well kept, and the views are beautiful!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Combo Ticket Savings

Look for combo tickets with Shanghai Tower for potential cost savings.

🐾 Cat Lover's Paradise

The museum is home to many cats; enjoy their company!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Dynasty Treasures

Dynasty Treasures

Exhibition Halls

Marvel at exquisite ceramics, gold pieces, and artifacts spanning Tang to Ming and Qing dynasties.

Reddit
Courtyard Cats

Courtyard Cats

Courtyard

Interact with over 30 resident cats, each with their own cartoon persona. A truly unique museum experience!

TikTok+1
Shanghai Tower Views

Shanghai Tower Views

37th Floor

Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Shanghai from this high-rise museum location.

Reddit
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Location & Views

Perched on the 37th floor of the Shanghai Tower, Guanfu Museum offers stunning cityscapes alongside its exhibits. Consider purchasing a combo ticket with the tower for potential savings. Reddit

Artifacts & Felines

While the museum showcases Chinese ceramics and dynasty treasures, some find the collection small. Don't miss the resident cats, a unique highlight for many visitors! TikTokReddit

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more serene viewing
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoon
Why
Catch the sunset views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Guanfu Museum is a private museum, where you can see exhibitions, look at collections, and pet cats at will, because there are more than 30 cats here, each cat has its own cartoon image, and the scene of many cats eating together is really cute.#asian #museum #museummoment #kitty #vlog
@the_newcomers
2 likes • 351 views

🎟️ Combo Ticket Savings

Look for combo tickets with Shanghai Tower for potential cost savings. Reddit

🐾 Cat Lover's Paradise

The museum is home to many cats; enjoy their company! TikTok

Doll of cats living in Guanfu Museum, Beijing
@chinaculturalproduct
23 likes • 436 views

📸 Photography Rules

Photography is prohibited inside the exhibition halls. Reddit

🗣️ English Pamphlets

Ask for an English pamphlet to enhance your understanding of the exhibits. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Combo Ticket Savings

Look for combo tickets with Shanghai Tower for potential cost savings. Reddit

🐾 Cat Lover's Paradise

The museum is home to many cats; enjoy their company! TikTok

📸 Photography Rules

Photography is prohibited inside the exhibition halls. Reddit

🗣️ English Pamphlets

Ask for an English pamphlet to enhance your understanding of the exhibits. Reddit

🚕 Convenient Transport

Didi is recommended for a comfortable ride, especially from Beijing Airport. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(18 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Guanfu Museum offers a unique experience with its resident cats and historical Chinese artifacts, set against stunning Shanghai Tower views. While some find the exhibit collection small and the admission fee steep, the charming feline inhabitants and the impressive cityscapes are consistently praised. TikTokReddit

"I really enjoyed this museum. It’s on the 37th floor in Shanghai Tower. Purchase the add on ticket when purchasing the tower ticket. Beautiful displays of ceramics, gold pieces and other dynasty treasures."

Julie DeAngelis

"Pros:
Cats in the courtyard are cute and well kept.
Modern and well designed exteriors

Cons:
Actual exhibit is mediocre at best. The museum itself is small, about 7000 sqft total, and it’s variety of artifacts somewhat lacking. The style of artifacts here aren’t unique to this museum.

The admissions fee is steep: $100

Ticket seller doesnt honor student discounts if they think you look / are “too old”. While the museum touts a discount for students at the undergrad level or lower, it doesn’t actually honor this. When I showed my undergrad student ID, the admissions lady informed me I’m too old to be an undergrad student. She denied that students can take a break for a couple years before commuting to college.

Overall:
I wouldn’t recommend this museum to anyone and I wouldn’t come back. Instead, I’d recommend visiting the public museums in Beijing instead, which are not only more affordable, but also exhibits a greater variety of artifacts"

Yana

"I visited this museum because I was interested in Chinese ceramics. Here, you can see historical artifacts from the Tang Dynasty through the Ming and Qing dynasties. Photography is prohibited inside the museum, but you can get an English pamphlet if you ask.

You can see a variety of sculptures, including ceramics, paintings, windows decorated with sculptures, and furniture. While you can see Chinese-inspired ceramics in museums in Japan, it's extremely rare to see Tang Dynasty pieces in the original museum. I learned that China has been producing elaborate items since ancient times.

Admission is 100 RMB (approximately 2,000 JPY). You can get there by bus or train, but I recommend using Didi for the most comfortable ride. It costs around 37 RMB (approximately 400 JPY) from Beijing Airport, so if you have time during your transit, it's a great option to stop by."

Nomad Kota

What People Like

Resident cats are adorable
Stunning city views
Unique museum concept

What People Dislike

Steep admission fee
Small exhibit size
Inconsistent student discounts

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Guanfu Museum is located on the 37th floor of the Shanghai Tower. You can reach it via public transport like the metro or by taxi/ride-sharing services like Didi. Reddit

Parking is available at the Shanghai Tower, but it can be expensive. Public transport is generally recommended. Reddit

If you're transiting through Beijing Airport and have time, Didi is a convenient option, costing around 37 RMB. Reddit

Yes, you can reach the vicinity of Shanghai Tower via bus or train, but Didi is suggested for comfort. Reddit

Shanghai Tower is well-connected by the Shanghai Metro system, making it easily accessible. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission to Guanfu Museum is approximately 100 RMB. Combo tickets with Shanghai Tower may offer savings. Reddit

While student discounts are advertised for undergrads or lower, some visitors have reported issues with them being honored. It's best to inquire directly. Reddit

It's advisable to check the official website or ticketing platforms for online purchase options, especially for combo tickets with Shanghai Tower. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, so it's recommended to check the official website or Shanghai Tower's information for the most up-to-date timings. Reddit

Yes, you can request an English pamphlet to help you understand the exhibits. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The museum features a variety of Chinese ceramics, sculptures, paintings, and furniture from dynasties like Tang, Ming, and Qing. Reddit

Yes, Guanfu Museum is famous for its resident cats, with over 30 cats living in the museum. TikTok+1

Photography is prohibited within the exhibition areas of the museum. Reddit

While the historical artifacts might be less engaging for very young children, the resident cats are a definite draw for all ages. TikTok

The museum is described as relatively small, around 7000 sqft, with a varied but not extensive collection. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The museum itself may not have extensive dining facilities. However, the Shanghai Tower complex offers various restaurants and cafes. Reddit

It's generally not permitted to bring food and drinks into museum exhibition areas to protect the artifacts. Reddit

The Shanghai Tower and surrounding Lujiazui area offer a wide range of dining choices, from casual to fine dining. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

No, photography is strictly prohibited inside the exhibition halls of Guanfu Museum to preserve the artifacts. Reddit

While photography is not allowed inside, you can capture the stunning city views from the 37th floor and potentially photos of the cats in designated areas. Reddit

The panoramic views of Shanghai from the museum's location are a major photographic draw. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Guanfu Museum offers a unique blend of culture and cuteness that can appeal to families. The main draw for children is undoubtedly the resident cats that roam the museum. TikTok+1 With over 30 cats, there are plenty of opportunities for little ones to spot and perhaps even interact with these furry friends in a supervised manner. While the historical artifacts might be less engaging for very young children, the novelty of a cat-friendly museum can make the visit more enjoyable. Consider getting an English pamphlet to help older children understand the exhibits better. Reddit

🐱 Cat Enthusiasts

For true cat lovers, Guanfu Museum is a must-visit destination. The museum proudly houses over 30 resident cats, each with their own charming personality and even cartoon personas. TikTok+1 You can expect to see them lounging, playing, and interacting with visitors, creating a truly unique and heartwarming atmosphere. It's a chance to combine your passion for art with your love for felines, making for an unforgettable experience. Be prepared for plenty of photo opportunities (where permitted) and the joy of being surrounded by so many happy cats. TikTok

🏛️ Art & History Buffs

Guanfu Museum offers a curated selection of Chinese ceramics and artifacts spanning significant dynasties like Tang, Ming, and Qing. Reddit While some reviewers note the collection's size, the historical significance and quality of the pieces, particularly the rare Tang Dynasty items, are appreciated. Reddit The museum provides an intimate setting to study the evolution of Chinese artistry. For a deeper understanding, be sure to ask for an English pamphlet to accompany your viewing. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Unique Charm of Guanfu Museum's Feline Residents

One of the most talked-about aspects of the Guanfu Museum is its population of resident cats. With over 30 cats roaming the premises, it offers a delightful and unexpected twist to the traditional museum experience. TikTok+1 Visitors often share heartwarming stories and adorable photos of these feline inhabitants, making the museum a popular spot for animal lovers. Each cat is said to have its own cartoon image, adding a whimsical touch to their presence. TikTok

The cats are well-kept and seem to enjoy interacting with visitors, creating a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Seeing multiple cats gathered together, perhaps for a meal or a nap, is a particularly memorable sight for many. TikTok This unique feature sets Guanfu Museum apart from other cultural institutions, blending art appreciation with the simple joy of animal companionship. It's a testament to the museum's creative approach to visitor engagement. TikTok

Exploring Chinese Ceramics Through the Ages

Guanfu Museum houses a collection of historical artifacts, with a particular focus on Chinese ceramics. Visitors can explore pieces that span significant periods of Chinese history, including the Tang Dynasty through the Ming and Qing dynasties. Reddit This offers a glimpse into the evolution of ceramic artistry and craftsmanship in China over centuries. The museum showcases a variety of sculptures, including intricate ceramic pieces, paintings, and decorative windows adorned with sculptures. Reddit

For those interested in the history of Chinese art, the opportunity to see Tang Dynasty pieces in their original context is highlighted as particularly rare and valuable. Reddit While some visitors note that the variety of artifacts might be somewhat lacking compared to larger public museums, the quality and historical significance of the displayed ceramics are appreciated. Reddit The museum provides an intimate setting to appreciate these ancient treasures, offering insights into China's rich cultural heritage. Reddit

Navigating the Shanghai Tower Experience

Guanfu Museum's location on the 37th floor of the iconic Shanghai Tower provides visitors with more than just an art experience; it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the sprawling metropolis. Reddit This high-rise setting is a significant draw, allowing guests to see the city from a unique vantage point. Many visitors recommend purchasing a combo ticket that includes access to both the museum and the Shanghai Tower's observation decks, as this can be a more cost-effective option. Reddit

When planning your visit, consider the timing to maximize your experience. Weekday mornings are often recommended for a less crowded visit, allowing for a more serene appreciation of both the exhibits and the views. Reddit Late afternoons can be ideal for catching the sunset over Shanghai, adding a magical element to your visit. The Shanghai Tower itself is a landmark, and its modern design and impressive height contribute to the overall visitor experience. Reddit