When walking in Shanghai, one should not miss out on exploring West Nanjing Road, the birthplace of Shanghai's sports culture. With intertwined historical significance, this area has now become a hub for sports activities.

No 150 West Nanjing Road is home to the Shanghai Sports Building, which houses the Shanghai Sports Museum.

An exterior view of the Shanghai Sports Building. [Photo/WeChat account: shanghaitiyu]

Formerly known as the Foreign YMCA Building, the Shanghai Sports Building was built in 1928 as a place for recreation, entertainment, sports and socializing for Western youth residing in Shanghai. The building, with its US Art Deco style, features a slightly classical appearance with a horseshoe-shaped design. In 1954, this unique building was officially designated for use by the Shanghai Sports Committee and became a leading center for promoting sports to the public. Over the years, it has played a pivotal role in nurturing sports talent and promoting China's sports industry on the global stage.

Today, the Shanghai Sports Building not only serves as the office of the Shanghai Administration of Sports, but has also been transformed into a public sports and cultural space that integrates education, culture, and promotion. In July 2021, the Shanghai Sports Museum, located in the Sports Building, was inaugurated after three years of construction. The museum showcases over 2,000 sports artifacts and more than 500 images, and features themed exhibition halls that highlight various aspects of sports history.

Highlights of the landmark

The Shanghai Sports Museum offers free admission to the public without the need for prior reservation.

Address: No 150 West Nanjing Road, Huangpu district

Transport: Exit 8 of People's Square Station on Metro Lines 1/2/8, about 480 meters walk; Bus No 451 and 454 to West Nanjing Road and Middle Xizang Road Station, 100 meters walk; Bus No 20, 37, 805 to West Nanjing Road and Huanghe Road Station, 200 meters walk.

01 Shanghai Sports Museum's amazing night

A view of the Shanghai Sports Museum. [Photo/WeChat account: shanghaitiyu]

July marks the "birthday month" of the Shanghai Sports Museum. To enrich people's cultural life and boost the night cultural tourism market, the museum will extend its opening hours on Friday nights from July 12 to Aug 30. On July 12, visitors will be offered guided tours, Olympic-themed cultural salons, third-anniversary stamp collections, limited-edition coffee tastings, and creative ice cream treats.

From July 12 to Aug 30, the museum will be open from Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30 am to 11:30 am (last entry at 11 am) and 2 pm to 4:30 pm (last entry at 4 pm), with operating hours extending to 8:30 pm (last entry at 8 pm) on Fridays. Special arrangements for holidays and other important events will be announced in advance.

02 150 Coffee

For a blend of sports and culture, visit 150 Coffee at the Shanghai Sports Museum, where you can enjoy aromatic coffee while immersed in the sports ambience.

03 Souvenir Zone

The Shanghai Sports Museum offers a range of sports-themed creative products. [Photo/WeChat account: shanghaitiyu]

The fourth exhibition hall of the museum houses a souvenir zone where sports culture meets contemporary design, offering a range of sports-themed creative products. From fridge magnets inspired by the building's architecture to T-shirts featuring exhibits, visitors can find a variety of unique sports-inspired collectibles.

For more information and to book related services and activities, search for the "上海体育博物馆在线服务" WeChat mini-program.

Recommended instagrammable spots

01 Vintage corner

Unlock the charm of the past with the "History Boat" in the museum's first exhibition hall. Its retro-yet-modern corners are perfect for capturing timeless moments.

02 Torch display stand

From the 1936 Berlin Olympics to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the monumental torch display stand showcases torches from every Olympic Games, each with a unique design and significant historical value. This stunning spot is a great location for your photos, so be sure to include it in your itinerary!

03 Museum exterior

The exterior of the Shanghai Sports Museum is also a picturesque spot for photography. The eclectic architectural style of the Shanghai Sports Building, with its arches and classical columns, provides the perfect backdrop for some memorable social media photos.

Sources: "shanghaitiyu" "shanghaitourism" "shanghaifabu" "xmwb1929" WeChat accounts, venues mentioned above