A modern, kid-magnet natural history museum in a striking nautilus-shaped building in Jing'an Sculpture Park - dinosaurs, a living wall, and animatronics. Tickets are cheap (about 30 yuan) but require advance reservation via WeChat. Open 9am-5pm, closed Mondays.
Key facts
| Hours | Mon: Closed Tue-Sun: 09:00-17:00 (last entry 16:00) |
|---|---|
| Price | $ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Shanghai Natural History Museum Station (Metro Line 13) |
| Time needed | 2-3 hours |
| Best time to go | Weekday morning at opening |
| Last verified | July 15, 2026 |
Friend Score
7.6/10- Value8.0
- iconic7.0
- Freshness9.2
- excellence7.5
- Crowd level6.0
- Authenticity8.0
- Accessibility7.0
Frequently asked questions
- Who gets in free?
- Children under 130cm or under 6 years old, and seniors over 70, enter free. You still generally need to secure a reservation slot for them, so include everyone when booking.
- How long should I spend?
- Two to three hours for the main halls; families with excited kids can easily push past that. The building spirals down several floors, so wear comfortable shoes.
- Is it good for kids?
- Excellent - it is one of the best family attractions in Shanghai, with dinosaur skeletons, animatronic animals, a living green wall, and hands-on exhibits. Plan for the kids to want extra time at the interactive zones.
- How do I get there?
- It is at 510 Beijing West Road inside Jing'an Sculpture Park. Metro Line 13 to Shanghai Natural History Museum Station drops you right by it. It is walkable from the Jing'an Temple area too.
- Is it worth it for adults without kids?
- The architecture and the well-designed exhibits make it enjoyable even solo, and at 30 yuan it is low-risk. That said, it is squarely aimed at families, so temper expectations if you want a quiet, scholarly museum.
- Is there a 4D theater?
- Yes, there is a 4D theater that also requires a separate advance reservation. It is a fun add-on for kids but not essential - decide when you book your main tickets.
- How much are tickets and do I need to reserve?
- Admission is about 30 yuan, but tickets are not sold on-site - you must reserve in advance (up to 7 days) through the official WeChat account. Foreign visitors sometimes find the WeChat booking fiddly, so sort it before you arrive.
- What are the opening hours?
- 9:00am to 5:00pm, Tuesday to Sunday, with last entry at 4:00pm, closed Mondays except on Chinese public holidays. Go early - it is a very popular family destination and midday gets busy.
Nearby in Ask Shanghai
- Jing'an Sculpture ParkPark0.29 km · 4 min walk
- Xin Rong Ji (新荣记)Restaurant0.58 km · 7 min walk
- Jia Jia Tang BaoRestaurant0.98 km · 12 min walk
- Yang's Fry-DumplingRestaurant0.98 km · 12 min walk
- Sumerian CoffeeCafé1.07 km · 13 min walk
Where to stay near Shanghai Natural History Museum
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