The Museum of Shanghai Civil Affairs is China's first comprehensive museum dedicated to the civil affairs sector.

It is located inside the Gongyi Xintiandi Park, a site with a rich historical legacy. Once home to Xin Puyutang, the largest charitable shelter in Shanghai during the Republic of China period, the grounds later housed a municipal nursing home, a childcare center, and eventually the Shanghai Children's Home. Today, the park stands as a testament to the city's rich history of public welfare and civil affairs.

Inside the museum, visitors can explore 12 themed galleries covering topics such as social assistance, elderly care, charitable services, marriage customs, and community governance. With a collection of more than 5,000 artifacts and historical documents, the museum offers a sweeping view of how Shanghai's civil affairs and social services have evolved over time.

Highlights include:

• Vintage marriage certificates and tax stamps from the Republic of China era, offering insights into the legal frameworks of the past.
• Early welfare lottery tickets and spinning lottery machines, highlighting the history of charitable initiatives.
• An interactive AI experience where visitors can try on virtual wedding attire.

If you go

Address: Buildings 1 and 2, Gongyi Xintiandi, No 105 West Puyu Road, Huangpu district

Open: 9 am – 4 pm (last entry at 3:30 pm). Closed on Mondays, except public holidays.

Admission: Free

(Updated on Aug 13, 2026)

Sources: Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism, Museum of Shanghai Civil Affairs