The Shanghai Meteorological Museum (上海气象博物馆) is an engaging destination for those fascinated by weather and climate science. Located in the historic Xujiahui Observatory, the museum is a blend of historical architecture, interactive exhibits, and valuable educational content. With over a century of history, this museum offers a unique insight into the development of meteorology in Shanghai, and provides an opportunity to explore the science behind weather forecasting and climate observation. If you’re planning a visit, here’s everything you need to know, from booking tickets to what you can expect inside.
How to Book Your Visit to the Shanghai Meteorological Museum
To visit the Shanghai Meteorological Museum, you must make a reservation in advance. The booking process is simple:
- Follow the WeChat Official Account: Search for the “Shanghai Meteorological Museum (上海气象博物馆)” official account on WeChat.
- Book on Mondays: Every Monday at 11:00 AM, bookings open for the upcoming week (Tuesday to Tuesday).
- Booking Limitations: Note that the museum is closed every Monday, so make sure to plan accordingly.
Location and Directions
The museum is located in the Xujiahui area, a historically significant district in Shanghai. To get there:
- Metro: Take Line 1 to Xujiahui Station (徐家汇站) and exit from Exit 3.
- From the exit, head left and follow the small path between the Xujiahui Academy (徐家汇书院) and the Church (教堂). It’s a short walk from here to the museum.
Important Visitor Information
- Don’t Be Late: Ensure you arrive at least 5 minutes before your scheduled entry time. Upon arrival, scan the QR code at the entrance to gain access. The guided tour starts promptly, and latecomers (after 10 minutes) will not be allowed entry.
- Free Guided Tours: The museum offers a free and highly informative guided tour. The guide’s explanations are clear and engaging, making it easy for visitors of all ages to understand the complex world of meteorology. Tours are conducted in groups of about 20 people, and the typical visit lasts around 1 hour.
- Museum Size: Although the museum isn’t large, its rich history and interactive exhibits make it a thoroughly engaging experience. Without a guide, some of the exhibits can be difficult to fully appreciate, so the guided tour is highly recommended.
Museum Highlights and Exhibits
Outdoor Weather Instruments: The museum’s outdoor space features a range of weather instruments that collect real-time data on temperature, wind speed, and rainfall in Shanghai. These instruments are the foundation of the weather information we see daily.
Xujiahui Observatory History: The museum is located on the historic site of the Xujiahui Observatory, which has a history of over 100 years. It is a protected heritage building, which means large-scale public access is limited. However, visitors can explore the well-preserved structure and its rich history. The exterior of the building has been meticulously restored, with original architectural details preserved for display.
The 32-Directional Navigational Compass: One of the unique exhibits is the 32-Directional Navigational Compass, which is particularly fascinating. Standing in the center of the compass and speaking will allow you to hear your own echo, though others around you cannot. It’s a simple yet magical demonstration of acoustics.
Historical Weather Records: A section of the museum features a century-long record of average monthly temperatures. Visitors can even search for the average temperature for their birth month, making for a personalized and intriguing experience. Additionally, there is a historical map of the Xujiahui Observatory and a comparison of old and new photographs of the museum, offering a glimpse into the building’s storied past.
Weather Instruments and Historical Figures: The museum showcases a range of historical weather instruments, including early temperature and pressure gauges, some even made from hair! Also featured are clear photos of early astronomical observations and significant weather-related events in Shanghai. For those interested in the figures who shaped Shanghai’s meteorological history, the museum displays information about key historical personalities, such as Xu Guangqi and Matteo Ricci, and the first director of the Observatory, Enos (whose name has an interesting origin, which visitors can discover during the tour).
Interactive Multimedia Experience: On the second floor, the museum offers an interactive multimedia experience where visitors can try their hand at weather broadcasting using a green screen. It’s a fun way to immerse yourself in meteorology, but be sure to avoid wearing green, or you might end up “disappearing” from the screen!
Iconic Meteorological Signals: Another interesting exhibit is dedicated to Shanghai’s iconic weather signal tower, flags, and wind balls. The museum explains the science behind these tools and how they have been used for weather forecasting and public alert systems. You can also take a photo with a model of the ship’s signal flag, which has become a popular photo spot for visitors.
Typhoon Observation: A fascinating part of the museum is the section on typhoons. Here, visitors can view a hand-drawn map of a typhoon’s eye, complete with details on the varying strengths of different regions within the storm. It’s a great way to understand how typhoons are tracked and classified, and how they affect weather patterns.
Special Souvenirs: Before leaving, visitors can purchase the museum’s signature weather bottle, priced at 58 RMB. This bottle is not only a great souvenir, but it also functions as a small temperature gauge that allows you to observe changes in the weather at home. It also features a stamp of the museum, making it a lovely keepsake.