Urban Planning Exhibition Hall: A Glimpse into Shanghai's Architectural Future

Overview

Nestled in the heart of Shanghai, the Urban Planning Exhibition Hall is an architectural gem that captivates visitors with its modern design and engaging exhibits. The building stands proudly at six stories tall, adorned with sleek aluminum panels and a distinctive membrane-covered roof, making it a fascinating attraction in its own right. Inside, guests are treated to an expansive 1/500 scale model of the city, showcasing both existing structures and ambitious future developments. This impressive model occupies an entire floor, allowing visitors to explore it up close or take in the impressive overview from a dedicated gallery. The hall features an immersive cinema experience that offers a virtual 'flight' over Shanghai, providing insights into its vibrant history and future plans. Various exhibits highlight the city's transportation infrastructure, environmental initiatives, and iconic landmarks, enhanced with interactive displays and engaging sound and light effects. Additionally, visitors can step back in time with a charming reproduction of a typical 1930s Shanghai street, complete with quaint shops and tea houses, perfect for enjoying tea and snacks. Regular temporary exhibitions ensure there’s always something new to discover at this unique venue.

Photo of Urban Planning Exhibition Hall
Photo of Urban Planning Exhibition Hall
Photo of Urban Planning Exhibition Hall
Photo of Urban Planning Exhibition Hall
Contact Info
  • Address100 Ren Min Da Dao, People's Square, Huang Pu Qu, Shang Hai Shi, China, 200003
  • Phone+86 21 6318 4477

Reviews

Liam Zhang
China
5
The Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center is a captivating place to explore the city's remarkable growth and future plans. During my recent visit, it was quiet and well-organized, making it easy to wander at my own pace. Entry was free—just head to the ticket booth with your passport to get a ticket. The highlight for me was the extraordinary scale models of Shanghai’s buildings and neighborhoods—they're truly stunning and provide a genuine sense of the city's development. This location is also excellent for gathering ideas for other sights to visit in Shanghai. My only suggestion would be to add more English translations, but it’s still enjoyable even without reading Chinese. Ideal for architecture lovers, urban planners, or anyone interested in Shanghai’s evolution. I’d recommend visiting early in your trip—it’s a great way to plan your itinerary and gain a better understanding of the city!
Alex Li
China
5
Very detailed and fascinating museum. It's free and, in my case, I didn't need to reserve a ticket; I could simply go to the ticket booth (they still check/scan your passport) to receive a ticket. The museum was relatively quiet, which was lovely. I probably should have visited this museum earlier during my vacation in Shanghai since it covers so many attractions. The models of the buildings and areas within Shanghai are amazing. For me, the main highlight is how well this museum showcases all the thought processes behind urban planning decisions. My only suggestion would be to include more English translations for the exhibitions.
Angela Liu
China
5
This was my first time visiting here, and you need to book an entrance ticket through the mini app in WeChat. As a foreigner, I found it challenging to submit the booking request due to an error since I didn’t use a Chinese phone number to make the reservation. However, the staff was friendly and helpful, assisting me with the issue and managing to secure a hard copy entrance ticket. The museum features several floors, each with a distinct theme, and there’s a clear directory to help you navigate. The exhibits beautifully display the history and planning of Shanghai city, enhancing your understanding of this city. I highly recommend visiting this museum if you have ample time in Shanghai.
Wang Mei
China
5
This was a delightful surprise for us. As a native of SH, I never thought to visit this place until returning after 9 years. The exhibits are expertly displayed, mostly including English translations (so my American friends can enjoy too). It does an exceptional job illustrating Shanghai’s past, present, and future with various models, pictures, and interactive displays. We spent 2 hours here but felt we could have stayed longer. Completing the tour made me proud to be born in this incredible city.
Emily Chen
China
5
A very unique and informative museum in Shanghai. At first, I attempted to go to the Shanghai Museum, but it was fully booked, so I couldn’t get a ticket. Then I tried visiting this museum and had a pleasant experience. Many students and some tours come here. It's a beautiful museum to explore. They also have a small gift shop with unique items.