Madame Tussauds Shanghai
Madame Tussauds Shanghai, located in the heart of the city’s bustling Nanjing West Road Pedestrian Street, is Asia’s premier celebrity wax attraction and a cornerstone of Shanghai’s entertainment scene. Opened in 2006 as the brand’s sixth global location, it features over 80 lifelike wax figures of international and Chinese icons, blending artistry with interactive technology. Covering 20,000 square meters across two floors, the museum immerses visitors in themed zones spanning Hollywood glamour, Chinese history, sports legends, and pop culture. A favorite among tourists and locals alike, it merges education with playful photo ops, offering a "star-studded" journey through fame and fantasy.
Historical Overview
2004–2006: Merlin Entertainments Group partnered with Shanghai’s Huyi Group to adapt the classic Madame Tussauds concept for Chinese audiences.
2006 Opening: Launched with 65 figures, including Yao Ming, Audrey Hepburn, and Chairman Mao.
2010 Expansion: Added the "Marvel Super Heroes 4D Cinema" and "A-List Party" zone.
2016–2020: Introduced AR-powered "Voice of the Stars" audio guides and AI-generated "Meet Your Star" photo kiosks.
2023: Debuted the "Metaverse Experience Hall," blending wax figures with holographic projections.
Key milestones include hosting the 2008 Beijing Olympics torch relay and collaborating with Chinese filmmakers to create figures like Jet Li (Fearless) and Gong Li (Memoirs of a Geisha).
Structural Layout
The museum spans two interactive floors with seven themed zones:
1. Glamour Zone (1F):Red-carpet photo ops with Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, and local stars like Yang Mi.
"A-List Party" room with disco balls and virtual dance-offs.
2. History & Leaders (1F):Figures of Sun Yat-sen, Qing Dynasty empresses, and modern politicians.
Interactive "Emperor’s Robing" station (try on imperial costumes).
3. Sports Arena (1F):David Beckham’s penalty kick challenge and Yao Ming’s basketball hoop game.
4. Music Icons (2F):K-pop zone with BTS and BLACKPINK, plus a "Rock God" stage with Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran.
5. Marvel Universe (2F):4D cinema with Spider-Man web-slinging effects and Iron Man suit-up simulators.
6. Film & TV (2F):Avatar’s Neytiri in a bioluminescent forest and Jurassic World’s Velociraptor encounter.
7. Shanghai Celebrities (2F):Local legends like martial artist Bruce Lee, director Zhang Yimou, and esports star Uzi.
Major Attractions
1. "Royal Tea Party" (1F):Sip virtual tea with Queen Elizabeth II and Prince William while posing for a "royal portrait."
2. "Shanghai Fashion Week" (2F):Walk a digital runway with holographic models and AI-generated fashion critiques.
3. "Voice of the Stars" AR Tour:Scan figures to hear them "speak" in Mandarin or English via a mobile app.
4. "Marvel Hero Training" (2F):Test your "superpowers" in a motion-sensor battle against Thanos.
5. "Star Maker" Studio (2F):Design a wax figure’s outfit and pose with it in a virtual fashion magazine cover.
Suggested Itineraries
- Quick Snap Tour (1–1.5 hours):
Glamour Zone (5 mins) → History & Leaders (10 mins) → Sports Arena (10 mins) → Marvel Universe (15 mins) → Shanghai Celebrities (10 mins) → Exit via gift shop.
Highlights: Iconic photo ops with Marilyn Monroe, Messi, and Captain America.
- Classic Experience (2–3 hours):
Glamour Zone → History & Leaders → Sports Arena → Music Icons → Film & TV → "Royal Tea Party" (15 mins) → "Shanghai Fashion Week" (20 mins).
Highlights: K-pop dances, 4D cinema thrills, and a "virtual" audience with Mao Zedong.
- All-Day Immersion (4–5 hours):
Morning: 9 AM arrival for crowd-free Marvel battles → "Voice of the Stars" AR tour → "Star Maker" design workshop.
Afternoon: Lunch at the café (themed snacks like "Captain America Shield Cakes") → "Hero Training" challenges → Behind-the-Scenes Wax Figure Workshop (seasonal).
Evening: Final fashion runway show + souvenir hunting.
Highlights: Exclusive workshops, AI interactions, and VIP photo packages.
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book via Madame Tussauds Shanghai’s official website, Fliggy, or Meituan (up to 14 days in advance).
On-Site: Tickets available at the entrance (queues peak 11 AM–2 PM).
- Prices:
Standard Ticket: ¥199 (adults), ¥149 (students/seniors), free for children under 1m.
Fast Track Pass: ¥259 (skip lines; includes "Marvel Hero Training" priority access).
Annual Pass: ¥499 (unlimited visits + 10% off merchandise).
Transportation
By Subway:Line 2/10: Nanjing West Road Station (Exit 6), 1-minute walk. Line 1/2/8: People’s Square Station (Exit 19), 8-minute walk.
By Bus: Routes 20, 37, or 49 to Nanjing West Road Shimen Road Stop.
By Taxi: Direct to Madame Tussauds Shanghai, 10th Floor, New World City, 1037 Nanjing West Road.
Departure: Exit via the museum’s rooftop terrace (overlooking People’s Square) or B1 to the metro.
Best Time & Tips
Peak Hours: Avoid 11 AM–3 PM (school groups/tour buses); visit 9–10 AM or 4–6 PM.
Crowds: Weekends and Chinese holidays (e.g., National Day) are jammed; weekdays are calmer.
Weather: Indoor venue—ideal rainy-day activity.
- Essentials:
Charge your phone (200+ photo ops possible).
Wear bright colors (avoid all-black for better photos).
Photography allowed (no flash near delicate figures).
Prohibited Items: Outside food, large bags (lockers available at ¥10/day), and professional photography equipment.
Insider Tip: Combine with a visit to the Shanghai Natural History Museum (B2 of New World City) or a stroll along Nanjing West Road for a full day of family fun.
