Urban Planning Exhibition Center People's Square Shanghai
Explore Shanghai's past, present, and future through captivating scale models and interactive exhibits. A free, insightful glimpse into urban developm...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
Urban Planning Exhibition Center People's Square Shanghai
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Shanghai's past, present, and future through captivating scale models and interactive exhibits. A free, insightful glimpse into urban development.
"Extraordinary museum! Spacious, beautiful, and imaginatively designed, outlining Shanghai's philosophy and planning."
🎯 Bring Your Passport!
A passport or valid ID is mandatory for entry. Don't forget it, or you won't get in! :passport_control:
🆓 It's Free to Enter!
Enjoy this incredible exhibition without any admission fee. A great value for a fascinating experience. :moneywithwings:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand City Model
Main Exhibition Hall
A massive, detailed scale model of Shanghai, showcasing current and future developments. It's a breathtaking glimpse into the city's evolution.
Future Vision Exhibits
Upper Floors
Explore interactive displays and videos detailing Shanghai's ambitious plans for 2035 and beyond. A truly futuristic perspective.
Immersive 3D Video
Dedicated Screening Room
A captivating 5-minute 3D film that tells Shanghai's story, taking up an entire room. A highlight for many visitors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit: Free Admission & Passport Required
Best Day to Avoid Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Bring Your Passport!
A passport or valid ID is mandatory for entry. Don't forget it, or you won't get in! +1 :passport_control:
🆓 It's Free to Enter!
Enjoy this incredible exhibition without any admission fee. A great value for a fascinating experience. +1 :moneywithwings:
🗓️ Check Opening Days
Closed on Wednesdays, not Mondays! Visiting on a Monday can mean fewer crowds. :calendar:
🗺️ Plan Your Sightseeing
Exhibits can inspire visits to other Shanghai attractions. Take notes! :compass:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Bring Your Passport!
A passport or valid ID is mandatory for entry. Don't forget it, or you won't get in! +1 :passport_control:
🆓 It's Free to Enter!
Enjoy this incredible exhibition without any admission fee. A great value for a fascinating experience. +1 :moneywithwings:
🗓️ Check Opening Days
Closed on Wednesdays, not Mondays! Visiting on a Monday can mean fewer crowds. :calendar:
🗺️ Plan Your Sightseeing
Exhibits can inspire visits to other Shanghai attractions. Take notes! :compass:
☕ Cafe with a View
Grab a drink at the top-floor cafe for a scenic view of People's Park. :coffee:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center for its free admission, fascinating scale models, and insightful look into the city's past, present, and future. The immersive 3D video and the sheer detail of the exhibits are frequently highlighted as major draws. Some visitors note that English translations could be more extensive, but the visual nature of the displays generally makes it accessible and inspiring for all.
"Loved it. It was really cool seeing shanghai from those models and all the plans they have for 2035 and 2050 and on one of the floors they had a massive moving picture that was 2 floors high. Another thing I liked was how it was free admission so you didn't have to pay. Overall it was a really fun and futuristic place and I would recommend trying it out"
6 7
"This museum is extraordinary! It was spacious, beautiful, very imaginatively designed and outlined the philosophy and planning for the city of Shanghai using scale models, panels, colourful LED displays and an incredible 5-minute video that took the space of an entire room to tell the story in 3D. It would be inspirational for anyone but especially anybody who's involved in urban planning or city governance.
Since many websites say that it is closed on Mondays like other museums and it is actually closed on WEDNESDAY we almost had the entire space to ourselves on the Monday that we went!"
Sheila Flood
"Really informative, free, and interactive. A school group was visiting on the day I went. Very cool vision for the future of Shanghai. Easily accessible via Metro or Hop-on-hop off tour bus. Bring your passport."
Erica Blesa
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The center is conveniently located on People's Square and is easily accessible via the Shanghai Metro. Lines 1, 2, and 8 all stop at People's Square Station, making it a central and straightforward destination. Hop-on-hop-off tour buses also frequently stop nearby. +1
Yes, it's very easy to find. The exhibition center is a prominent building right on People's Square, a major landmark in Shanghai. Look for its distinctive architecture.
Lines 1, 2, and 8 of the Shanghai Metro all serve People's Square Station, which is directly adjacent to the exhibition center.
Taxis are readily available in Shanghai. Simply tell your driver you want to go to the 'Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center' (上海城市规划展示馆) on People's Square.
Absolutely! It's located on People's Square, which is also home to the Shanghai Museum, Shanghai Grand Theatre, and People's Park, making it a great starting point for exploring the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is completely free! You don't need to purchase tickets in advance, but you will need to present a valid ID like a passport for entry. +1
No, advance booking is generally not required as admission is free. You can usually just go to the ticket booth and present your ID. However, it's always a good idea to check their official website for any last-minute changes.
All visitors must show a valid ID card. A passport is commonly accepted for international visitors. +1
The exhibition center is typically open from 9 AM to 5 PM, with the last entry around 4 PM. It is closed on Wednesdays.
Yes, the exhibition center is generally open on weekends. However, weekends can be busier, so consider visiting on a weekday for a less crowded experience.
🎫 🏙️ Onsite Experience
You'll find interactive exhibits, detailed scale models of Shanghai (including a massive one of the entire city), displays on the city's history, present development, and future plans up to 2035 and 2050. There's also an impressive 3D video presentation. +1
Yes, the interactive nature of many exhibits and the large-scale models can be very engaging for children. It offers a visual and educational experience about city development.
While there are English translations, some visitors have noted that more English translations would be beneficial for a deeper understanding of all exhibits.
Most visitors spend between 1.5 to 3 hours exploring the different floors and exhibits. It depends on your interest level in urban planning and city development.
Information about public Wi-Fi availability is not widely publicized, so it's best to rely on your own mobile data or a portable Wi-Fi device if you need constant connectivity. :iphone:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a small cafe on the top floor where you can enjoy a drink and take in the views of People's Park and the surrounding busy roads. :coffee:
People's Square is a bustling area with numerous restaurants, cafes, and food courts offering a wide variety of Chinese and international cuisines. You'll find options for every budget.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to consume outside food and drinks in designated areas or outside the exhibition halls to maintain the exhibits. :apple:
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed, but it's always a good idea to check for specific signage or ask staff, especially in areas with sensitive displays or during special exhibitions.
The massive city model is a prime spot for photos. The futuristic exhibits and the panoramic views from the cafe also make for great shots.
Flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect the exhibits. Be mindful of your surroundings and any posted signs. :camerawithflash:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to bring a passport or ID for everyone, as it's required for entry. While most exhibits are in Chinese, the visual nature of the displays, especially the models and videos, transcends language barriers. The free admission makes it an excellent budget-friendly option for a family outing in the heart of Shanghai. Consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid larger school groups.
🤓 Urban Planning Enthusiasts
+1The scale models are incredibly detailed, offering a tangible understanding of spatial planning. The exhibits on future development plans up to 2035 and 2050 are particularly fascinating, showcasing ambitious projects and innovative solutions. The immersive 3D video is also a highlight, offering a dynamic overview of the city's transformation.
🚶 Day-Trippers & First-Time Visitors
It offers a comprehensive overview of the city, helping you identify key areas and attractions you might want to explore further during your stay. The impressive scale model and future vision exhibits provide a great context for understanding the dynamic city you're visiting. Allocate about 1.5 to 2 hours for a good overview.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Shanghai's Urban Vision
+1One of the most striking aspects is the gigantic scale model of Shanghai, which meticulously recreates the city's landscape, including existing structures and planned developments. This model provides a tangible representation of the city's growth and the spatial considerations involved in its expansion. The center aims to engage the public in this ongoing dialogue about urban development, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and understanding.
+1For those interested in the mechanics of city building, the exhibition delves into concepts like Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), explaining how transportation hubs are integrated with urban planning to create efficient and livable environments. It also touches upon China's Five-Year Plans and how they translate into macro-level urban strategies and micro-level execution. This provides a unique perspective on how a city of Shanghai's scale is managed and envisioned.
Navigating the Exhibition Center
Key highlights include the main exhibition hall featuring the awe-inspiring city-wide model, and dedicated spaces for future vision exhibits that showcase ambitious projects and urban strategies. Many visitors also rave about the immersive 3D video presentation, which offers a dynamic and engaging way to experience Shanghai's transformation. The center is designed to be informative and visually stimulating, catering to a wide range of interests.
While the center is free to enter, remember to bring your passport or a valid ID for admission. The staff are generally helpful, and the exhibits, while primarily in Chinese, often have sufficient visual aids and English summaries to be understood by international visitors. The cafe on the top floor offers a pleasant spot to rest and reflect on what you've seen.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit