Louis Vuitton Ship in Shanghai: Location, Free Entry & Guide

Have you seen the giant Louis Vuitton ship in Shanghai? Known as The Louis, this ship-shaped building has become one of the city's most eye-catching attractions. Located along West Nanjing Road, it brings together a Louis Vuitton exhibition, luxury boutique and café in one place.

If you're travelling from the Philippines to Shanghai, The Louis is worth adding to your itinerary, even if you're not planning to shop. Here's what you need to know about its location, opening hours, free exhibition, reservations and how to get there.

What Is the Louis Vuitton Ship in Shanghai?

The Louis Vuitton Ship in Shanghai, officially called The Louis, is a three-storey, ship-shaped Louis Vuitton concept space that opened to the public on 28 June 2025.

Unlike a regular Louis Vuitton store, The Louis combines fashion, art, dining and shopping. Its design celebrates the brand's history of making travel trunks while reflecting Shanghai's past as an important international port.

The building is approximately 114.5 metres long and 30 metres high, making it a striking landmark along West Nanjing Road.

Where Is the Louis Vuitton Ship in Shanghai?

The Louis is located at HKRI Taikoo Hui, 789 West Nanjing Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai.

It's in one of Shanghai's busiest shopping areas, surrounded by shopping malls, restaurants, cafés and luxury stores.

The location is convenient for tourists because it is accessible by metro and can easily be included in a day of sightseeing.

How to Get to the Louis Vuitton Ship in Shanghai

Getting There by Metro

The Shanghai Metro is one of the easiest ways to reach The Louis.

1. Take Metro Line 2, 12 or 13.
2. Get off at West Nanjing Road Station.
3. Follow the signs towards HKRI Taikoo Hui.
4. Walk to the outdoor area where the Louis Vuitton ship is located.

Check the station signs for the most convenient exit, as station access may vary.

What Can You See Inside the Louis Vuitton Ship in Shanghai?

There are three main experiences inside The Louis: the Visionary Journeys exhibition, Louis Vuitton boutique and Le Café Louis Vuitton.

1. Visionary Journeys Exhibition

The Visionary Journeys Exhibition is one of the main reasons to visit The Louis.

Spread across two floors, the exhibition introduces visitors to the history of Louis Vuitton, from its early travel trunks to its modern fashion collections.

It features creative displays, historical pieces and immersive installations that show how the brand has changed over the years.

Highlights include:

• Trunkscape: An illuminated installation created from Louis Vuitton trunks, designed by OMA/Shohei Shigematsu.
• Craftsmanship Displays: Discover how Louis Vuitton's travel goods are designed and made.
• Fashion Collections: Explore pieces representing different periods of Louis Vuitton's fashion history.
• Perfume Displays: Learn about the brand's history of fragrances and perfume bottles.
• Travel Heritage: See how Louis Vuitton's early luggage and travel trunks influenced its identity.

Even if you're not familiar with luxury fashion, the exhibition offers plenty of interesting displays and photo opportunities.

💡 Pro Tip: Allow at least 30–60 minutes for the exhibition, especially if you enjoy taking photos. Check the photography rules inside, as some areas may have restrictions.

2. Louis Vuitton Boutique

The Louis also has a boutique where visitors can browse Louis Vuitton products.

The store features a selection of the brand's signature collections, including:

• Handbags and Leather Goods: Explore Louis Vuitton's popular bags, wallets and other leather accessories.
• Shoes and Fashion Accessories: Browse footwear and accessories for men and women.
• Travel Accessories: Discover products inspired by the brand's travel heritage.
• Personalisation Services: Ask the store about available hot-stamping options for selected purchases.

You don't need to buy anything to appreciate the store's interior and displays.

📝 Note: Product availability, exclusive collections and personalisation services may vary. Ask the boutique staff if you're looking for a specific item.

3. Le Café Louis Vuitton

Want to enjoy a meal or coffee inside the Louis Vuitton ship?

Located on the third floor, Le Café Louis Vuitton offers a dining experience inspired by French cuisine and Shanghai's local food culture.

The café's design also reflects the ship theme, creating an interesting setting for visitors who want to take a break from sightseeing.

Here's what you can expect:

• French-Inspired Dishes: A selection of meals combining French cooking techniques with local influences.
• Desserts: Carefully presented sweet treats.
• Drinks: A range of café beverages.
• Stylish Interior: A dining space inspired by the Louis Vuitton brand and its travel heritage.

How Much Does Le Café Louis Vuitton Cost?

Le Café Louis Vuitton is a luxury dining venue, so visitors should expect higher prices than at regular cafés in Shanghai.

Prices depend on the dishes, drinks and dining experience you choose.

Before visiting:

• Check the latest menu and prices.
• Ask whether advance reservations are required.
• Confirm available dining times.
• Check whether deposits or additional charges apply.

⚠️ Important: Café reservations are separate from exhibition reservations. Booking the exhibition does not automatically guarantee a café table.

Is the Louis Vuitton Ship in Shanghai Free?

The Visionary Journeys exhibition at The Louis offers free admission, but visitors should arrange their entry reservation in advance.

You don't need to purchase a Louis Vuitton product to visit the exhibition.

However, different experiences have different arrangements.

⚠️ Important: Entry arrangements may change during special events, private functions or busy periods. Always check the latest availability before your visit.

How to Book the Louis Vuitton Ship in Shanghai

Visitors can make exhibition reservations through Louis Vuitton's official reservation channels.

Shanghai's official tourism information identifies the My LV WeChat mini programme as a reservation method.

Book Through WeChat

Follow these steps to reserve your exhibition visit:

1. Open WeChat on your phone.
2. Search for the official My LV (我的专属LV) mini programme.
3. Find the Visionary Journeys section.
4. Select Exhibition.
5. Choose your preferred visiting date and available time slot.
6. Complete the reservation using the requested details.
7. Keep your booking confirmation ready for entry.

Booking screens and available options may change over time.

Can You Visit Without a Reservation?

You can view and photograph the exterior of The Louis without booking an exhibition ticket.

However, if you want to enter the Visionary Journeys exhibition, it's best to reserve your visit before arriving.

Walk-in availability is not guaranteed, particularly during weekends and public holidays.

Best Photo Spots at the Louis Vuitton Ship in Shanghai

The Louis has become a popular photography location because of its unusual ship design.

You don't need to enter the building to take photos of its exterior.

1. Front of the Louis Vuitton Ship

The outdoor area near the ship is one of the easiest places to take photos.

Try standing farther back to capture more of the building and its large Louis Vuitton branding.

2. West Nanjing Road

From the surrounding streets, you can photograph the ship with Shanghai's modern buildings in the background.

This angle helps show how unusual the structure looks in the middle of the city.

3. The Louis at Night

The building looks especially impressive after dark when its exterior lighting becomes more noticeable.

Evening visits are a good option for travellers who want photographs of the illuminated ship.

Best Time to Take Photos

💡 Pro Tip: Visit during the late afternoon if you want both daytime and evening photos. You can explore nearby shops or restaurants while waiting for the lights to become more visible.

Things to Do Near the Louis Vuitton Ship in Shanghai

The Louis is located in central Shanghai, so you can combine your visit with several nearby attractions.

1. HKRI Taikoo Hui

HKRI Taikoo Hui is the shopping complex where The Louis is located.

You can browse stores, visit restaurants or enjoy a coffee before or after seeing the ship.

2. Starbucks Reserve Roastery Shanghai

The Starbucks Reserve Roastery on West Nanjing Road is another popular stop in the area.

It's known for its large interior, coffee-related displays and selection of drinks.

If you enjoy café hopping, consider visiting both places on the same day.

3. West Nanjing Road

West Nanjing Road is one of Shanghai's major shopping streets.

You can explore luxury boutiques, shopping malls, restaurants and cafés while walking around the neighbourhood.

4. Jing'an Temple

Jing'an Temple is a well-known Buddhist temple surrounded by modern city buildings.

It offers a different experience from the luxury shopping area around The Louis and can be reached by metro or a longer walk.

5. The Bund

The Bund is one of Shanghai's most famous sightseeing areas, known for its historic waterfront buildings and views across the Huangpu River.

Although it's not within the immediate walking area of The Louis, it's easy to combine both attractions in one day's itinerary using the metro.

Tips for Visiting the Louis Vuitton Ship in Shanghai

Here are some useful tips to make your visit easier.

• Book Your Exhibition Visit Early: Reserve your preferred time slot in advance, especially during weekends and public holidays.
• Take the Shanghai Metro: Use Lines 2, 12 or 13 to reach West Nanjing Road Station, which is close to The Louis.
• Visit in the Late Afternoon: Take photos of the ship during daylight and stay until evening to see its illuminated exterior.
• Explore Without Shopping: You don't need to buy Louis Vuitton products to enjoy the building or visit the free exhibition with a reservation.
• Check Café Reservations: If you want to dine at Le Café Louis Vuitton, confirm table availability and booking requirements beforehand.
• Stay Connected in China: Get a China eSIM to access maps, transport information and reservation details during your trip.
• Check Visa Requirements: Filipino passport holders generally need a Chinese tourist visa to visit Shanghai unless they qualify for a specific exemption.
• Book Flights Early: Compare flights from Manila to Shanghai to find suitable fares and flight schedules.

Is the Louis Vuitton Ship in Shanghai Worth Visiting?

Yes, The Louis is worth visiting if you enjoy photography, fashion, shopping or unique architecture.

It's especially interesting because the building combines an unusual ship-shaped exterior with a cultural exhibition, boutique and luxury café.

Even if you don't plan to shop or dine, you can still enjoy seeing the ship from outside. If you're interested in the history of Louis Vuitton, reserve a place at the Visionary Journeys exhibition for a closer look.

The convenient location along West Nanjing Road also makes it easy to add to your Shanghai sightseeing itinerary.