How do I get to the China Art Museum in Shanghai?

Take Metro Line 8 to China Art Museum station, which exits at the building in Pudong. The stacked red architecture is visible as you approach. It pairs naturally with the Power Station of Art, about 10 minutes north by taxi, for a combined former-Expo and contemporary-art afternoon along the river.

What is there to see inside the China Art Museum?

Beyond the landmark architecture, the highlight is the digital recreation of 'Along the River During the Qingming Festival,' the famous animated scroll first shown at Expo 2010. The permanent collection spans modern Chinese art from the late 1800s onward. English labeling is partial, so a translation app helps for deeper context on individual works.

China Art Museum, Shanghai: Map & Visitor's Guide (2026)

Former Expo 2010 China Pavilion — a stacked-red architectural icon now housing modern Chinese art collections.

At a glance

What it is: Arts & Culture
Also known as: 中华艺术宫 (Zhōng Huá Yì Shù Gōng)
Opening hours: 10 AM – 6 PM
Time needed: 1.5-2.5 hours
Best time to visit: Tuesday-Sunday afternoon
Getting there: Metro to the door
English: Some English signage
Cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard
Entry: Walk-in — no booking
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi
Address: 205 Shangnan Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai · 浦东新区上南路205号

See China Art Museumtickets & tours

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The China Art Museum occupies the former China Pavilion of Expo 2010 — the giant red inverted-pyramid building you've probably seen in photos. The architecture alone is worth the trip; inside is a thoughtful collection of modern Chinese art from the late 19th century to today, plus the digital recreation of 'Along the River During the Qingming Festival' (the famous animated scroll from Expo 2010). Free entry. Closed Mondays. The building is huge — you can easily spend 2 hours. Reach via Metro Line 8, China Art Museum station. Pair with PSA (10 min taxi north) for a 'former Expo + contemporary art' afternoon.

Highlights

Iconic Red Inverted-Pyramid Architecture (红色倒金字塔建筑)Former Expo 2010 China Pavilion; a must-see landmark itself.
Digital Recreation of 'Along the River During the Qingming Festival' (清明上河图动态版)Famous animated scroll from Expo 2010; a highlight inside.
Modern Chinese Art Collection (近现代中国艺术收藏)Covers late 19th century to today; free entry.

What Chinese travelers actually do here

Distilled from Chinese-language travel notes — the practical tips most English guides miss.

▸The red inverted-pyramid exterior photographs best from a distance as you approach, before you reach the base.
▸Head straight for the animated 'Along the River During the Qingming Festival' scroll; it draws the steadiest crowd inside.
▸Free entry and Line 8 access make this an easy add-on, but skip Mondays when the museum is closed.
▸The building is vast, so pace yourself and prioritize a few floors rather than trying to see everything.
▸Pair it with the Power Station of Art roughly 10 minutes north by taxi for a two-museum afternoon.
▸Labels are partly Chinese-only, so a translation app camera pays off in the modern-art galleries.
▸Weekday afternoons are calmer than weekends, when local families fill the larger ground-floor halls.

Photos

A minimalist indoor art installation featuring a vibrant autumn tree set in a gallery in Shanghai.

Black and white photo of Shanghai's modern architectural marvel with a spiral staircase.

The grand entrance of Shanghai Museum showcasing modern architecture under a clear blue sky.

Vibrant urban scene in Shanghai featuring high-rises, historic buildings, and the Chinese flag.

Captured view of the World Expo Museum's glass and steel structure in Shanghai's modern architectural style.

Low angle view of a beautifully lit traditional Chinese building in Shanghai at night.

Front view of the Hong Kong Palace Museum showcasing its modern design and visitors.

Stunning view of modern high-rises and a reflection pond in Xangai, China, showcasing urban landscape.

Lively street in Xangai, China showcasing modern and traditional architecture.

A red star on a white traditional Chinese building facade under clear blue skies.

A modern interior view of a Shanghai airport terminal featuring vibrant floral decorations.

Illuminated historic buildings along The Bund in Shanghai at night, reflecting over water.

Stunning night view of Shanghai's Bund, showcasing illuminated historic buildings along the waterfront.

A vibrant scene of Jing'an Temple with modern skyscrapers in Shanghai, China.

What travelers say (3 reviews)

ChinaArtFan·TripAdvisor·5/5

Ex-China Pavilion from Expo 2010 — Asia's largest art museum. Free. The Riverside-Scroll digital animation is unmissable.

2026-04-20

美术馆达人·Ctrip·5/5

中华艺术宫免费！清明上河图动画值回票价。世博中国馆改造，规模震撼。

2026-03-15

Emily L.·Google Maps·5/5

Free, vast. The animated Along the River During Qingming Festival alone is worth the trip.

2026-02-25

Frequently asked questions about China Art Museum

Is the China Art Museum free to visit?: Yes, general entry is free. The museum occupies the former China Pavilion of Expo 2010, the giant red inverted-pyramid building, and houses a collection of modern Chinese art from the late 19th century to today. The building is large enough to fill around 2 hours. It is closed every Monday, so plan your visit for Tuesday through Sunday.
How do I get to the China Art Museum in Shanghai?: Take Metro Line 8 to China Art Museum station, which exits at the building in Pudong. The stacked red architecture is visible as you approach. It pairs naturally with the Power Station of Art, about 10 minutes north by taxi, for a combined former-Expo and contemporary-art afternoon along the river.
What is there to see inside the China Art Museum?: Beyond the landmark architecture, the highlight is the digital recreation of 'Along the River During the Qingming Festival,' the famous animated scroll first shown at Expo 2010. The permanent collection spans modern Chinese art from the late 1800s onward. English labeling is partial, so a translation app helps for deeper context on individual works.