The China Maritime Museum is located on the west bank of Dishui Lake in the Pudong Lingang New City, at the southeast corner of Shanghai. It is currently one of the most comprehensive maritime-themed museums in China. Visiting the museum, you can learn about the history of Chinese shipbuilding and the evolution of navigation technology through various ship models, text, and the display of actual navigation instruments.
You can also operate simulated navigation firsthand or board a replica of a Ming Dynasty ship to understand the shipbuilding techniques of ancient people. Additionally, you can watch a realistic 4D movie, which is very suitable for young people to learn and gain knowledge. The museum has three floors, but the exhibition halls are distributed on the first and second floors, both with exits, and the entrance is on the second floor. After entering, you can take the escalator down to the first floor to start your visit. There is a free guided service in the museum, usually with one explanation in the morning and one in the afternoon for each exhibition hall. It is recommended to follow the guide’s explanation to visit in order and learn how to tie sailor’s knots from the guide. After entering, pay attention to the sign with the explanation time or consult the staff. If you miss the free guided time, you can rent an audio guide at the service center at the entrance (10 yuan per unit). If you hire a paid guide, it is 50 yuan per hour (Chinese). The museum is usually free to the public on July 11th, China’s Maritime Day, and it is recommended to pay attention to the museum’s official website for updates. On the first floor, there is the Maritime History Hall, Ship Hall, Seafarer Hall, and the Fishing Boat and Fishing Special Exhibition Area. Here, you can see text and videos about the history of Chinese navigation, as well as various navigation equipment such as diving suits and underwater robots, as well as models of ships at home and abroad, cabin structures, and instrument models. You can also experience operating container cranes and driving ships in a simulated operation cabin. In the atrium, there is a replica of a Ming Dynasty ship built to scale, which is the ‘Great Ming Treasure Ship’ when Zheng He went to the Western Seas. It is said that this is a real ship that can actually sail, and you can board and visit. In addition, there is a restaurant on the first floor that provides Chinese set meals, with two types of sets at 30 and 40 yuan, and the taste is quite good. The second floor has the Navigation and Port Hall, Maritime and Marine Safety Hall, Military Navigation Hall, and the Navigation Sports and Leisure Special Exhibition Area. On this floor, you can learn about the construction history of the Chinese Navy, ports, and maritime rescue, and you can also see models of warships, naval flags and uniforms, as well as actual ship-mounted artillery and other exhibits. It is interesting to walk into the simulated submarine command cabin to explore. In addition, there is an astronomy museum, a 4D cinema, and a children’s activity center on this floor. The 4D movie ticket needs to be purchased separately (about 30 yuan, about ten minutes). Opening hours: January 1st to July 31st, Tuesday to Sunday, 09:30-16:00; Monday is closed; August 1st to August 31st, 09:30-16:00; September 1st to December 31st, Tuesday to Sunday, 09:30-16:00; Monday is closed; New Year’s Day, Labor Day, Mid-Autumn Festival, National Day, 09:30-16:00. Preferential policies for children: under 6 years old (inclusive) or 1. 2 meters (inclusive) in height are free of charge.Free admission for children under 4 meters (must be accompanied by an adult, one adult is limited to bringing one free child).
Free admission for the elderly aged 65 years old and above.
For those aged 60 to 64 years old, enjoy discounted admission with senior citizen certificate or ID card.
Active-duty military personnel: free admission with valid certificates.
