Shanghai Museum Ticket Reservations

Question

I have stumbled across a few websites saying it is necessary to make a reservation to visit Shanghai Museum . Is this still the case or can a foreign tourist obtain an on the spot ticket if they have their passport with them? Thanks for any help

Answer

Yes, Shanghai Museum has updated its ticketing system in recent years, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, all visitors, including foreign tourists, are required to make an online reservation for a free entry ticket before visiting. Simply showing up with your passport is generally not sufficient to guarantee entry, particularly on weekends or public holidays when the museum is more crowded.

Here’s how it works:

Tickets are free but must be booked in advance via the official Shanghai Museum website or designated reservation platforms.
You will need to provide your passport details when making the reservation.
Reservations are usually for a specific date and time slot, so arriving outside your booked time may result in denied entry.

Additional tips:

Try to book as early as possible, especially if you are visiting on a weekend or during a holiday period.
Keep a digital or printed copy of your reservation confirmation with you, along with your passport.
If you fail to book in advance, it is unlikely you will be able to get an on-the-spot ticket, as the museum enforces timed entry to control visitor flow.

In summary, to avoid disappointment, make your reservation online in advance rather than relying on walk-in entry with your passport.