Shanghai Science and Technology Museum: Family friendly, informative, and fun

Shanghai Science and Technology Museum is a testament to China’s rich pedigree of innovation and exploration in all its forms. As the country that brought the world innovations like the abacus, compass, silk, and printing, it’s unsurprising science and technology remain front and centre in China today. Every tour of China will include one (or many) museums, with these showcasing history and heritage. This is where the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum is different. Designed to be family friendly, and to inspire young minds and lifelong learners alike, Shanghai Science and Technology Museum brings together all very latest in interactive exhibit design to showcase advances in science (of course), robotics, biotechnology, space exploration, astronomy, and more.

Why visit the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum?

Why do we recommend families include the museum in the Shanghai tour itinerary? There are a few reasons, but chief among them is the balance this museum provides to other family friendly activities on tour. Whether it’s Shanghai Disney or Universal Studios Beijing, there are plenty of commercial options to explore in China. We’ve already mentioned the many museums with the emphasis on history and tradition, and there’s no shortage of these either. Every city provides multiple options. By contrast, Shanghai Science and Technology Museum looks forward to the future. Curious about robots? How AI thinks? Want to learn more about the way tech is shaping today and the future? You’ll discover it here.

Located in Shanghai’s Pudong district next to Century Park, the museum is designed to appeal to visitors of all ages, although be prepared to walk all day. Covering a vast 100,000 square meters, it houses eleven themed exhibition halls, four high tech cinemas, and two special exhibitions. All exhibitions are linked by a common theme encompassing nature, humans, and technology.

Interactive exhibition design: Science you can touch

The museum’s curators clearly had the end customer in mind when assembling the exhibits because no matter your age, you’re invited to explore. Expect to press buttons, spin levers, and walk through tunnels of light, to test, touch, and experiment. Discover how earthquakes shake the earth, how AI ‘thinks’, and animal and plant life adapt in changing ecosystems. This is definitely not your typical hands off history museum!

We said it’s accessible, and Shanghai Science and Technology Museum definitely is. Few of us can wander all day without a break, which is why the center has been laid out with ample comfortable seating areas, multilingual signage, and air conditioning. A family can spend a full day here and have plenty to keep them occupied from start to finish.

Hall highlights

With over eleven themed areas to make your way through the museum, it pays to do your research. That way you maximize available time and front end load your visit. Tired feet means waning enthusiasm, so we tabled the must see elements of every exhibition area, allowing you to create your visit before the doors open.

Exhibition Hall	Highlights	Best for	Special features
World of Animals	Hundreds of exquisite wild animal specimens replicating habitats from all five continents	Families with children	Realistic dioramas of diverse animal habitats, rare and precious species identification
Spectrum of Life	Displays on biodiversity and ecosystems showcasing life cycles and natural wonders	Nature lovers, students	Interactive life cycle models and immersive multisensory exhibits
Spider Exhibition	Unique gallery dedicated to spiders’ biology, behavior, and their ecological role	All ages, insect enthusiasts	Live spider habitats, spider web structure exhibits, educational videos
Earth Exploration	Groundbreaking geological and geophysical exhibits on earthquakes, volcanoes, and Earth’s crust	Adults, older children	Earthquake simulators, volcanic eruption models, magnetic levitating Earth globe
Cradle of Designers	Creative workshops and design labs focusing on engineering, architecture, and innovation	Young creators, aspiring scientists & curious adults	Hands-on model building, invention design activities
Children’s Science Land	Colorful interactive zone designed to engage children 3 to10 years old in basic science and exploration	Young children (3 to 10 years)	Water areas, bubbles, motion & light sensory zones
Light of Wisdom	Explores core scientific concepts: physics, chemistry, math, and biology	Teens, adults interested in science	Laser and light experiments, math puzzles, biology interactive stations
Home on Earth	Environmental awareness zone focusing on climate, sustainability, and Earth’s ecosystems	All ages	Immersive multimedia on environment protection and global warming
Information Era	Journey through the evolution of computing and telecommunications	Professionals, tech enthusiasts	Vintage computers, telecommunication exhibits, future technology showcases
World of Robots	Various industrial, service and entertainment robots show, interactive robot competitions	Families, tech lovers	Robot dance bands, service robots, AI chess games
Light of Exploration	Physics principles through light, energy, and quantum phenomena	Students and science enthusiasts	Laser mazes, energy demonstrations, quantum tech displays
Human and Health	Exhibits on human biology, medicine, health technology	Families and adults	Interactive anatomy displays, health tech demos
Space Navigation	Space science with astronaut training simulators, space exploration history, rocket models	Teens and space enthusiasts	Mars surface VR, zero gravity experience, rocket launch command simulators
Chinese Ancient Science & Technology	Showcasing historic Chinese inventions and scientific achievements	History and technology buffs	Ancient artifacts, scientific models, cultural heritage presentations
Explorers’ Gallery	Exhibits honoring famous Chinese and international explorers and scientists	Educators and history lovers	Displays of explorers’ contributions and histories
Academicians Gallery	Showcasing notable scientists from Shanghai, their work and achievements	Science students and researchers	Interactive profiles, scientific achievements presentations
Special Temporary Exhibition Halls	Rotating exhibitions often showcasing cutting-edge science, art-science fusion, and emerging technologies	All visitors	Varied thematic rotating exhibitions
Cinemas (IMAX, Dome, 4D, Space Theater)	Four specialized cinemas offering immersive science and nature films	All ages	IMAX 3D films, dome astronomical shows, 4D sensory experiences

Each exhibit area represents a distinct aspect of scientific development and the evolution of humankind, as well as the animal and plant kingdoms.

Signature programs and seasonal activities

Beyond the highly interactive displays, the more adventurous and curious of visitors can sign up for activities that cater to particular interests. Think family friendly workshops, robotic challenges, and cinema experiences. Our trusty team has curated just a small sample of what we discovered is on offer. Keep in mind, however, that exhibits and activities change regularly, so best to speak with your guide for what’s on during your visit.

Meals and amenities

All this activity is bound to make you hungry, so it’s comforting to know there are food options available onsite, as well as a designated area for relaxing between exploring.

Universe Cafe

A warm, family friendly restaurant offering pasta, chicken platters, and desserts for around 100 to 130 RMB per adult. Their children’s menu features sandwiches and yogurt bowls. There’s enough here to sustain the heartiest of explorers.

Robot Cafe

For a fun twist, robots deliver your tray while explaining how they work. Although it’s the perfect photo opportunity, it’s also a taste of things to come.

Relaxation zone

Located near the main dome, this area offers cozy seating, coffee stations, and live piano music on weekends. Put your feet up for a well earned break amidst the exploration.

Top tips to maximise your visit

Shanghai Science and Technology Museum is a metaphorical beast, which means being well prepared will ensure you cover everything on your list. Speak to your local guide, or check out the details below for travel to and from, and issues you might encounter, like public holidays.

Address	2000 Century Avenue, Pudong, Shanghai
How to get there	Metro: Line 2 to Shanghai Science and Technology Museum Station (Exit 7 leads to the museum’s entrance) By Car: Underground carpark with direct elevator access
Opening hours	The museum operates from Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last ticket entry at 4:00 PM). It is closed on Mondays except national holidays when otherwise announced.
Suggested visit duration	It is recommended to allocate 4 to 8 hours to fully explore the museum’s extensive halls, interactive exhibits, workshops, and cinemas.
Ticket prices	Adult ticket: 45 RMB Student ticket (with valid ID): 22 RMB Senior ticket (aged 60+): 37 RMB Children under a certain age or height may have free admission. Check with ticket rules. Note: Ticket purchase requires advance online reservation with correct name registration.
Accessibility	Elevators, ramps, and rest benches throughout make it fully senior-friendly.
Language access	Exhibit captions are in Chinese and English. Touchscreen information panels are available for easier understanding.
Additional notes	The museum encourages visitors to plan and book tickets via its official WeChat channel or website. During peak days, early arrival is advised to avoid crowds. Photography is allowed in most areas but restricted inside cinema and some special exhibitions. Food and beverages are not allowed inside exhibition halls.

Important update on renovations

For those hoping to visit the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum in 2025, you may be disappointed. Earmarked for reopening early in 2026 following a major renovation, the new and improved museum holds much promise. To find out exactly what’s on and make arrangements that align with your family’s needs and interests, check official sources and your local guide for the latest reopening announcements. And of course, the ChinaTours.com team will provide updates as these become available.