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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Shanghai Postal Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Shanghai's postal history in a stunning 1924 building, featuring unique stamps and unexpected city skyline views. Free admission!
"An underrated (and free!) museum delivering history, architecture, and city views."
🎯 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

Pneumatic Tube System
Demonstration area
Witness a demonstration of the 1930s pneumatic tube system that once moved mail at impressive speeds.

Skyline Views
Rooftop garden/windows
Catch a rare glimpse of the Shanghai skyline framed by classical museum architecture.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission & Views
Navigating the Exhibits
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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.
⏳ Allow Time for Exhibits
Explore the history of mail and admire the impressive stamp collection.
🚶♀️ Explore the Area
The museum is in a historical district with other interesting buildings and shops.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 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.
⏳ Allow Time for Exhibits
Explore the history of mail and admire the impressive stamp collection.
🚶♀️ Explore the Area
The museum is in a historical district with other interesting buildings and shops.
🗣️ Limited English Signage
Be prepared for minimal English explanations; focus on visual displays.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
Many visitors enjoy incorporating it into a broader city exploration, walking from nearby bridges and historical streets.
Information on dedicated parking is scarce, but public transport is highly recommended due to the central location.
While not directly on the Bund, it's within reasonable walking distance for those who enjoy exploring Shanghai's historic districts on foot.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the Shanghai Postal Museum is completely free, making it a fantastic budget-friendly option for visitors.
No advance booking is typically required as entry is free. You can usually just walk in.
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.
Occasionally, special events like pop-up post offices by brands like Louis Vuitton have occurred. Keep an eye on local listings for current happenings.
While the museum showcases stamps, it's primarily an exhibition space. Specific souvenir sales information is not widely available.
🎫 🧭 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.
Yes, the museum's architecture is beautiful, and there are unique views of the Shanghai skyline from certain vantage points.
Information on guided tours is limited, and English signage can be sparse, so self-exploration is common.
It showcases how mail was rapidly transported in the 1930s, offering a fascinating glimpse into historical logistics.
While the main areas are generally accessible, specific details on full accessibility should be confirmed directly with the museum.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum itself does not typically have dining facilities. However, the surrounding historical district offers numerous dining options.
The area around the museum has a variety of restaurants, from traditional Chinese cuisine to international options, catering to different tastes and budgets.
It's generally advisable to consume food and drinks outside the exhibition areas of museums. Check for specific museum policies.
Yes, the surrounding streets often feature charming cafes where you can relax and enjoy a beverage.
Explore the streets like Sichuan Road or Beijing East Road for a wide selection of eateries, from local snacks to sit-down meals.
📸 📸 Photography
The museum's grand facade, the interior architecture, and the unique skyline views from its windows or rooftop garden are prime photo opportunities.
Generally, photography for personal use is permitted, but it's always good practice to check for any specific restrictions on flash or tripods.
Photography of the stamp exhibits is usually allowed, but be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash if it's prohibited.
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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
💰 Budget Travelers
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.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Marvel
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.
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.
A Journey Through Mail History
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.
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.
Unexpected Skyline Views
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.
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit