Madame Tussauds Shanghai Tickets

Madame Tussauds Shanghai is less a quiet museum than a large set of photo opportunities: you can pose beside nearly 100 figures, try seasonal costumes, and enter a Marvel-themed area with a 4D show. It is on the 10th floor of New World City, close to People’s Square.

I like two things here: the chance to see Chinese stars alongside international names, which gives the Shanghai branch its own character, and the freedom to take your time with the figures and photo setups. The included ticket package also lists VR, adding something to do beyond posing.

One caution: wax figures can change or leave. Taylor Swift was promoted as a featured attraction, but her figure was reported absent, so do not book solely for one celebrity without confirming that figure is currently on display.

Key points to know

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• Nearly 100 figures fill a 9,000-square-meter venue, so this is larger than a quick photo stop.
• The collection mixes Chinese and international stars, including Jackie Chan, Sun Li, He Jiong, Audrey Hepburn, and Tom Cruise.
• Seasonal costumes may be available to wear for photos with the figures.
• A Marvel area adds a 4D show and interactive elements, though show times and package details should be checked on the day.
• Weekdays can be quiet, giving you more time for photos without feeling hurried.
• The location is central, at People’s Square, within walking distance of Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street and the Bund commercial district.

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What a visit to Madame Tussauds Shanghai feels like

Madame Tussauds Shanghai opened in 2006 as the first branch in mainland China and the sixth in the world. The brand is more than 200 years old, but the appeal here is immediate and modern: familiar faces, staged settings, and plenty of room to take photos.

The venue covers about 9,000 square meters and holds nearly a hundred figures. That scale matters. You are not just walking past a handful of wax likenesses in one room; plan for two to three hours if you want to browse, take pictures, and spend time in the themed areas.

This is a hands-on, camera-friendly attraction rather than a traditional museum focused on long labels or quiet observation. You can get close to the figures and pose with them. The fun is partly in spotting a favorite, and partly in seeing how the displays invite you to step into a scene.

People’s Square makes a practical starting point

The museum is on the 10th floor of New World City, at 2-68 Nanjing West Road in Huangpu District. People’s Square Station is served by Metro Lines 1, 2, and 8, making it easy to reach from several parts of Shanghai without arranging a separate transfer by car.

Its central position can help you fit the attraction into a broader day out. Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street and the Bund commercial district are within walking distance, so you can pair the wax museum with shopping or a walk through the city center. I would still keep the museum’s two-to-three-hour visit estimate in mind when planning the rest of the day.

Once you reach New World City, go to the 10th floor. The attraction is indoors, which makes it a useful option if you want a break from the weather or need an activity with a clear start and finish. Opening hours are listed as 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday. The venue’s schedule on your chosen day takes precedence.

Chinese stars give the Shanghai branch its own flavor

The collection includes international celebrities such as Audrey Hepburn and Tom Cruise, but it also features Chinese public figures, including Jackie Chan, Sun Li, and He Jiong. That local presence is a real reason to choose this branch over another Madame Tussauds. If you follow Chinese film, television, or sport, you may recognize more of the display than you expect.

The mix also sets expectations. If your main interest is Hollywood names, you will find some familiar faces, but the collection is not limited to international stars. Some of its appeal depends on knowing the Chinese actors, presenters, or athletes on display. If you do not recognize everyone, the attraction still works as a playful photo venue, though you may connect more strongly with some areas than others.

The figures are designed for close encounters and pictures, not simply viewed from a distance. Take your time with the poses and scenery, and remember that popular figures can draw a small crowd. A weekday visit may offer more breathing room: the attraction can be quiet then, letting you take photos at your own pace.

Photo sets, costumes, and the practical fun of posing

Photos are central to the experience, and the layout gives you plenty of chances to make a picture feel like more than a snapshot beside a figure. Seasonal costumes may be provided for you to try on, adding a playful extra. Availability can vary, so treat costumes as a possible bonus rather than the main reason to buy a ticket.

The displays are built around recognizable faces and photo opportunities. That makes this a good fit for families, couples, and friends who enjoy taking pictures together. It is less compelling if you prefer exhibits where you read and study objects at length. Here, the payoff comes from looking closely, finding your favorite figures, and joining the scene.

One practical rule: do not climb on the venue’s props. The displays are made for posing, but climbing is prohibited and any resulting accident is your responsibility. You also cannot leave and re-enter, so use the facilities and gather your group before going inside.

Marvel, VR, and the 4D show

The Marvel area shifts the mood from celebrity portraits to a superhero setting. Its stated aim is interactive, with elements you can see, hear, touch, and play. The ticket package described here includes VR, and the attraction also features a 4D movie experience. That mix gives you an activity beyond the wax figures, especially if your group includes Marvel fans.

The 4D show is a useful detail to plan around, not just an add-on to notice as you pass. Show schedules may affect how long you spend in the area. A past operating schedule placed the final Marvel movie at 6 p.m., while another account described screenings about once an hour. Those timings may change, so ask on arrival rather than assuming a fixed schedule.

Check the exact package before paying. The available product is described as a Madame Tussauds Shanghai ticket including VR, while some ticket offers pair entry with a Marvel Universe or Marvel Zone ticket. Names and inclusions can differ by offer. If the Marvel experience is a priority, make sure the package you select includes the part you want.

Taylor Swift and changing figure lineups

The attraction has promoted a large Taylor Swift wax figure launch, with 13 new figures described as part of a major project. That is a striking claim for Swifties, but the display lineup is not guaranteed to stay fixed. Taylor Swift’s figure was reported absent at one point, despite being featured in promotion.

The practical lesson is simple: do not assume an advertised celebrity will be there on your date. If one figure is the whole point of your visit, check directly with the attraction or booking provider before buying. This applies to other specific idols, too. A figure may be temporarily away or removed, and the museum does not promise that every favorite will be on display.

The larger collection makes the visit less dependent on one person. You can move among Chinese stars, international celebrities, and the Marvel area, but the exact mix is still a changing part of the experience.

Is the ticket worth about $29.55?

The starting price is $29.55, though the amount you pay can vary by date, offer, and package. For that price, the value comes from the venue’s size, nearly 100 figures, the photo opportunities, and the listed VR inclusion. If you enjoy celebrity culture and will take plenty of pictures, two to three hours gives the ticket room to earn its keep.

A two-person offer may be a better deal if you are visiting as a couple, but compare the final price with the single ticket and confirm what each option includes. Some packages add a Marvel component, while the ticket described here includes VR. Do not assume similarly named offers cover exactly the same attractions.

This is not the best-value stop for everyone. If you have little interest in wax figures, celebrity photos, or Marvel, you may find the visit less rewarding. It is also not a reliable way to see a particular star unless you have confirmed that figure’s presence. For the right person, though, the generous space and easy photo access make it a solid half-day activity.

Booking, entry, and children

This ticket is for a group that includes at least one person who is not from mainland China. The booking requires traveler information that matches the person who enters. Non-mainland visitors should bring their original valid photo identification and use the voucher with their passport for entry. Everyone included in the order must enter together; the order cannot be split for separate arrivals.

The voucher is valid for 60 days from booking confirmation and expires at 11 p.m. on the final day. If you need to change your booking details, the stated process is to cancel and book again. Refunds are conditional: you can apply while the order is unverified, but partial refunds are not supported. These terms are worth checking before purchasing, particularly if plans may change.

Children’s ticket rules depend on age and height. A child above 0.9 meters up to and including 1.4 meters, and no older than 14, or a child aged 3 through 10, requires a child ticket. Free admission is listed for children under 90 centimeters, including 90 centimeters, or children under 3, including their birthday; ID is required, and either condition must be met. Each adult may bring up to two children admitted free. Since the wording combines age and height conditions, confirm the appropriate ticket for your child before booking.

Who should book Madame Tussauds Shanghai?

I would book this if you like celebrity culture, want a relaxed place to take photos, or have Chinese actors and stars you are keen to see. Families with children and groups of friends can make good use of the staged displays, costumes, and Marvel area. A weekday visit is especially appealing if you want time with the figures and fewer people in your photos.

I would think twice if you are going only for Taylor Swift or another single figure, or if wax museums are not your thing. Confirm the figure lineup and your ticket’s VR or Marvel inclusions before paying. If those details suit your plans, Madame Tussauds Shanghai offers a convenient, photo-heavy stop at People’s Square, with enough space and variety to fill a couple of hours.

FAQ

How long should I allow for Madame Tussauds Shanghai?

Plan for two to three hours. You may spend longer if you take lots of photos or wait for a Marvel show.

Where is Madame Tussauds Shanghai?

It is on the 10th floor of New World City, 2-68 Nanjing West Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai.

Which metro station serves the museum?

Take Metro Line 1, Line 2, or Line 8 to People’s Square Station.

What are the opening hours?

The listed hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Check the venue’s operating hours for your visit day.

Does the ticket include VR?

The package described here is a Madame Tussauds Shanghai ticket including VR. Check the exact package details before booking, especially if you want a Marvel ticket as well.

Can I see Taylor Swift’s wax figure?

The figure has been promoted, but it was reported absent at one point. Confirm directly before booking if seeing Taylor Swift is essential to your visit.

What identification do I need to enter?

Non-mainland visitors should present their original valid photo identification and use the voucher with their passport. The booking information must match the person entering.

Can children enter for free?

Free admission is listed for children under 90 centimeters, including 90 centimeters, or children under 3, with ID required. Each adult may bring up to two children admitted free.