4 Museums in Shanghai for Kids Aged 8–16
Shanghai Maritime Museum
Address: No. 197, Shengan Avenue, Lingang New City, Pudong New Area, Shanghai (near Dishui Lake)
Opening Hours
• Tuesday to Sunday: 9:30–16:00 (last admission at 15:30)
Exhibitions
• Maritime History Hall: Divided into three exhibition areas: ancient, modern, and contemporary, showcasing the invention and evolution of Chinese maritime technology
• Ship Hall: Showcasing ship structures, equipment, and construction, with a 1:6 scale model of a large 10,000-ton cargo ship
• Seafarer Hall: Showcasing objects and documents related to seafarers' work and life, with a navigation simulator
• Navigation and Port Hall: Showcasing cultural relics and objects related to the marine environment, ports, and waterways
• Maritime and Maritime Safety Hall: Showcasing maritime history, maritime supervision and law enforcement, maritime rescue, and maritime salvage
• Military Navigation Hall: Showcasing the construction of the Chinese People's Navy and knowledge of warships
• Maritime Sports and Leisure Exhibition Area: Showcasing objects and models related to maritime sports and leisure
• Marine Exhibition Area: Showcasing marine natural knowledge and precious marine biological specimens
• Planetarium and 4D Cinema: Providing science experiences
• Restaurant: A restaurant on the first floor offers Chinese set meals
Shanghai Astronomy Museum
Address: No. 380, Lingang Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai
Opening Hours
• 9:30–16:00 daily
Ticket Prices
• Movie tickets: 8K dome theater CNY 40/person, advance reservation required
Exhibitions
• "Home" Exhibition Hall: Introducing the Earth and the solar system, showcasing solar system models, meteorites, and other exhibits
• "Universe" Exhibition Hall: Showcasing cosmic phenomena and theories such as the Big Bang, black holes, and galaxies
• "Journey" Exhibition Hall: A panoramic display of the human exploration of the universe, including the Chang'e lunar exploration, space laboratories, and Mars exploration programs
• "Chinese Astronomy" Exhibition Area: Showcasing ancient Chinese astronomical achievements and culture
• "Curious Planet" Exhibition Area: Suitable for children aged 3–6, with interactive exhibits such as iceberg slides
Transportation
• Public transportation: Take Metro Line 16 to Dishui Lake Station, then walk or take a bus
Shanghai Natural History Museum
Address: No. 510, Beijing West Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai (inside Jing'an Sculpture Park)
Opening Hours
• Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00–17:00 (last admission at 16:00), closed on Mondays
Exhibitions
• Permanent Exhibition Areas: Including 10 exhibition areas such as the Mystery of Origins, the River of Life, the Path of Evolution, the Earth Exploration, the Colorful Life, the Ecological Phenomena, the Wisdom of Survival, the Human-Earth Connection, the Shanghai Story, and the Future Road
• Featured Exhibits: Precious specimens such as the "Yellow River Ancient Elephant" and the "Mamenchisaurus"
Transportation
• Metro: Take Metro Line 1 to Xinzha Road Station (Exit 1), Line 2 to Nanjing West Road Station (Exit 2), or Line 13 to Natural History Museum Station
• Bus: Take Bus 36, 19, 64, 136, 955, 41, 109, 301, 927, 324, 104, etc.