Shanghai Museum of Arts and Crafts - a person sitting on a bench in front of a building
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Shanghai Museum of Arts and Crafts

4.1
·55 reviews·, China

Discover traditional Chinese arts and crafts, from ivory carvings to cloisonné, in a stunning historic building. Affordable entry & live demos!

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more focus

CrowdLow
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Shanghai Museum of Arts and Crafts - a person sitting on a bench in front of a building

Shanghai Museum of Arts and Crafts

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more focus

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover traditional Chinese arts and crafts, from ivory carvings to cloisonné, in a stunning historic building. Affordable entry & live demos!

4.1
(55 reviews)

"Costs only 8RMB at door. The exhibition isn’t very large, with two floors in total."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Budget-Friendly Admission

Entry is only 8 RMB, making it a fantastic value for exploring traditional Chinese arts. :moneybag:

✨ Witness Ancient Techniques

Don't miss live demonstrations of crafts like cloisonné and jade carving, unchanged for centuries. :hammerandwrench:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ivory and Jade Carvings

Ivory and Jade Carvings

First Floor

Marvel at the intricate details of ancient ivory and jade carvings, showcasing masterful craftsmanship.

Reddit
Live Craft Demonstrations

Live Craft Demonstrations

Various floors

Witness artisans practicing time-honored techniques, from cloisonné to jade carving.

Reddit
Architectural Beauty

Architectural Beauty

Exterior and Interior

The museum building is a work of art, with unique architectural details and a charming terrace.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Affordable Entry, Rich Exhibits

For just 8 RMB, you can explore three floors of exquisite traditional Chinese arts and crafts, including jade, ivory, and embroidery. Don't miss the live demonstrations of ancient techniques like cloisonné making. Reddit

A Building of Artistic Merit

The museum building itself is a stunning piece of architecture, featuring intricate woodwork and hidden motifs. It offers a beautiful backdrop for the traditional crafts displayed within. Instagram

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more focus
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Live demos are often scheduled
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

My Top Favourite Things to do in Shanghai The Bund: Super packed but did you really go to Shanghai if you didn't see this. Yuyuan and Yu Garden: For shopping, street food and photos, to enter the actual garden allow ( ~$10-$20) Nanjing Road: Huge shopping street with luxury brands and street food (get off at people's square station and you'll be in the middle of Nanjing Road Sleep no more: I...
@heyfionawang
46.7K likes • 465.7K views

🎯 Budget-Friendly Admission

Entry is only 8 RMB, making it a fantastic value for exploring traditional Chinese arts. Reddit :moneybag:

✨ Witness Ancient Techniques

Don't miss live demonstrations of crafts like cloisonné and jade carving, unchanged for centuries. Reddit :hammerandwrench:

📍Me to two (in Suhe MixC world mall) in Shanghai 🇨🇳 #DIY #workshop #thingstodo #china #shanghai #activity #date #dateidea
@baochitravel
36.2K likes • 264.6K views
The "An Encounter with Beauty: William Morris & The British Arts and Crafts Movement" #exhibition opens in #Shanghai on Friday. ✨🎨 Featuring 123 pieces from The Victoria and Albert Museum, it showcases the iconic #designs of William Morris, the father of modern design and pattern. #arts #williammorris @vamuseum
shletsmeet
318 likes • 7.8K views

🏛️ Admire the Building

The museum's architecture is as impressive as its exhibits, with unique details and a lovely terrace. Instagram :camerawithflash:

☕ Cafe Break

Enjoy a coffee at the cafe and get a discount after purchasing your entrance ticket. :coffee:

Shanghai after so long. All the buildings were so beautiful. Especially this red staircase. 🌹 정말 오랜만이었던 상하이. 빨간 계단이 인상에 깊었던 이곳은 옛날의 상하이를 느끼기에 충분한 곳이었다. Background : Shanghai Arts and Crafts Museum #painting #artwork #oilpainting #oilpastel #shanghai
mmiriku
1K likes • 13.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Budget-Friendly Admission

Entry is only 8 RMB, making it a fantastic value for exploring traditional Chinese arts. Reddit :moneybag:

✨ Witness Ancient Techniques

Don't miss live demonstrations of crafts like cloisonné and jade carving, unchanged for centuries. Reddit :hammerandwrench:

🏛️ Admire the Building

The museum's architecture is as impressive as its exhibits, with unique details and a lovely terrace. Instagram :camerawithflash:

☕ Cafe Break

Enjoy a coffee at the cafe and get a discount after purchasing your entrance ticket. :coffee:

What Travellers Say

4.1
(55 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Shanghai Museum of Arts and Crafts for its incredibly low admission fee and the exquisite traditional Chinese handicrafts on display, including intricate ivory and jade carvings. The live demonstrations of ancient techniques are a highlight, and the building itself is noted for its beautiful architecture. Some find the overall style a bit old-fashioned, and the exhibition space isn't vast, but its charm and value are widely appreciated.

"Costs only 8RMB at door. The exhibition isn’t very large, with two floors in total. It showcases handicrafts from Shanghai in the last century, such as ivory carvings, root sculptures, lanterns, cloisonné, and more. Some of the exhibits are quite exquisite and well-crafted. The overall style leans a bit old-fashioned, but it has its own charm."

王博晗

"Watch master craftsmen create cloisonné using techniques unchanged since the Ming Dynasty - the powdered glass mixtures include ground ox bone for opacity. The jade carvers work under magnifiers with tools that haven't evolved since Neolithic times. The building itself is a work of art, with hidden dragon motifs in the woodwork only visible at certain angles of light."

Arman Khachatryan

"Very beautiful building, some nice collections​ on the first floor, other 2 floors are mainly small shops. It's worth a visit if it's on your way."

Erin Zhao

What People Like

Incredibly low entry fee
Exquisite traditional crafts
Live artisan demonstrations

What People Dislike

Slightly old-fashioned style
Not a very large exhibition space

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located at 79 Fengyang Road. You can reach it via public transport, with several bus lines stopping nearby. It's also a pleasant walk from some central Shanghai areas. Reddit

Information on dedicated parking is limited, but street parking might be available in the vicinity. It's often easier to use public transportation. :bus:

While the ground floor is generally accessible, some upper floors might have stairs. It's advisable to check accessibility details upon arrival. :wheelchair:

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The admission fee is very affordable at just 8 RMB per person, paid at the door. Reddit :ticket:

Opening hours can vary, but it's typically open during daytime hours. It's recommended to check the latest schedule before your visit. :clock:

Tickets are generally purchased at the door. There isn't widespread information about online booking options. :credit_card:

The museum occasionally hosts special exhibitions, such as the 'William Morris & The British Arts and Crafts Movement' exhibition. Keep an eye on local listings for updates. TikTok :star2:

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The museum showcases a variety of traditional Shanghai handicrafts, including ivory carvings, root sculptures, lanterns, cloisonné, embroidery, and more. Reddit :gem:

Yes, you can often witness master craftsmen demonstrating techniques like cloisonné making and jade carving. Reddit :tools:

A visit can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, depending on your interest in the exhibits and if you catch a live demonstration. Reddit

Yes, there is a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs and items related to Chinese arts and crafts. :gift:

There is a cafe on-site where visitors can relax and enjoy refreshments, sometimes with discounts after purchasing an entrance ticket. Reddit :coffee:

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed for personal use, but it's always best to check for any specific restrictions on certain exhibits. :camerawithflash:

The building's architecture, intricate woodwork, and the detailed craft exhibits offer great photo opportunities. The terrace also provides a nice view. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Shanghai Museum of Arts and Crafts offers a unique and affordable outing for families. The low entry fee of 8 RMB makes it an accessible option for all budgets. Reddit While the exhibits are traditional, the live demonstrations of crafts like cloisonné and jade carving can be particularly captivating for children, offering a visual and engaging way to learn about different art forms. Reddit The building's interesting architecture and the potential for spotting hidden motifs can also add an element of discovery for younger visitors. Consider visiting during quieter weekday mornings to ensure a more relaxed experience for everyone.

💰 Budget Travelers

This museum is a dream for budget-conscious travelers. With an entry fee of only 8 RMB, it's one of the most affordable cultural experiences in Shanghai. Reddit The three floors of exhibits, showcasing a wide array of traditional Chinese arts and crafts, offer significant value for the minimal cost. Reddit Combine your visit with a walk through the surrounding area or a meal at a local eatery to keep your overall expenses low while still enjoying a rich cultural immersion.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art of Cloisonné

One of the most captivating aspects of the Shanghai Museum of Arts and Crafts is the opportunity to witness the creation of cloisonné. This intricate enamel technique, with roots tracing back to the Ming Dynasty, involves filling wire compartments with powdered glass mixtures. Reddit The process requires immense precision and patience, with artisans meticulously shaping the wires and applying the colorful enamels. The inclusion of ground ox bone in the mixtures adds opacity, contributing to the unique luster of the finished pieces. Watching this ancient art form come to life is a truly special experience. Reddit

Redditors have expressed awe at the level of detail and the unchanged nature of these techniques, highlighting how the museum preserves these valuable cultural traditions. The skill involved in creating such delicate and vibrant works of art is a testament to the enduring legacy of Chinese craftsmanship. Reddit

Architectural Gems

Beyond its collection, the Shanghai Museum of Arts and Crafts is housed in a building that is a work of art in itself. Visitors often remark on its beauty, noting the intricate woodwork and unique architectural features. InstagramReddit One of the most fascinating aspects mentioned is the presence of hidden dragon motifs within the woodwork, which are only visible when light hits them at specific angles. This attention to detail in the building's design mirrors the meticulous craftsmanship found within its exhibits. Reddit

The building also boasts a pleasant terrace, offering a nice spot to relax and take in the surroundings. Reddit The overall style of the museum, while described by some as a bit old-fashioned, possesses a distinct charm that complements the traditional arts and crafts it displays. It's a place where the environment enhances the appreciation of the cultural heritage presented. Instagram

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