Are you looking to explore Shanghai without breaking the bank? The Bund, one of the city’s most iconic areas, offers a treasure trove of free museums that provide insights into Shanghai’s rich history and culture. This guide will take you through a carefully curated route that covers eight fascinating museums, each offering a unique glimpse into various aspects of Shanghai’s past and present. With no entry fees and a wealth of knowledge waiting to be uncovered, this journey is perfect for both locals and tourists alike. Let’s embark on this cultural adventure!
Recommended Route: Tian Tong Road Subway Station Exit 3 ➡️ Shanghai Postal Museum ➡️ China Securities Museum ➡️ Bund History Exhibition Hall ➡️ Peace Hotel Museum ➡️ Bank of China Historical Exhibition Hall ➡️ Shanghai Federation of Trade Unions ➡️ Shanghai Telecom Museum ➡️ Shanghai Ink and Brush Museum
1. Shanghai Postal Museum (上海邮政博物馆)
🗓️ Hours: Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Address: 2nd Floor, No. 395 Tian Tong Road
As one of the birthplaces of modern postal services in Shanghai, the Shanghai Postal Museum features an eye-catching Baroque-style tower. The museum is divided into four exhibition halls: Stamps, Special Exhibitions, Modern Postal Services, and the Treasure Hall. Be sure to snap a picture at the entrance to capture the museum’s stunning architecture!
2. China Securities Museum (中国证券博物馆)
🗓️ Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Address: No. 15 Huangpu Road
Housed in the former Pujiang Hotel, the China Securities Museum tells the story of the birth, development, and growth of China’s securities market. This remarkable museum combines an impressive historical building with a modern securities trading space, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in finance and history.
3. Peace Hotel Museum (和平饭店博物馆)
🗓️ Hours: Tuesday – Thursday, 2:00 PM – 2:20 PM
📍 Address: No. 20 Nanjing East Road
Renowned as the “first hotel in the Far East,” the Peace Hotel boasts Gothic architecture influenced by the Chicago School. This iconic Bund landmark is steeped in history, hosting numerous legendary stories that unfolded within its walls, including tales featured in films like The Listener and Fan Hua.
4. Shanghai Federation of Trade Unions Labor Model Pavilion (上海市总工会劳模风采馆)
🗓️ Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Address: No. 14 Zhongshan East 1st Road
The Labor Model Pavilion reflects the spirit and achievements of Shanghai’s labor models. Through various exhibits, visitors can explore the historical changes in the city and gain valuable insights into Shanghai’s labor movement. This museum offers an excellent opportunity for informal learning about the city’s history.
5. Bund History Exhibition Hall (外滩历史纪念馆)
🗓️ Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
📍 Address: No. 475 Zhongshan East 1st Road
Using a blend of precious historical photographs and modern multimedia technology, the Bund History Exhibition Hall narrates the evolution of the Bund. The museum showcases the past and present of the Bund’s historic buildings, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of the area’s architectural and cultural significance.
6. Bank of China Historical Exhibition Hall (沪港银行历史陈列馆)
🗓️ Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
📍 Address: No. 299 Sichuan Middle Road
With nearly a century of history, this grand building features a stunning 24-meter-long marble counter in its lobby, along with safes and vaults that make it feel like a living museum of banking history. Visitors can explore the history of banking in Shanghai and witness the architectural beauty of this historical site.
7. Shanghai Telecom Museum (上海电信博物馆)
🗓️ Hours: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM (Weekends)
Note: Weekdays are by group reservation only.
📍 Address: No. 34 Yan’an East Road
The Shanghai Telecom Museum showcases the century-long development of telecommunications in the city. It features exhibits on telegraph communications, local telephony, wireless communications, and long-distance telephone services, making it an enlightening experience for those interested in technological advancements.
8. Shanghai Ink and Brush Museum (上海笔墨博物馆)
🗓️ Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
📍 Address: 2nd Floor, No. 429 Fuzhou Road
Focusing on the historical development of famous Shanghai brands like “Zhou Hu Chen” and “Cao Su Gong,” this museum displays exquisite ink-making techniques and traditional Chinese calligraphy brushes. For calligraphy enthusiasts, this museum is a delightful exploration of an essential part of Chinese culture.