Shanghai Postal Museum - a large building with a clock on the top of it
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Shanghai Postal Museum

4.4
·95 reviews·, China

Discover Shanghai's postal history in a stunning 1924 building, featuring unique stamps and unexpected city skyline views. Free admission!

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
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Shanghai Postal Museum - a large building with a clock on the top of it

Shanghai Postal Museum

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Shanghai's postal history in a stunning 1924 building, featuring unique stamps and unexpected city skyline views. Free admission!

4.4
(95 reviews)

"An underrated (and free!) museum delivering history, architecture, and city views."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Free Entry Alert!

Enjoy this historical gem without spending a dime. Perfect for budget travelers!

📸 Capture the Skyline

Don't miss the unique skyline views framed by the museum's classical architecture.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Architecture

Historic Architecture

Exterior and main hall

Admire the grandeur of the 1924 former post office building, a stunning piece of Shanghai's architectural past.

Stamp Collection

Stamp Collection

Rear galleries

Discover a fascinating array of stamps, including unique issues with vegetable-based inks that change color.

Pneumatic Tube System

Pneumatic Tube System

Demonstration area

Witness a demonstration of the 1930s pneumatic tube system that once moved mail at impressive speeds.

Skyline Views

Skyline Views

Rooftop garden/windows

Catch a rare glimpse of the Shanghai skyline framed by classical museum architecture.

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Planning Your Visit

Free Admission & Views

This museum offers free entry and surprisingly good views of the Shanghai skyline, making it a budget-friendly gem. Plan your visit to coincide with good weather for the best photo opportunities.

Navigating the Exhibits

While the museum is free, English signage can be limited. Focus on the visual displays and demonstrations, like the pneumatic tube system, for an engaging experience.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Good light for skyline views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Top 12 Beautiful Places in Shanghai - 10 Địa điểm checkin ở Thượng Hải 1. North Bund 2. Changzhi Road 3. Xintiandi 4. Shanghai Postal Museum 5. Lihe Building 6. Pudong Art Museum 7. Yong Jia Lu & Tai Yuan Lu 8. Wukang Road 9. 1000 trees 10. Nanjing Road 11. Xujiahui Catholic Church 12. North Bund Greenland #shanghai #whereizhanhan #tvlkvn #shanghailife #shanghaitravel #shanghaitrip #shanghaicity ...
@whereizhanhan
36.2K likes • 765.8K views

🎯 Free Entry Alert!

Enjoy this historical gem without spending a dime. Perfect for budget travelers! Instagram+1

📸 Capture the Skyline

Don't miss the unique skyline views framed by the museum's classical architecture. Instagram+1

Ain't nothing cooler than a pneumatic tuber. #PostalMuseum #PneumaticTube #TubeTok #Pneumatic #Enigma #Museum #MuseumTok #CapCut
@thepostalmuseum
32K likes • 470.6K views
There's something about receiving a handwritten letter by post that's still so charming. The Shanghai Postal Museum is the spot to learn the the history of snail mail – you'll even get to see some of the first letters carved into tortoise shells instead of paper. Add this underrated (and free!) museum to your itinerary the next time you're in Shanghai 💌 📍 250 Bei Suzhou Lu, Hongkou District 📽️: ...
timeout_asia
12 likes • 813 views

⏳ Allow Time for Exhibits

Explore the history of mail and admire the impressive stamp collection. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Area

The museum is in a historical district with other interesting buildings and shops. Reddit

SAVE this post for the ultimate Shanghai city stroll! Explore seamlessly connected spots with breathtaking views of the Shanghai Pearl Tower. 1. Shanghai Postal Museum 2. Sichuan Road Bridge 3. Zhapu Road Bridge 4. Union Church 5. Waibadu Bridge 6. Beijing East Road 7. Carlowitz and Co 8.Shamei Building
emjayy.l
48 likes • 1.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Free Entry Alert!

Enjoy this historical gem without spending a dime. Perfect for budget travelers! Instagram+1

📸 Capture the Skyline

Don't miss the unique skyline views framed by the museum's classical architecture. Instagram+1

⏳ Allow Time for Exhibits

Explore the history of mail and admire the impressive stamp collection. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Area

The museum is in a historical district with other interesting buildings and shops. Reddit

🗣️ Limited English Signage

Be prepared for minimal English explanations; focus on visual displays. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(95 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Shanghai Postal Museum for its free admission, impressive historical architecture, and unique insights into China's postal past, including fascinating stamp collections and a pneumatic tube demonstration. Some note limited English signage, but the visual exhibits and unexpected skyline views make it a worthwhile stop for many.

"Housed in the 1924 post office, the marble counters still bear grooves from millions of parcel strings. The stamp collection reveals how 1950s issues used vegetable-based inks that change color under UV light. The pneumatic tube system demonstration shows how 1930s Shanghai moved mail at 40km/h - faster than today's local trains."

Arman Khachatryan

"Either you really have nothing to do or you're really into stamps. I fall into the former category. I personally have seen a ton of stuff in Shanghai and was really scraping the bottom of the barrel in terms of museums. The English signage in this museum is pretty lacking but it's also free. It goes through history of mail in China in general then goes through Shanghai's mail history."

Mike X

"These is a great Historical area in the Shanghai district, with plenty of historical buildings, beautiful scenery, very old district, the so rounding streets you find old kinds of restaurants for all packets sizes, antique stores, cutlery’s, fine ceramics, metro near by, safe to walk around , so have your cameras ready"

Pepe Duarte Jurado

What People Like

Free admission
Historic architecture
Stamp collection

What People Dislike

Limited English signage

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is easily accessible by metro. Take Line 10 to the East Nanjing Road station, which is a short walk away. It's also part of a scenic city stroll route. InstagramReddit

Yes, it's located in a historical area with many other points of interest, including bridges and old buildings, making it ideal for a walking tour. InstagramReddit

Many visitors enjoy incorporating it into a broader city exploration, walking from nearby bridges and historical streets. InstagramReddit

Information on dedicated parking is scarce, but public transport is highly recommended due to the central location. Reddit

While not directly on the Bund, it's within reasonable walking distance for those who enjoy exploring Shanghai's historic districts on foot. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission to the Shanghai Postal Museum is completely free, making it a fantastic budget-friendly option for visitors. Instagram+1

No advance booking is typically required as entry is free. You can usually just walk in. Instagram

Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the latest information before your visit, but it's generally open during standard museum hours. Reddit

Occasionally, special events like pop-up post offices by brands like Louis Vuitton have occurred. Keep an eye on local listings for current happenings. Instagram

While the museum showcases stamps, it's primarily an exhibition space. Specific souvenir sales information is not widely available. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore the history of mail in China and Shanghai, see a vast stamp collection, and witness a demonstration of the pneumatic tube system. Reddit

Yes, the museum's architecture is beautiful, and there are unique views of the Shanghai skyline from certain vantage points. InstagramReddit+1

Information on guided tours is limited, and English signage can be sparse, so self-exploration is common. Reddit

It showcases how mail was rapidly transported in the 1930s, offering a fascinating glimpse into historical logistics. Reddit

While the main areas are generally accessible, specific details on full accessibility should be confirmed directly with the museum. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The museum itself does not typically have dining facilities. However, the surrounding historical district offers numerous dining options. Reddit

The area around the museum has a variety of restaurants, from traditional Chinese cuisine to international options, catering to different tastes and budgets. Reddit

It's generally advisable to consume food and drinks outside the exhibition areas of museums. Check for specific museum policies. Reddit

Yes, the surrounding streets often feature charming cafes where you can relax and enjoy a beverage. InstagramReddit

Explore the streets like Sichuan Road or Beijing East Road for a wide selection of eateries, from local snacks to sit-down meals. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The museum's grand facade, the interior architecture, and the unique skyline views from its windows or rooftop garden are prime photo opportunities. InstagramReddit+1

Generally, photography for personal use is permitted, but it's always good practice to check for any specific restrictions on flash or tripods. Reddit

Photography of the stamp exhibits is usually allowed, but be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash if it's prohibited. Reddit

A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is useful for both interior architecture and skyline shots. A wide-angle lens can capture the grandeur of the building. Instagram

Drone usage is heavily regulated in Shanghai, especially in urban areas. It's highly unlikely to be permitted near the museum or for capturing skyline views. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Shanghai Postal Museum can be an engaging stop for families, especially if children are curious about how things worked in the past. The pneumatic tube system demonstration is often a hit with younger visitors, offering a visual and dynamic exhibit. While English signage is limited, the visual nature of stamp collections and historical artifacts can still capture a child's attention. Reddit

Consider framing the visit as a treasure hunt for historical communication tools. The free admission makes it an excellent option for families on a budget. The surrounding historical district also offers opportunities for exploration, making it part of a larger, family-friendly walking tour. InstagramReddit

💰 Budget Travelers

This museum is a dream for budget-conscious travelers as admission is completely free. It offers a substantial historical and architectural experience without any cost. Instagram+1

Combine your visit with exploring the surrounding historical streets and bridges, which are also free to wander. This allows for a rich cultural experience in Shanghai without significant expenditure. InstagramReddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Photographers will find the Shanghai Postal Museum a rewarding location. The grand 1924 architecture both inside and out provides excellent subjects. Don't miss the opportunity to capture the unique skyline views framed by classical elements, offering a distinctive perspective on Shanghai. InstagramReddit+1

While the stamp exhibits are interesting, focus on the building's details and the interplay between old and new Shanghai visible from its vantage points. The limited crowds during off-peak hours can also make for a more relaxed shooting experience. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Architectural Marvel

The Shanghai Postal Museum is housed in a magnificent building constructed in 1924. Its classical architecture stands as a testament to Shanghai's historical international influence. The exterior features grand columns and intricate detailing, making it a striking landmark. Inside, visitors can still see elements like the original marble counters, some bearing grooves from countless parcel strings, offering a tangible connection to its past operational life. InstagramReddit

The building itself is a significant draw, even for those not deeply interested in postal history. Its grandeur provides a unique backdrop for photographs, contrasting with the modern skyscrapers of Shanghai's skyline visible from its windows. The architectural style evokes a sense of old-world charm and historical significance that is increasingly rare in rapidly developing cities. InstagramReddit

This historical structure not only preserves a piece of Shanghai's heritage but also offers a unique perspective on the city's evolution. It's a place where history, architecture, and a touch of modern city views converge, making it a worthwhile stop for any visitor appreciating historical buildings. Instagram

A Journey Through Mail History

The museum offers a comprehensive look at the evolution of mail services, starting from ancient methods to more modern systems. A key highlight is the stamp collection, which showcases the artistry and historical context of postage stamps issued over the decades. Some of these vintage stamps are noted for their unique properties, such as using vegetable-based inks that react to UV light, changing color and revealing hidden details. Reddit

Beyond stamps, the museum vividly illustrates the operational side of postal services. A particularly engaging exhibit is the pneumatic tube system demonstration. This technology, prevalent in the 1930s, allowed for rapid mail transport within the city, reaching speeds faster than many contemporary local trains. Witnessing this demonstration provides a fascinating insight into the ingenuity of past communication networks. Reddit

While English signage can be limited, the visual displays and the sheer historical artifacts speak volumes. The museum effectively tells the story of how communication has shaped Shanghai and China, making it an educational and intriguing experience for visitors interested in history and technology. Reddit

Unexpected Skyline Views

One of the most surprising aspects of the Shanghai Postal Museum is the unexpected views of the city's iconic skyline. While primarily an institution dedicated to postal history, its location and architecture offer unique vantage points that are not commonly found elsewhere. Visitors can catch glimpses of Shanghai's modern skyscrapers framed by the museum's classical windows. Instagram+1

Some accounts mention a rooftop garden or specific windows that provide these scenic overlooks. This juxtaposition of historical grandeur with contemporary urban landscapes creates a visually striking experience. It's a reminder of how Shanghai has transformed over the years, with the museum standing as a silent witness to this evolution. InstagramReddit

For photographers and travelers looking for a different perspective on Shanghai's famous skyline, the Postal Museum offers a charming and less crowded alternative to more popular viewing platforms. It’s a delightful bonus to an already interesting and free museum visit. Instagram

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