With the Shanghai Museum and its east wing offering diverse art exhibitions this year, there are also some great exhibitions in district museums where you can learn about traditional Chinese culture, making them worth a visit.

Mirror of Zhenguan: Tang Dynasty Historical and Cultural Exhibition

This exhibition showcases more than 130 exquisite Tang Dynasty (618-907) artifacts, such as gilded silver pots, the tomb epitaph cover of General Yuchi Jingde (585-658), painted pottery figurines, and wall paintings. It provides a glimpse into the prosperous era of the Tang Dynasty under Emperor Li Shimin (599-649).

If you go

Dates: Jan 24 to May 5

Venue: Minhang Museum

Address: No 1538 Xinzhen Road, Minhang district

Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm (No entry after 4 pm)

Admission: Free. No reservation required.

Stories in Light and Shadow: Tangshan Shadow Puppetry Art Exhibition

Shadow puppetry is a popular form of puppet theater found throughout China. Tangshan shadow puppetry, a major branch of this traditional folk art, was recognized in 2006 as part of the first group of national intangible cultural heritage items.

The exhibition is divided into five sections, highlighting the traditional plays, figures, production techniques, and performances of Tangshan shadow puppetry. It features about 180 select items, mostly originating from the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and showcasing distinct local characteristics.

If you go

Dates: Ongoing until March 2

Venue: Jiading Museum

Address: No 215 Bole Road, Jiading district

Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 8:30 am to 5 pm (No entry after 4:30 pm); Closed on Mondays, except national holidays.

Admission: Free. No reservation required.

Fan Fair: Wuhan Museum Fan Paintings Exhibition

The Chinese fan, with its rich history and artistic significance, has evolved from a practical tool for cooling oneself into a symbol of elegance, artistry, and cultural identity. They usually feature paintings of nature and Chinese calligraphy on them, turning them into pieces of art. The Pudong History Museum's 2025 debut exhibit, Fan Fair: Wuhan Museum Fan Paintings Exhibition, showcases the beauty of fan craftsmanship with a collection of works by some renowned artists.

If you go

Dates: Ongoing until March 2

Venue: Pudong History Museum

Address: No 18 Wenshi Street, Huinan town, Pudong New Area

Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9 am to 4 pm (October to April); Closed on Mondays, except national holidays.

Admission: Free. No reservation required.

Sources: Minhang Museum, Jiading Museum, Pudong History Museum, Shanghai Observer