
Guanfu Museum
A unique museum on Shanghai's 37th floor, blending ancient Chinese treasures with a delightful population of resident cats.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene viewing

Guanfu Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A unique museum on Shanghai's 37th floor, blending ancient Chinese treasures with a delightful population of resident cats.
"The cats are cute and well kept, and the views are beautiful!"

🎟️ Combo Ticket Savings
Look for combo tickets with Shanghai Tower for potential cost savings.
🐾 Cat Lover's Paradise
The museum is home to many cats; enjoy their company!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Dynasty Treasures
Exhibition Halls
Marvel at exquisite ceramics, gold pieces, and artifacts spanning Tang to Ming and Qing dynasties.

Courtyard Cats
Courtyard
Interact with over 30 resident cats, each with their own cartoon persona. A truly unique museum experience!

Shanghai Tower Views
37th Floor
Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Shanghai from this high-rise museum location.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Location & Views
Artifacts & Felines
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Combo Ticket Savings
Look for combo tickets with Shanghai Tower for potential cost savings.
🐾 Cat Lover's Paradise
The museum is home to many cats; enjoy their company!
📸 Photography Rules
Photography is prohibited inside the exhibition halls.
🗣️ English Pamphlets
Ask for an English pamphlet to enhance your understanding of the exhibits.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Combo Ticket Savings
Look for combo tickets with Shanghai Tower for potential cost savings.
🐾 Cat Lover's Paradise
The museum is home to many cats; enjoy their company!
📸 Photography Rules
Photography is prohibited inside the exhibition halls.
🗣️ English Pamphlets
Ask for an English pamphlet to enhance your understanding of the exhibits.
🚕 Convenient Transport
Didi is recommended for a comfortable ride, especially from Beijing Airport.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Guanfu Museum offers a unique experience with its resident cats and historical Chinese artifacts, set against stunning Shanghai Tower views. While some find the exhibit collection small and the admission fee steep, the charming feline inhabitants and the impressive cityscapes are consistently praised.
"I really enjoyed this museum. It’s on the 37th floor in Shanghai Tower. Purchase the add on ticket when purchasing the tower ticket. Beautiful displays of ceramics, gold pieces and other dynasty treasures."
Julie DeAngelis
"Pros:
Cats in the courtyard are cute and well kept.
Modern and well designed exteriors
Cons:
Actual exhibit is mediocre at best. The museum itself is small, about 7000 sqft total, and it’s variety of artifacts somewhat lacking. The style of artifacts here aren’t unique to this museum.
The admissions fee is steep: $100
Ticket seller doesnt honor student discounts if they think you look / are “too old”. While the museum touts a discount for students at the undergrad level or lower, it doesn’t actually honor this. When I showed my undergrad student ID, the admissions lady informed me I’m too old to be an undergrad student. She denied that students can take a break for a couple years before commuting to college.
Overall:
I wouldn’t recommend this museum to anyone and I wouldn’t come back. Instead, I’d recommend visiting the public museums in Beijing instead, which are not only more affordable, but also exhibits a greater variety of artifacts"
Yana
"I visited this museum because I was interested in Chinese ceramics. Here, you can see historical artifacts from the Tang Dynasty through the Ming and Qing dynasties. Photography is prohibited inside the museum, but you can get an English pamphlet if you ask.
You can see a variety of sculptures, including ceramics, paintings, windows decorated with sculptures, and furniture. While you can see Chinese-inspired ceramics in museums in Japan, it's extremely rare to see Tang Dynasty pieces in the original museum. I learned that China has been producing elaborate items since ancient times.
Admission is 100 RMB (approximately 2,000 JPY). You can get there by bus or train, but I recommend using Didi for the most comfortable ride. It costs around 37 RMB (approximately 400 JPY) from Beijing Airport, so if you have time during your transit, it's a great option to stop by."
Nomad Kota
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Guanfu Museum is located on the 37th floor of the Shanghai Tower. You can reach it via public transport like the metro or by taxi/ride-sharing services like Didi.
Parking is available at the Shanghai Tower, but it can be expensive. Public transport is generally recommended.
If you're transiting through Beijing Airport and have time, Didi is a convenient option, costing around 37 RMB.
Yes, you can reach the vicinity of Shanghai Tower via bus or train, but Didi is suggested for comfort.
Shanghai Tower is well-connected by the Shanghai Metro system, making it easily accessible.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to Guanfu Museum is approximately 100 RMB. Combo tickets with Shanghai Tower may offer savings.
While student discounts are advertised for undergrads or lower, some visitors have reported issues with them being honored. It's best to inquire directly.
It's advisable to check the official website or ticketing platforms for online purchase options, especially for combo tickets with Shanghai Tower.
Opening hours can vary, so it's recommended to check the official website or Shanghai Tower's information for the most up-to-date timings.
Yes, you can request an English pamphlet to help you understand the exhibits.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum features a variety of Chinese ceramics, sculptures, paintings, and furniture from dynasties like Tang, Ming, and Qing.
Yes, Guanfu Museum is famous for its resident cats, with over 30 cats living in the museum.
Photography is prohibited within the exhibition areas of the museum.
While the historical artifacts might be less engaging for very young children, the resident cats are a definite draw for all ages.
The museum is described as relatively small, around 7000 sqft, with a varied but not extensive collection.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum itself may not have extensive dining facilities. However, the Shanghai Tower complex offers various restaurants and cafes.
It's generally not permitted to bring food and drinks into museum exhibition areas to protect the artifacts.
The Shanghai Tower and surrounding Lujiazui area offer a wide range of dining choices, from casual to fine dining.
📸 📸 Photography
No, photography is strictly prohibited inside the exhibition halls of Guanfu Museum to preserve the artifacts.
While photography is not allowed inside, you can capture the stunning city views from the 37th floor and potentially photos of the cats in designated areas.
The panoramic views of Shanghai from the museum's location are a major photographic draw.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐱 Cat Enthusiasts
🏛️ Art & History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Charm of Guanfu Museum's Feline Residents
The cats are well-kept and seem to enjoy interacting with visitors, creating a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Seeing multiple cats gathered together, perhaps for a meal or a nap, is a particularly memorable sight for many. This unique feature sets Guanfu Museum apart from other cultural institutions, blending art appreciation with the simple joy of animal companionship. It's a testament to the museum's creative approach to visitor engagement.
Exploring Chinese Ceramics Through the Ages
For those interested in the history of Chinese art, the opportunity to see Tang Dynasty pieces in their original context is highlighted as particularly rare and valuable. While some visitors note that the variety of artifacts might be somewhat lacking compared to larger public museums, the quality and historical significance of the displayed ceramics are appreciated. The museum provides an intimate setting to appreciate these ancient treasures, offering insights into China's rich cultural heritage.
Navigating the Shanghai Tower Experience
When planning your visit, consider the timing to maximize your experience. Weekday mornings are often recommended for a less crowded visit, allowing for a more serene appreciation of both the exhibits and the views. Late afternoons can be ideal for catching the sunset over Shanghai, adding a magical element to your visit. The Shanghai Tower itself is a landmark, and its modern design and impressive height contribute to the overall visitor experience.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit