China Art Museum is located at No. 205 South Shangyang Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai. It was formerly the China Pavilion of Expo 2010 Shanghai World Expo, and was officially renamed and opened to the public on October 1, 2012. Focusing on displaying treasures of modern and contemporary Chinese art, the museum integrates traditional Chinese architectural aesthetics with modern design concepts, making it an important art exhibition and exchange platform in Shanghai and even across China. The main building of China Art Museum stands 69 meters high, with a construction area of approximately 64,000 square meters and a total land area of about 6.4 hectares. Designed in the concept of “Oriental Crown”, it features a dougong bracket structure that highlights the charm of traditional Chinese architecture and modern construction techniques. The museum houses various exhibition halls, lecture halls, and public education spaces, capable of accommodating a large number of visitors at the same time. It is a grand art complex integrating art exhibition, collection, research, and education.
History and Culture
The building of China Art Museum carries special historical memories. As the core pavilion of Expo 2010 Shanghai, the former China Pavilion received more than 10 million visitors from home and abroad during the Expo, serving as a key window to showcase Chinese culture and development achievements. After the Expo, the Shanghai Municipal Government decided to transform this landmark into a public cultural venue dedicated to displaying Chinese art treasures, naming it “China Art Museum”. It also integrated the collection resources of the former Shanghai Art Museum, realizing the optimal integration of cultural resources.
Rooted in the development of modern and contemporary Chinese art, China Art Museum's collection covers various artworks from the late Qing Dynasty to the present, including paintings, sculptures, calligraphy, and seal carving, among which are masterpieces by renowned artists such as Xu Beihong, Zhang Daqian, and Liu Haisu. The museum is committed not only to the exhibition and collection of artworks but also to inheriting and promoting excellent traditional Chinese culture through academic seminars, art exchanges, and public education programs, promoting cultural communication between China and the world, and becoming an important part of Shanghai's urban cultural identity.
Major Attractions
Digital Version of Along the River During the Qingming Festival Exhibition Area
The Digital Version of Along the River During the Qingming Festival Exhibition Area is one of the most representative attractions in China Art Museum, located on the 49-meter level. Using modern digital multimedia technology, the exhibition dynamically presents the ancient painting Along the River During the Qingming Festival by Zhang Zeduan of the Northern Song Dynasty. The artwork stretches 128 meters in length and 6.5 meters in height, 30 times larger than the original. It vividly recreates the urban life, architectural styles, and folk customs of Bianjing, the capital of the Northern Song Dynasty. Visitors can intuitively experience the dynamic scenes of figures, carriages, and boats in the scroll, immersing themselves in the charm of this timeless masterpiece. Since its opening, this exhibition area has become a must-visit spot for tourists.
41-meter Level Exhibition Halls
The 41-meter Level Exhibition Halls are among the core exhibition areas of China Art Museum, covering thousands of square meters and divided into multiple independent halls. They mainly display modern and contemporary Chinese fine art, including oil paintings, Chinese paintings, and prints, arranged by art schools, creation periods, and artist groups to systematically show the development of modern and contemporary Chinese art. Permanent exhibitions here include “Bright Moon over the Sea — Origins of Modern and Contemporary Chinese Art”, fully presenting the characteristics of the Shanghai School and other regional art schools in China.
33-meter Level Public Art Space
The 33-meter Level Public Art Space is located in the middle of the building, covering an area of about 2,000 square meters. It features an open and interactive display style, focusing on contemporary artworks and public art installations. The space balances art exhibition and public participation, with interactive art experience zones and cultural and creative display areas. Visitors can engage closely with contemporary art creations. Small art salons and hands-on workshops are occasionally held here, making it an important link between professional art and the general audience.
Visiting Route
The recommended classic visiting route for China Art Museum is as follows: Enter the museum from the South Gate, go to the 1st-floor lobby to get a guidebook, then take the direct elevator to the 49-meter level to visit the Digital Version of Along the River During the Qingming Festival Exhibition Area first, with a recommended visiting time of about 40 minutes to fully experience the dynamic scroll. After that, walk to the 41-meter level to tour permanent exhibitions such as “Bright Moon over the Sea”, taking about 1.5 hours to systematically understand the development of modern and contemporary Chinese art. Next, proceed to the 33-meter level to experience the interactive exhibitions in the Public Art Space, with a suggested duration of about 1 hour, where you can join small art activities. Finally, return to the 1st floor to visit temporary exhibition areas and cultural and creative stores. If time permits, you can go to the art square on the west side of the museum to enjoy outdoor art installations. The entire route takes about 3–4 hours, covering all major attractions.
Tips for Visiting
- The recommended visiting time is 3–4 hours; allow 5–6 hours for an in-depth tour to avoid rushing.
- The Digital Version of Along the River During the Qingming Festival loops every 30 minutes. Check the schedule in advance to avoid peak crowds.
- Free guided tours are available at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., gathering at the 1st-floor information desk. Joining a tour helps you better understand the exhibits.
- You may bring a portable water bottle. Free water stations and rest areas are available inside the museum.
- The museum extends opening hours to 21:00 every Friday and Saturday, with fewer visitors, ideal for off-peak visits.
Notes
- Flash photography and touching exhibits are prohibited in all halls. Photography is not allowed in some special exhibitions; please follow on-site signs.
- Pets, flammable and explosive items, and large luggage are not permitted. Free luggage storage is available on the 1st floor; please keep valuables with you.
- Keep quiet during your visit. No loud talking, chasing, or playing to respect other visitors.
- A dining area is located on the west side of the 1st floor where light meals and drinks are available. Food is not allowed in exhibition halls.
- In case of temporary exhibition changes or hall maintenance, announcements will be posted on the official WeChat account. Check the latest updates before your visit.
Transportation
- Metro: Take Shanghai Metro Line 8 to China Art Museum Station (formerly Zhoujiadu Station), exit from Gate 3, and walk about 300 meters to the South Gate; take Metro Line 7 to Yaohua Road Station, exit from Gate 4, and walk about 500 meters.
- Bus: Take buses 177, 82, 314, 454, 576, 734, 974, etc., to Shibo Avenue & Shangnan Road Station, then walk about 200 meters.
- Self-driving: A parking lot is available near the museum at No. 205 South Shangyang Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai. Parking spaces are relatively available during off-peak weekdays; public transport is recommended on holidays.
Opening Hours
Open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 18:00, with last entry at 17:00. Closed every Monday (except statutory holidays). During statutory holidays, opening hours are 9:00–18:00, last entry at 17:00. In addition, extended opening hours until 21:00 apply every Friday and Saturday, with last entry at 20:00.
Tickets
Free admission. The MR immersive art experience exhibition costs 98 yuan. Special exhibitions may require tickets. You can search the official WeChat account “中华艺术宫” on WeChat for the latest updates and online reservations.
Online Booking
Click here to jump to the Trip.com ticketing platform for ticket purchase.