Madame Tussauds Shanghai
Madame Tussauds Shanghai, located in the heart of the city’s bustling Nanjing West Road Pedestrian Street, is Asia’s premier celebrity wax attraction and a cornerstone of Shanghai’s entertainment scene. Opened in 2006 as the brand’s sixth global location, it features over 80 lifelike wax figures of international and Chinese icons, blending artistry with interactive technology. Covering 20,000 square meters across two floors, the museum immerses visitors in themed zones spanning Hollywood glamour, Chinese history, sports legends, and pop culture. A favorite among tourists and locals alike, it merges education with playful photo ops, offering a "star-studded" journey through fame and fantasy.
Historical Overview
2004–2006: Merlin Entertainments Group partnered with Shanghai’s Huyi Group to adapt the classic Madame Tussauds concept for Chinese audiences.
2006 Opening: Launched with 65 figures, including Yao Ming, Audrey Hepburn, and Chairman Mao.
2010 Expansion: Added the "Marvel Super Heroes 4D Cinema" and "A-List Party" zone.
2016–2020: Introduced AR-powered "Voice of the Stars" audio guides and AI-generated "Meet Your Star" photo kiosks.
2023: Debuted the "Metaverse Experience Hall," blending wax figures with holographic projections.
Key milestones include hosting the 2008 Beijing Olympics torch relay and collaborating with Chinese filmmakers to create figures like Jet Li (Fearless) and Gong Li (Memoirs of a Geisha).
Structural Layout
The museum spans two interactive floors with seven themed zones:
1. Glamour Zone (1F):Red-carpet photo ops with Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, and local stars like Yang Mi.
"A-List Party" room with disco balls and virtual dance-offs.
2. History & Leaders (1F):Figures of Sun Yat-sen, Qing Dynasty empresses, and modern politicians.
Interactive "Emperor’s Robing" station (try on imperial costumes).
3. Sports Arena (1F):David Beckham’s penalty kick challenge and Yao Ming’s basketball hoop game.
4. Music Icons (2F):K-pop zone with BTS and BLACKPINK, plus a "Rock God" stage with Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran.
5. Marvel Universe (2F):4D cinema with Spider-Man web-slinging effects and Iron Man suit-up simulators.
6. Film & TV (2F):Avatar’s Neytiri in a bioluminescent forest and Jurassic World’s Velociraptor encounter.
7. Shanghai Celebrities (2F):Local legends like martial artist Bruce Lee, director Zhang Yimou, and esports star Uzi.
Major Attractions
1. "Royal Tea Party" (1F):Sip virtual tea with Queen Elizabeth II and Prince William while posing for a "royal portrait."
2. "Shanghai Fashion Week" (2F):Walk a digital runway with holographic models and AI-generated fashion critiques.
3. "Voice of the Stars" AR Tour:Scan figures to hear them "speak" in Mandarin or English via a mobile app.
4. "Marvel Hero Training" (2F):Test your "superpowers" in a motion-sensor battle against Thanos.
5. "Star Maker" Studio (2F):Design a wax figure’s outfit and pose with it in a virtual fashion magazine cover.
Suggested Itineraries
- Quick Snap Tour (1–1.5 hours):
Glamour Zone (5 mins) → History & Leaders (10 mins) → Sports Arena (10 mins) → Marvel Universe (15 mins) → Shanghai Celebrities (10 mins) → Exit via gift shop.
Highlights: Iconic photo ops with Marilyn Monroe, Messi, and Captain America.
- Classic Experience (2–3 hours):
Glamour Zone → History & Leaders → Sports Arena → Music Icons → Film & TV → "Royal Tea Party" (15 mins) → "Shanghai Fashion Week" (20 mins).
Highlights: K-pop dances, 4D cinema thrills, and a "virtual" audience with Mao Zedong.
- All-Day Immersion (4–5 hours):
Morning: 9 AM arrival for crowd-free Marvel battles → "Voice of the Stars" AR tour → "Star Maker" design workshop.
Afternoon: Lunch at the café (themed snacks like "Captain America Shield Cakes") → "Hero Training" challenges → Behind-the-Scenes Wax Figure Workshop (seasonal).
Evening: Final fashion runway show + souvenir hunting.
Highlights: Exclusive workshops, AI interactions, and VIP photo packages.
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book via Madame Tussauds Shanghai’s official website, Fliggy, or Meituan (up to 14 days in advance).
On-Site: Tickets available at the entrance (queues peak 11 AM–2 PM).
- Prices:
Standard Ticket: ¥199 (adults), ¥149 (students/seniors), free for children under 1m.
Fast Track Pass: ¥259 (skip lines; includes "Marvel Hero Training" priority access).
Annual Pass: ¥499 (unlimited visits + 10% off merchandise).
Transportation
By Subway:Line 2/10: Nanjing West Road Station (Exit 6), 1-minute walk. Line 1/2/8: People’s Square Station (Exit 19), 8-minute walk.
By Bus: Routes 20, 37, or 49 to Nanjing West Road Shimen Road Stop.
By Taxi: Direct to Madame Tussauds Shanghai, 10th Floor, New World City, 1037 Nanjing West Road.
Departure: Exit via the museum’s rooftop terrace (overlooking People’s Square) or B1 to the metro.
Best Time & Tips
Peak Hours: Avoid 11 AM–3 PM (school groups/tour buses); visit 9–10 AM or 4–6 PM.
Crowds: Weekends and Chinese holidays (e.g., National Day) are jammed; weekdays are calmer.
Weather: Indoor venue—ideal rainy-day activity.
- Essentials:
Charge your phone (200+ photo ops possible).
Wear bright colors (avoid all-black for better photos).
Photography allowed (no flash near delicate figures).
Prohibited Items: Outside food, large bags (lockers available at ¥10/day), and professional photography equipment.
Insider Tip: Combine with a visit to the Shanghai Natural History Museum (B2 of New World City) or a stroll along Nanjing West Road for a full day of family fun.
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What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
