China Maritime Museum (中国航海博物馆)

Sino Turkish
4 July 2025

Located along the shore of Dishui Lake (滴水湖) in the southernmost part of Shanghai, the China Maritime Museum is the first national-level maritime museum in China and also the largest of its kind in the country. Spanning over 24,000 square meters, this impressive institution offers a wide-ranging experience—combining maritime history, modern technology, marine science, and interactive exhibitions.

⚓ Maritime Memory of China

One of the museum’s highlights is the Maritime History Hall, which takes visitors on a chronological journey from ancient Chinese seafaring to modern maritime developments. Here you’ll find a massive replica of Admiral Zheng He’s (郑和) treasure ship, commemorating his famous voyages to Africa during the Ming Dynasty. The hall also showcases intricately crafted models of trading vessels from the Ming and Qing periods, ancient nautical maps, traditional compasses, and navigation tools. This section is not just informative—it allows visitors to experience China’s rich maritime heritage through tangible artifacts.

⚙️ Modern Maritime Technology in Action

The Modern Technology Hall presents the transformation of shipping and navigation through contemporary innovations. One of the most exciting features is a realistic ship bridge simulator, where visitors can take the captain’s seat and practice navigating a vessel through digital waters. Displays explain how automated routing, electronic charting, and port management systems operate today. Visitors also get a close-up look at cross-sectional models of real ship engines, making this section particularly fascinating for engineering and tech enthusiasts.

🌊 Marine Science and Environmental Awareness

The Marine Science Hall emphasizes that oceans are not just routes of transport but ecosystems full of life and scientific interest. This section includes a full-scale model of Jiaolong (蛟龙)—China’s deep-sea submersible—and provides insights into how underwater robots (ROVs) explore the ocean floor. Visitors learn about coral reef preservation, the effects of pollution, and the impact of climate change on rising sea levels. Interactive screens and life-size models make these complex topics accessible and engaging.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Friendly and Interactive for Kids

The museum does an excellent job catering to children and families through dedicated interactive spaces. Kids can design and build miniature boats in creative workshops or steer a digital ship in the children’s captain simulator. Educational games and displays introduce them to marine animals and ocean exploration in a playful, hands-on way. This focus on family engagement makes the museum an ideal destination for weekend outings.

🎨 Rotating Exhibits and Artistic Touches

In addition to its permanent exhibitions, the museum regularly hosts rotating exhibits with international themes. Past showcases include “Titanic: Memories Beneath the Sea” and “Pirates and Maritime Legends,” offering both educational and entertaining content. Galleries also display award-winning maritime photography, blending visual art with oceanic storytelling. These temporary exhibits bring fresh experiences to repeat visitors.

📍 Visitor Information

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 09:30 – 16:30
Closed: Mondays
Admission: 50 RMB for adults, 25 RMB for students
Metro Access: Line 16 to Dishui Lake Station (滴水湖), then a 10-minute taxi ride
Website: www.cmaritime.com

🧭 Why Visit?

The China Maritime Museum offers much more than static displays—it’s an immersive experience that connects maritime history, science, and technology under one roof. With hands-on simulators, rare historical artifacts, and stunning architecture that mimics a giant sailboat, it stands out as one of Shanghai’s most underrated cultural gems. Though it’s about an hour from downtown, the serene lakeside setting of Dishui Lake makes it a perfect day-trip destination. You can even combine your visit with a peaceful lakeside walk or coffee by the water.