China Art Museum, Shanghai

China Art Museum, Shanghai (must see)

Located in the former China Pavilion of Expo 2010, the China Art Museum, also known as the China Art Palace, stands out as one of the largest art museums in Asia. It boasts a collection of approximately 14,000 artworks, primarily showcasing Chinese modern art.

One of its mainstay exhibits is dedicated to tracing the evolution of contemporary and modern Chinese art, commencing with the Shanghai School towards the end of the Qing Dynasty. This exhibit spans three historical periods (Qing, Republic of China, and People's Republic of China) and is organized into ten sections. Spread across two floors, it features over 6,000 pieces of art.

Another enduring display is the Exhibition for Noted Painters, spotlighting renowned modern Chinese artists. In its initial phase, the exhibit highlights the works of seven artists: He Tianjian, Xie Zhiliu, and Cheng Shifa from the Shanghai School; Lin Fengmian, Guan Liang, and Wu Guanzhong, who are credited with blending Chinese and Western art styles; and Hua Tianyou, a pioneer in modern Chinese sculpture.

Furthermore, the museum regularly hosts special themed exhibitions. In its inaugural year alone, it welcomed over a dozen such exhibitions, covering diverse topics such as Taiwanese art, the second Shanghai Photography Exhibition, and artworks from Gustave Courbet and Jean-François Millet, sourced from the Musée d'Orsay in Paris.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Shanghai. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The GPSmyCity App

China Art Museum on Map

Sight Name: China Art Museum
Sight Location: Shanghai, China (See walking tours in Shanghai)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery

Walking Tours in Shanghai, China

Create Your Own Walk in Shanghai

Create Your Own Walk in Shanghai

Creating your own self-guided walk in Shanghai is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Souvenirs Shopping Walk

Souvenirs Shopping Walk

Leaving Shanghai without calling local shops and procuring something truly original to bring home as a souvenir would be a pity. Indeed, souvenir shopping in Shanghai is an exciting experience.

Nanjing Road, commonly known as Nanjing Lu – Asia's longest and perhaps most famous thoroughfare – is a popular destination in Shanghai. Here, you can find a plethora of shops and boutiques...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
The Bund Sightseeing Tour

The Bund Sightseeing Tour

The Bund is a waterfront area and a protected historical district in central Shanghai. The term "bund" was borrowed into English from Hindi and originally referred to a dyke or embankment. The Chinese name for the Bund is unrelated in origin: it literally means "outer bank", and distinguishes this part of the riverfront from the "inner bank" adjacent to the Old Town...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Shanghai Old Town Walking Tour

Shanghai Old Town Walking Tour

The Old Town of Shanghai, historically the heart of the city, is a part of Shanghai's urban core. Shanghai's importance as a trade hub led to its elevation to county status in 1292. In 1554, during the Ming Dynasty, the area was surrounded by protective walls to safeguard against Japanese pirate raids and remained so until 1912, when the walls were dismantled.

During the colonial era,...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Shanghai Introduction Walking Tour

Shanghai Introduction Walking Tour

Perhaps more than any other Chinese city, Shanghai deserves to be called the “face of modern China.” Despite modern look, the city emerged on a map as far back as 751 AD. Shanghai County was established under the Yuan Dynasty in the 13th century, although the city character, as we know it today, began to take shape in the aftermath of the first Opium War in 1842. The post-war treaty opened...  view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.2 Km or 3.9 Miles

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip


15 Uniquely Chinese Things to Buy in Shanghai

15 Uniquely Chinese Things to Buy in Shanghai

Prepare a Shanghai surprise for your loved ones back home! Bring them a piece of exciting China from one of the country's most iconic destinations. Luckily, the choice of things fit to do the job is enormous. All you need is a knowledgeable advice on where to go to get a fair price and decent...