Propaganda Poster Art Center
A hidden gem showcasing thousands of original 20th-century Chinese propaganda posters, offering a unique historical and artistic journey.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more immersive
Propaganda Poster Art Center
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more immersive
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A hidden gem showcasing thousands of original 20th-century Chinese propaganda posters, offering a unique historical and artistic journey.
"This museum is perhaps my fave museum in Shanghai, because I've seen so many artifacts at this point."
🎯 Navigate the Address
Use 726 West Yan'an Road or the Chinese name. Enter building 726, take the lift to the 7th floor. :housewithgarden:
💰 Affordable Entry
Tickets are reasonably priced, often around 25-60 yuan. Purchase upon arrival. :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vast Propaganda Poster Collection
Main exhibition space
Thousands of original 20th-century Chinese propaganda posters, offering a visual history lesson.
Historical Contextual Information
Throughout the exhibition
Informative blurbs explaining the eras and circumstances behind the powerful artwork.
Unique Souvenir Shop
Gift shop
Purchase replica posters, books, and other memorabilia to take a piece of history home.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Finding the Hidden Gem
Timing Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Navigate the Address
Use 726 West Yan'an Road or the Chinese name. Enter building 726, take the lift to the 7th floor. :housewithgarden:
💰 Affordable Entry
Tickets are reasonably priced, often around 25-60 yuan. Purchase upon arrival. :moneybag:
🗣️ Language Friendly
Staff are helpful and often speak English, so don't worry if your Chinese isn't fluent. :speech_balloon:
🖼️ Buy a Piece of History
The gift shop offers replica posters and other unique souvenirs. :gift:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Navigate the Address
Use 726 West Yan'an Road or the Chinese name. Enter building 726, take the lift to the 7th floor. :housewithgarden:
💰 Affordable Entry
Tickets are reasonably priced, often around 25-60 yuan. Purchase upon arrival. :moneybag:
🗣️ Language Friendly
Staff are helpful and often speak English, so don't worry if your Chinese isn't fluent. :speech_balloon:
🖼️ Buy a Piece of History
The gift shop offers replica posters and other unique souvenirs. :gift:
🚶♂️ Off the Beaten Path
A unique experience away from typical tourist spots, offering a good record of history. :hiking_boot:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Propaganda Poster Art Center for its unique and extensive collection of historical Chinese propaganda posters, offering a fascinating glimpse into the country's past. The affordable entry fee and informative English descriptions are also highlighted as positives. However, some find the museum's location tricky to find, and a few mention less-than-ideal interactions in the gift shop.
"I'm studying abroad in Shanghai this summer, so I took a free rainy day to go check out this museum. It was very cool! Not too hard to find, and I'll include instructions at the end for how to get there. There were a bunch of posters running from the early 1900s to the 80s. They had little info blurbs around groups of posters talking about the era and circumstances. At the end there was a gift shop where I got my own propaganda poster! My ticket was only 25 yuan, I bought it in person upon arrival, and the people there were very nice. I tried practicing the Chinese I spent 3 1/2 semesters learning, but they kept responding in English so no worries for those who don't speak Chinese ;)
As for getting there, a couple of these reviews are right about the new address. You can plug in 726 West Yan'an Road or the name listed (上海宣传画艺术中心) into Google Maps or Baidu. It will drop you in front of two tall buildings connected in the middle. Facing the buildings, you will see building 726 (the building the museum is in) on the right, and 728 on the left. I walked in to the building that connected them, turned right to the elevators, and rode to the 7th floor. When the elevators open, there is signage pointing to the museum. Have fun!"
Mia Cumberland
"Here is the actual address: 7F-K 726 Yan An Rd(w) Shanghai China 200050. A bit difficult to find. You need to enter into the building 726, then take the lift to the 7 floor and you will find the place.
The place is small but the collection unique. Well recommended"
Mik
"The location of this place can be found in Gaode maps and I hear Baidu now has English too. Google address is wrong. It is just NW up the street from the google location past the major street intersection in a huge multipurpose hotel office building on the 7th floor. This was perhaps my fave museum in Shanghai, because I've seen so many artifacts at this point. They have nice summary of the different movements and decades that was just the right amount of information. Make sure you move through in the right direction -counter clockwise. They do sell some prints, books and other little goodies, unfortunately they were out of the ones I wanted and the fellow there was pretty strange about me asking about them. Whatever. It was 60 Yen in May 2025. If you are in Shanghai in May or June go see the Soyarama show at the Nanzuka Art center next to Shanghai East Museum."
Dustin Johnson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located at 7F-K 726 Yan An Rd(w), Shanghai. It's in an office building, so you'll need to enter building 726 and take the elevator to the 7th floor. Some visitors recommend using Baidu Maps or Gaode Maps for accuracy, as Google Maps can sometimes be off.
Yes, it's accessible by public transport. The nearest metro stations are usually a short walk away. Once you're near 726 West Yan'an Road, look for the office building and follow the signs to the museum on the 7th floor.
Plug in '726 West Yan'an Road' or the Chinese name '上海宣传画艺术中心' into your navigation app. Be aware that Google Maps might direct you to a slightly different spot, so look for building 726 specifically and head inside.
The museum is located between two tall buildings connected in the middle. Building 726 is on the right when facing them. It's a large, multi-purpose hotel and office building.
Absolutely. You can tell your taxi driver the address: 726 West Yan'an Road. They should be able to find the general area, and then you can look for the specific office building.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is quite affordable, typically ranging from 25 to 60 yuan, depending on when you visit. You can usually purchase your ticket directly at the museum upon arrival.
No, advance booking is generally not required. Tickets can be bought in person at the museum.
Opening hours can vary, but it's typically open during regular business hours. It's always a good idea to check their official website or recent visitor reviews for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
The content is historical and educational, focusing on political art. While generally suitable, parents may want to consider the historical context when visiting with very young children.
Photography is generally allowed for personal use, but it's always best to check for any specific restrictions posted within the museum.
🎫 🖼️ Onsite Experience
You'll find a vast collection of original 20th-century Chinese propaganda posters, spanning various historical periods. Each poster is accompanied by informative blurbs that provide context about the era and its messages.
The museum is described as small but unique. Despite its size, it houses an impressive and extensive collection of posters.
Yes, there is a gift shop where you can purchase replica posters, books, and other memorabilia related to Chinese propaganda art.
Yes, there are information cards in English that explain the history and context of the posters, making it accessible for international visitors.
Visitors suggest moving through the exhibition in a counter-clockwise direction to best experience the chronological flow of the posters.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
The gift shop offers a variety of items, including replica propaganda posters, books on Chinese art and history, and other small collectibles.
The replica posters are generally good quality reproductions, allowing you to take home a piece of the art you admired.
The museum primarily sells replica posters and other merchandise. While they have a vast collection, original pieces are typically not for sale to the public.
While this museum is a prime spot for propaganda art, other souvenir shops in Shanghai might offer a broader range of trinkets, but likely not the specialized collection found here.
Prices for souvenirs can vary, but replica posters and books are generally reasonably priced, making them accessible for most visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the content is historical, parents should be aware that some imagery might be intense due to the nature of propaganda. It's advisable to gauge your child's sensitivity. The museum is small, making it manageable for families, and the gift shop offers interesting souvenirs like replica posters that kids might enjoy.
📚 History Buffs & Art Enthusiasts
Art enthusiasts will appreciate the diverse styles and techniques employed in the posters, from socialist realism to more avant-garde designs. The opportunity to see these pieces up close, in a relatively intimate setting, offers a different perspective than viewing them in larger, more commercialized museums. The gift shop also caters to this audience with relevant books and prints.
✈️ Day-Trippers & Short-Term Visitors
Make sure to factor in the navigation challenge when planning your itinerary. Once you've found it, the visit is straightforward, with clear exhibits and a rewarding gift shop. It offers a concentrated dose of history and art that provides a memorable snapshot of China's past.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating to the Propaganda Poster Art Center
Don't be discouraged if it seems a bit hidden; this 'off the beaten path' aspect is part of its charm. The museum is located in a large, multi-purpose hotel and office complex, so look for the main entrance to building 726. Some visitors have found it helpful to ask building security or staff for directions once inside.
For those relying on public transport, the museum is accessible via metro, with stations typically a short walk away. Taxis are also a convenient option; just provide the address to your driver. The effort to find it is well worth it for the unique historical experience that awaits.
The Art and History of Propaganda Posters
Each section of the museum is thoughtfully curated, with informative blurbs accompanying groups of posters. These descriptions provide essential context, explaining the historical background, the artistic styles, and the intended messages of the artwork. This helps visitors understand the socio-political climate in which these posters were created and disseminated. The chronological arrangement, often suggested to be viewed counter-clockwise, allows for a coherent understanding of the evolving visual language and political narratives of China.
Beyond their historical significance, the posters themselves are visually striking. They often employ bold colors, dynamic compositions, and strong imagery to convey their messages effectively. Visiting the center offers a unique opportunity to see these iconic pieces up close, providing a deeper appreciation for their artistic merit and their role in shaping historical events. It's a chance to engage with a significant aspect of China's past in a visually compelling and educational manner.
Shopping for Unique Souvenirs
In addition to posters, you can also find a range of other related merchandise. This includes books that delve deeper into Chinese art, history, and propaganda, offering further educational value. Other small collectibles and memorabilia are also available, providing diverse options for souvenirs. While some visitors have noted that specific items they desired might be out of stock, the general selection is well-regarded.
The gift shop is an integral part of the visit, allowing you to extend your engagement with the art and history presented. It’s a great place to find distinctive gifts for friends and family, or a personal memento of your time exploring this fascinating aspect of Shanghai's cultural landscape.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit