Shanghai Natural History Museum

Historical Overview

• 1956 Origins: Established as part of the Shanghai Science Education Film Studio, focusing on biological specimens.
• 1980s Expansion: Moved to a dedicated site in Hongkou District, becoming a standalone museum.
• 2001–2015 Reconstruction: Relocated to Jing’an and rebuilt with a futuristic spiral design, reopening as a global benchmark for natural history museums.
• 2025 Updates: Added virtual reality zones and expanded climate change exhibits.

Structural Layout

The museum’s spiral architecture mirrors life’s evolution, with three main zones:

1. Lower Level (Origin of Life):
   • Gallery of Life: Traces Earth’s formation to the Cambrian explosion via fossilized stromatolites and early marine life models.
   • Dinosaur Dynasty: Features a 26-meter-long Mamenchisaurus skeleton and interactive dinosaur-hunting simulations.
2. Middle Level (Evolution of Species):
   • Biodiversity Hall: Showcases 1,500 preserved specimens, including giant pandas, polar bears, and tropical birds.
   • Human Evolution Zone: Replicas of Homo erectus skulls and tools from Zhoukoudian site.
3. Upper Level (Sustainable Future):
   • Ecosystem Pavilion: A 3D digital globe projecting real-time climate data.
   • Future Lab: Hands-on workshops on recycling and renewable energy.

Key structures:

• Spiral Ramp: A 150-meter walkway connecting all floors, lined with fossil displays.
• Rooftop Garden: A living exhibit of Shanghai’s native plants and insect hotels.

Major Attractions

1. Mamenchisaurus Skeleton: One of the world’s most complete sauropod fossils, discovered in Sichuan (1957).
2. Diatom Wall: A 30-meter-long installation of 10,000+ microscopic algae specimens under LED lighting.
3. Live Butterfly House: A tropical greenhouse with over 50 butterfly species.
4. 4D Cinema: Screenings of Planet Earth with simulated wind and scent effects.
5. Paleo Lab: Watch scientists restore fossils in a glass-walled workshop.

Suggested Itineraries

1. Family Route (2–3 hours):
   Entrance → Dinosaur Dynasty → Live Butterfly House → 4D Cinema → Rooftop Garden → Exit
   Highlights: Dinosaurs, insects, and child-friendly activities.

2. Scholar Route (4–5 hours):
   Entrance → Gallery of Life → Biodiversity Hall → Human Evolution Zone → Paleo Lab → Future Lab → Exit
   Highlights: Fossils, scientific research, and climate change insights.

3. Comprehensive Route (Full Day):
   Entrance → All galleries (Lower/Middle/Upper Levels) → Guided Tour → Workshops → Exit
   Highlights: In-depth exploration with expert commentary.

Ticket Purchase

• Entrance Fees (2025):
  • Standard Ticket: ¥30 (adults), ¥15 (students/seniors).
  • 4D Cinema: ¥20 (additional).
  • Free: Children under 1.3m, disabled visitors, and museum members.
• Online Booking: Reserve via the official website or WeChat mini-program “Shanghai Natural History Museum” (up to 7 days in advance).
• On-Site: Limited tickets available; queues peak at 10:00–11:00 AM.

Transportation

From Downtown Shanghai:

• By Subway: Line 13 to Natural History Museum Station (Exit 1), 2-minute walk.
• By Bus: Routes 36, 64, 109, or 136 to Shandong Zhonglu Jiangning Lu Station.
• By Taxi: 15-minute ride from People’s Square (¥25–30).

From Shanghai Hongqiao Airport:

• By Metro: Line 2 to Jing’an Temple → Transfer to Line 13 to Natural History Museum.
• By Taxi: 30 minutes (¥60–80).

Best Time & Tips

• Optimal Seasons: Year-round (air-conditioned), but avoid July–August humidity.
• Avoid Crowds: Visit weekdays before 10 AM or after 2 PM.
• Essentials:
  • ID/passport for ticket collection.
  • Comfortable shoes for spiral ramp walking.
  • Reusable water bottle (drinking fountains available).
• Photography Tips:
  • Golden Hour: Capture rooftop garden views at sunset.
  • Macro Mode: Detail shots of diatoms or butterfly wings.
• Prohibited Items: Flash photography in galleries, outside food.