Long Museum · West Bund (龙美术馆·西岸馆)

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Overview

Long Museum · West Bund (龙美术馆·西岸馆) is located at 3398 Longteng Avenue, Xuhui District, Shanghai (上海市徐汇区龙腾大道3398号), situated in the heart of the Huangpu River’s “Xuhui Riverside / West Bund Cultural Corridor.” It is one of Shanghai’s most iconic contemporary art landmarks and is regarded by many architects and photographers as a “paradise for architecture enthusiasts.”

From Coal Wharf to Art Landmark

The site was formerly the Beipiao Wharf (北票码头), featuring coal transport corridors, coal warehouses, and loading docks that once supplied coal to Shanghai. After the wharf was decommissioned, industrial relics such as coal funnels, railway tracks, rough concrete pillars, and some trusses remained on site. Instead of demolishing these structures, Long Museum chose to preserve these industrial heritages and layer contemporary architecture and art functions on top, giving the old industrial facilities a “second life” within a new urban context.

Umbrella Arch Architecture: An “Introverted Sanctuary”

The West Bund building was designed by architect Liu Yichun (柳亦春) and his Atelier Deshaus (大舍建筑设计事务所). Its most distinctive feature is the continuous exposed concrete “umbrella arch” structure:

• The first and second floors above ground consist of vaulted halls cast in exposed concrete. The arch ceilings visually resemble opened umbrellas, providing a sense of shelter while guiding sightlines and movement forward through continuous curves. The architect describes this as “guidance by structure rather than enclosure.”
• The gaps between the umbrella arches and skylights softly introduce natural light indoors. Combined with metal stretched mesh and stained glass for diffuse reflection, this creates a richly layered diffused lighting environment. The ceiling is reserved only for light and structure, while HVAC and other mechanical systems are cleverly hidden in the floor and arch cavities, giving the entire space an extremely pure, introverted “sanctuary” atmosphere.

In sharp contrast is the basement level’s white-box gallery: here, traditional white walls and controllable lighting are used primarily to display delicate exhibits such as ancient Chinese calligraphy, paintings, cultural relics, and Yixing clay teapots. The juxtaposition of the industrial-style umbrella arches above ground and the white-box gallery below creates a unique spatial experience of “dialogue between old and new” and “coexistence of ruggedness and refinement.”

Industrial Heritage and Riverside Atmosphere

Outside the museum, towering coal funnels and conveyor corridors, abandoned railway tracks, and iconic gantry cranes and Beipiao Wharf tower cranes of the Xuhui Riverside area are preserved. These rusted industrial components contrast with the Lujiazui “Three-Piece Set” skyline across the river, forming a striking industrial-style riverside view. Many visitors, after viewing exhibitions, enjoy strolling or cycling along the Xuhui Riverside greenbelt, passing by the skateboard park, climbing wall, West Bund Art Museum, Oil Tank Art Center, West Bund Grand Theatre, and West Bund Dream Center, making Long Museum an important stop on the West Bund citywalk.

The “Collection Ceiling” Among Private Museums

Founded by collectors Liu Yiqian and Wang Wei (刘益谦、王薇), Long Museum is renowned among China’s private museums for the “scale and quality of its collection.” The collection spans:

• Ancient Chinese calligraphy and cultural relics (bronzes, ceramics, jade, etc. from the Shang and Zhou dynasties through the Qing dynasty);
• Modern and contemporary calligraphy, paintings, and Yixing clay teapots;
• Chinese contemporary art;
• International contemporary art and installations.

The former “Grand View of Heaven and Earth” (天地大观) relic exhibition showcased over 200 major pieces from the Shang and Zhou dynasties to the Qing dynasty, presented under spotlights in a darkened gallery to highlight the beauty of the artifacts. The “10–60” exhibition traced global artists born between the 1910s and 1960s, gathering works by Louise Bourgeois, Robert Rauschenberg, Andy Warhol, James Turrell, Yayoi Kusama, Yoshitomo Nara, Zao Wou-Ki, Zeng Fanzhi, and other renowned Chinese and international artists under one roof. The “70” exhibition focused on artists born in the 1970s, fostering cross-regional dialogue from a generational perspective. The “I, We — Chen Yujun Solo Exhibition” centered on themes of “hometown, roots, and growth,” showcasing the artist’s recent paintings, installations, and sculptures. The museum often presents exhibitions in a “one ticket, six shows” format, combining contemporary art, modern calligraphy and painting, and Yixing teapot special exhibitions, offering a dense and rich experience.

Who Is It For?

Long Museum · West Bund offers a triple charm:

• The spatial power and light-shadow aesthetics of the architecture itself;
• Consistently high-quality exhibition curation and a strong collection;
• Integration with the Xuhui Riverside public space, industrial heritage, and riverside atmosphere.

Whether you are an art lover, architecture photography enthusiast, or simply looking for a quality place to stroll, daydream, or take photos, this is an ideal spot to spend a full afternoon slowly experiencing it all.

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Best Travel Seasons and Times

Indoor Galleries Suitable Year-Round + Distinct Seasons by the Riverside

Long Museum · West Bund (龙美术馆·西岸馆) is an indoor exhibition space with a constant temperature throughout the year, making it suitable for all seasons. However, when combined with outdoor activities like walking or cycling along the Xuhui Riverside (徐汇滨江), the experience varies significantly with the seasons:

Spring (March–May): Cherry Blossoms and Soft Light

• Moderate temperatures and comfortable humidity make it the golden season for "exhibitions + riverside walks/cycling."
• In March–April, the greenery along Xuhui Riverside is fresh, and the river breeze is gentle, perfect for a half-day or full-day itinerary.
• April–May features cherry blossoms blooming in front of the museum, where the umbrella-arched architecture and vast cherry blossoms create a spring-exclusive atmospheric scene. You can take photos under the cherry trees before entering the museum to view exhibitions.
• The daylight is soft, and the layered shadows under the umbrella arches are rich, ideal for architectural photography as well as detailed appreciation of artworks inside.

Summer (June–August): Escape the Heat with Exhibitions + Evening Breezes

• Shanghai summers are hot with strong sunlight, so prolonged exposure by the river is not recommended.
• The Long Museum is well air-conditioned, and the umbrella-arched space is relatively enclosed, making it a great place to escape the heat and enjoy exhibitions, especially during the hottest afternoon hours.
• After the temperature drops in the evening, head to the riverside to enjoy the breeze and capture silhouettes of the gantry crane, coal hopper, and the artwork "Zhang Gong Wu Jian" (《张弓无箭》) in the dusk light for a fantastic atmosphere.
• Mosquitoes are more common by the river in summer, so wearing long pants or bringing mosquito repellent is advised.

Autumn (September–November): Clear Air and Golden Sunset

• Cool temperatures and clear air make this another highlight season for exhibitions and city walks.
• It’s recommended to enter the museum around 3–4 PM, first photographing the slanting light under the umbrella arches, then viewing the exhibitions; near sunset, step outside to feel the golden glow cast on the exposed concrete and coal hopper.
• During this time, the West Bund area near the Oil Tank Art Center often features seasonal landscapes like muhly grass, allowing you to link Long Museum with surrounding art buildings for a visually stunning city walk route.

Winter (December–February): Major Exhibitions + Dramatic Light and Shadows

• The riverside is windy and feels cold, but it’s the perfect time for "indoor exhibitions without repetition."
• Many major exhibitions tend to cluster around the end of the year and the Chinese New Year period, such as “Heaven and Earth Panorama” (天地大观), “10—60,” and “70.” Combined with the free admission day on the first Tuesday of each month, it offers a cost-effective way to "camp indoors" at the museum.
• Winter light angles are low, and the 9:00–11:00 AM and 3:00–5:00 PM slanting light creates dramatic shadows in the umbrella arches and staircases, perfect for architectural photography.

Tips to Avoid Crowds

• Peak times: Public holidays, weekend afternoons, and the first Tuesday free admission days are the busiest, requiring more patience for queues and photography.
• Quiet visiting times: It’s best to visit on weekday mornings or early afternoons on non-free days, when there are fewer people and better light, ideal for immersive exhibition viewing.
• Weather choices:
  • Sunny days: Great for photographing the strong light and shadow contrasts under the umbrella arches and riverside silhouettes.
  • Overcast/rainy days: The texture of the exposed concrete stands out more, creating a calm, wabi-sabi atmosphere perfect for "high-end gray" architectural shots, with relatively fewer visitors.

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Transportation and Arrival Methods

Specific Address

• Long Museum · West Bund Branch (龙美术馆·西岸馆)
• Address: No. 3398 Longteng Avenue, Xuhui District, Shanghai
• Location: Mid-section of Xuhui Riverside, near Xuhui Riverside Skate Park, Xuhui Riverside Climbing Wall, and Beipiao Wharf Tower Crane

The surrounding area mainly features open riverside green spaces and clusters of art venues. Driving, metro + walking, bus, and cycling are all quite convenient.

Metro Routes

1) Line 7 / Line 12 Longhua Middle Road Station (龙华中路站) (Recommended)

This is the most commonly used and convenient metro station to reach Long Museum · West Bund Branch.

• Lines: Metro Line 7, Line 12
• Exit: Exit 5 or 6 (both commonly used; follow on-site signs)
• Walking route:
  1. Exit from Exit 5 or 6, then walk southwest along Longteng Avenue;
  2. Pass by Xuhui Riverside Skate Park, outdoor basketball courts, and other riverside facilities;
  3. After about 900–1000 meters, you will see the umbrella-arched concrete building and the coal hopper;
  4. Total walk about 10–15 minutes on flat terrain, suitable for walking or cycling.

2) Line 11 Longyao Road Station (龙耀路站) (Good for West Bund connections)

If you plan to citywalk or cycle from the West Bund Dream Center area all the way to Long Museum, this station is a good choice.

• Line: Metro Line 11
• Suitable for:
  • Reverse sightseeing from West Bund Grand Theatre, West Bund Dream Center, Oil Tank Art Center, etc.;
  • Architecture enthusiasts and visitors wanting to connect multiple West Bund venues.
• Walking route:
  • Exit Longyao Road Station and walk along the riverside trail toward Xuhui Riverside;
  • Pass by West Bund Grand Theatre, Oil Tank Art Center, West Bund Art Museum, Orbit West Bund Vortex, etc.;
  • Total walk about 20–25 minutes; choose walking or shared bike depending on your stamina.

Bus Routes

Ruining Road Longteng Avenue Stop (瑞宁路龙腾大道站) (Bus 41 / 104)

• Suitable for visitors who don’t want to walk too much and prefer not to drive.
• Take bus 41 or 104 and get off at “Ruining Road Longteng Avenue” stop.
• After getting off, walk west along Longteng Avenue about 200–300 meters to reach Long Museum · West Bund Branch.

Additionally, some other bus lines running along Longteng Avenue (such as Tunnel Line 8) also stop nearby; you can plan your route with a map app on the day.

Driving and Parking

• Navigation keywords: “Long Museum West Bund Branch” or “Long Museum West Branch Underground Parking”.
• Parking:
  • The West Bund Branch has its own underground parking garage, entrance located on one side of the building;
  • Parking fee is about ¥10/hour (subject to on-site latest notice).
• Peak time tips:
  • Parking spaces are tight during holidays and popular exhibitions; it’s recommended to arrive early;
  • Alternatively, park at nearby lots such as West Bund Art Center or West Bund Dream Center, then walk along the riverside to the museum while enjoying the scenery.

Cycling and Walking Access

Xuhui Riverside is one of Shanghai’s best riverside sections for cycling and citywalking:

• Plenty of shared bikes along Longteng Avenue, with reference price about ¥1.5/15 minutes;
• Recommended cycling route example:
  • From Long Museum → along Longteng Avenue or riverside trail → West Bund Art Center (about 3 km, flat road, beginner-friendly).

If you are walking from West Bund Art Museum or Oil Tank Art Center, you can follow this approximate route:

• West Bund Art Museum → Glass House → West Bund Art Center → Guangqi Longhua Harbor → Maritime Tower Plaza → Xuhui Riverside Green Space → Orbit West Bund Vortex → Beipiao Wharf Tower Crane → Xuhui Riverside Climbing Wall → Long Museum (total about 1.5–2 km).

From Major Transport Hubs

Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station / Hongqiao Airport

• Option 1:
  • Metro Line 10 → transfer at Jiaotong University Station to Line 11 → Longyao Road Station → walk or cycle along the riverside to Long Museum.
• Option 2:
  • Metro Line 10 → transfer at Laoximen Station to Line 12 → Longhua Middle Road Station → walk 10–15 minutes to Long Museum.

Shanghai Railway Station

• Option 1:
  • Metro Line 1 → transfer at Xujiahui Station to Line 11 → Longyao Road Station → walk or cycle to Long Museum.
• Option 2:
  • Metro Line 1 → transfer at Shaanxi South Road Station to Line 10, then transfer to Line 11 or Line 12 depending on crowd conditions.

Pudong International Airport

• Option 1:
  • Metro Line 2 → transfer at Century Avenue Station to Line 9 → transfer at Jiashan Road Station to Line 12 → Longhua Middle Road Station → walk to Long Museum.
• Option 2:
  • Take a taxi directly to Long Museum · West Bund Branch, about 45–60 minutes depending on traffic.

Ferry and Riverside Activities

Currently, there is no direct Huangpu River ferry to the door of Long Museum, but you can:

• Take a ferry from Pudong Riverside (e.g., near Expo Source) to a nearby Xuhui Riverside pier (e.g., Longhua Pier);
• Then walk along the riverside trail to Long Museum, creating a budget-friendly “¥2 ferry + riverside walk” alternative boat trip;
• Ferry fare is generally ¥2 per person (subject to Shanghai ferry’s latest pricing).

Travel Mode Recommendations

• For convenience first: we recommend the combination of “Metro Lines 7/12 Longhua Middle Road Station + 10–15 minutes walk.”
• For experience first: choose “Metro to Longyao Road Station or West Bund Dream Center → citywalk or cycle along the riverside to Long Museum,” turning transportation itself into part of your journey.

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Tickets and Opening Hours

Regular Ticket Prices and the "One Ticket for Six Exhibitions" Offer

Long Museum · West Bund (龙美术馆·西岸馆) is a paid art museum, but its ticketing system is flexible with many discounts. Recent official and visitor information indicates:

• Adult General Admission: ¥200 per person (approximate period 2025–2026)
  • One ticket usually allows a single visit during the exhibition period to about six exhibitions inside the museum, including contemporary art exhibitions, modern and contemporary calligraphy and painting exhibitions, special purple clay exhibitions, etc.;
  • Some special exhibitions (such as "The Grand View of Heaven and Earth" 天地大观, "10—60", "70") may be included in the general admission or sold separately, subject to current announcements;
  • With the ticket, visitors can get about ¥60 worth of credit for cultural and creative products in the museum’s gift shop or exchange for small gifts like fridge magnets or notebooks (specifics depend on current promotions).

For some smaller joint exhibitions or specific exhibition periods, the museum also offers:

• Combo Tickets: for example, joint exhibitions of two shows for about ¥60 per person;
• Discounts on Catalogs: such as a 25% discount on catalogs for "10—60" and "70".

Free Admission Days and Student Policies

Free Admission on the First Tuesday of Each Month

• Time: The first Tuesday of every month is a public free admission day (excluding holidays and special exhibitions).
• Rules:
  • No reservation required; entry with ID card only;
  • Free admission usually applies to 1–2 designated exhibitions at that time (e.g., "70" or "I, We — Chen Yujun Solo Exhibition"), other exhibitions require tickets;
  • Free days tend to be crowded, with queue times around 30 minutes; early arrival is recommended.

Student and Child Discounts

• Nationwide junior high school students and below:
  • With a valid student ID, can visit all exhibitions for free at the West Bund Museum, including normally paid special exhibitions;
  • This policy is not limited to free admission days, making it ideal for families visiting multiple times.
• University Students:
  • Usually eligible for student discount tickets; specific discounts and policies are subject to on-site announcements or official channels.

Other Discount Groups

• Seniors, people with disabilities, and other special groups generally enjoy free or discounted admission;
• Specific eligible groups and discount rates may change with policy updates; it is recommended to check the latest information on the Long Museum official WeChat account or website before visiting.

Opening Hours and Closing Days

Long Museum · West Bund follows a winter/summer schedule and is regularly closed on Mondays (except holidays):

Winter Hours (November 1 – March 31)

• Tuesday to Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM)
• Friday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (last entry at 7:00 PM)
• Monday: Closed (open on public holidays as announced)

Summer Hours (April 1 – October 31)

• Tuesday to Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM)
• Friday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (last entry at 8:00 PM)
• Monday: Closed (except holidays)

Holidays and Special Periods

• The museum is usually open on holidays such as New Year’s Day, Labor Day, and National Day, with some holidays featuring extended evening hours—check official announcements for details;
• Special arrangements for the 2026 Spring Festival (official info):
  • West Bund Museum will be closed for 6 days from February 15 to February 20 (Lunar December 28 to Lunar January 4);
  • Normal opening resumes on February 21 (Lunar January 5);
  • Monday, February 23 will be open as a makeup day;
  • The museum’s "Dragon Restaurant" will be closed during this period and reopen on February 21.

Reservation and Ticket Purchase Methods

• Regular and free admission days:
  • Most of the time, no reservation is required; tickets can be purchased on-site or visitors can enter directly with valid credentials;
• For large special exhibitions or special periods:
  • Online reservations or visitor limits may be implemented;
  • It is recommended to follow the Long Museum official WeChat account, website, or official mini-program for the latest reservation and ticketing information.

Important Reminders

• Ticket prices and inclusion in the general admission ticket may vary depending on the exhibition arrangement;
• The specific list of free exhibitions on free admission days changes with the current exhibitions—always confirm on official channels before visiting;
• On-site and online ticket prices are usually the same, but some combo tickets or catalog discounts may only be available in the museum or through specific channels—choose flexibly according to your itinerary.

Suggested Duration of Stay

1. Quick Visit: About 1.5–2 Hours

Suitable for visitors with limited time who want to mainly "experience the architecture + see one or two key exhibitions."

Suggested time allocation:

• 30–40 minutes:
  • Snap photos of the umbrella arch structure outside the museum, the coal hopper, gantry crane, abandoned railway tracks, and the Huangpu River scenery;
  • Key photo spots include the large open space under the umbrella arch, the sculpture base area beneath the coal hopper, and the concrete platform facing the river.
• 40–60 minutes:
  • Focus on one exhibition of most interest at the time (such as “70,” “10—60,” or a major solo exhibition currently on);
  • Mainly a quick walkthrough focusing on key works without extensive reading.
• 10–20 minutes:
  • Quickly browse the museum shop for postcards, booklets, or redeem small gifts with your ticket stub.

2. Standard Half-Day Tour: About 3–4 Hours

Ideal for most first-time visitors who want to balance architecture, exhibitions, and a short break.

Suggested time allocation:

• About 1 hour: Architecture and spatial experience
  • Systematically photograph the umbrella arch hall, spiral staircase, white staircase, sky corridor, coal hopper, gantry crane, etc.;
  • Try compositions from different heights and angles, appreciating the light and shadow changes, especially during 9–11 AM or 3–5 PM when the light is slanting.
• About 1.5–2 hours: Exhibition viewing
  • With the “one ticket for six exhibitions” setup, select 3–4 exhibitions to focus on;
  • Recommended mix: 1–2 contemporary art exhibitions + 1 ancient/modern calligraphy or artifact exhibition + 1 solo or thematic exhibition;
  • Spend more time in galleries of special interest, reading wall texts and artwork descriptions.
• About 30–40 minutes: Rest and museum shop
  • Browse art books and derivative products in the museum shop;
  • Or take a short break at the café corner inside, organizing photos and reflecting on the visit.

3. In-Depth Exploration: Half Day to Full Day

Perfect for art and architecture enthusiasts or those planning to include Long Museum (龙美术馆) in a longer West Bund citywalk itinerary.

Half-day in-depth (about 4–5 hours):

• Enter around 10:00 AM, first capture the umbrella arch and staircase light and shadow during the best lighting;
• Start from the basement white-box galleries featuring artifacts/calligraphy exhibitions, then move up to contemporary art galleries, and finally return to the umbrella arch hall for large-scale installations;
• Take a short meal and rest break at the museum’s Long Restaurant or café corner;
• In the afternoon, finish viewing any remaining exhibitions and observe architectural details from the sky corridor and other vantage points.

Full-day in-depth (including West Bund connection):

• Morning:
  • Enter around 10:00 AM for a full experience of architecture and exhibitions;
  • Reserve time to join curator tours or lectures if available (check official info in advance).
• Noon:
  • Dine inside the museum or walk to nearby West Bund Dream Center or restaurants along the Xuhui Riverside.
• Afternoon:
  • Continue deep exhibition viewing or revisit favorite galleries;
  • After 4:00 PM, wait under the umbrella arch and near the coal hopper to capture sunset light changes, photographing architectural silhouettes and sculpture outlines during the blue hour.
• Evening and night:
  • After leaving, walk or bike along the Xuhui Riverside to West Bund Art Museum, Oil Tank Art Center, West Bund Grand Theatre, West Bund Dream Center, completing a “world-class art waterfront citywalk”;
  • Have dinner or coffee at West Bund Dream Center or riverside cafés, enjoying the night view of Lujiazui across the river.

4. Time Planning Combined with Nearby Attractions

• Half-day itinerary (Art + Architecture):

  • Morning: Long Museum West Bund (architecture photography + 1–2 exhibitions);
  • Afternoon: Walk to West Bund Art Museum for a special exhibition or enjoy the river breeze on its terrace.

• Half-day itinerary (Family-friendly + Relaxed):

  • Morning: Take advantage of free admission days or free policies for primary and secondary students to visit family-friendly exhibitions at Long Museum;
  • Afternoon: Play at Xuhui Riverside Skate Park, outdoor basketball courts, or climbing walls nearby; if time allows, take the Riverside sightseeing tram (ticket about ¥20 one way, ¥35 round trip, ~ $3–5 USD).

• Full-day itinerary (In-depth West Bund):

  • Morning: Start from Huangpu Riverside or Expo Source area, walk or bike along the riverside trail to Xuhui Riverside;
  • Noon: Eat at Riverside Citizen Canteen or West Bund Dream Center;
  • Afternoon: Focus on visiting Long Museum, West Bund Art Museum, and Oil Tank Art Center;
  • Evening: Enjoy night views, shopping, or performances at West Bund Dream Center, then return via Longyao Road or Longhua Middle Road metro stations.

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Highlights and Must-Visit Attractions

I. Architectural and Spatial Highlights

1. Umbrella Arch Exposed Concrete Structure

• The most iconic architectural element of Long Museum · West Bund (龙美术馆·西岸馆), designed by DASHE Architecture Design Office (Liu Yichun);
• The continuous exposed concrete arches serve both as structure and spatial language, creating a “structural guidance rather than enclosure”;
• Gaps between the umbrella arches and skylights introduce natural light, which, through diffuse reflection on concrete and metal stretched mesh, creates a delicate diffused lighting environment—perfect for capturing sophisticated light and shadow effects without filters;
• The large double-height space and juxtaposition of straight lines and curves make the umbrella arch hall the core spot for architectural and portrait photography.

2. Exposed Concrete and Hidden MEP Systems

• Extensive use of exposed concrete on interior and exterior walls, combined with glazed glass and metal stretched mesh; materials act as both skin and light “filters”;
• Air conditioning supply is delivered from under the floor and returned through the umbrella arch cavities, leaving the ceiling with only light and structure, with almost no visible vents or pipes;
• The architect describes it as an “inward sanctuary,” with extremely pure spatial quality, ideal for calm exhibition viewing and meditative strolling.

3. Underground White Box Exhibition Hall

• The basement level features a traditional white box space with pure white walls and controllable lighting;
• Mainly used to exhibit Chinese ancient calligraphy, paintings, cultural relics, and Yixing clay teapots that require precise lighting and protection;
• Forms a strong contrast with the industrial-style umbrella arches above ground, creating an exhibition experience of “new meets old” and “roughness alongside refinement.”

4. Sky Corridor and Secondary Pavilion

• The main pavilion and a side pavilion are connected by a sky corridor;
• Opened during certain dismantling periods or special circulation routes, allowing visitors to overlook the umbrella arch space and exhibition halls from a high vantage point;
• These rarely open viewpoints are “hidden spots” beloved by architectural photographers—keep an eye on temporary circulation updates from the museum.

II. Industrial Heritage and Outdoor Art

1. Coal Hopper and Coal Conveyor Corridor

• Preserved “coal hopper” and “conveyor corridor” from the Beipiao Wharf coal transport facilities, with rough steel structures and concrete showing clear traces of the era;
• Juxtaposed with newly poured umbrella arch concrete, creating a layered sense of time—key elements for understanding the site’s history and photo composition;
• Different weather conditions bring different moods: sharp and strong on sunny days, with a layer of wabi-sabi on rainy or overcast days.

2. Gantry Cranes and Beipiao Wharf Tower Cranes

• Several giant gantry cranes and tower cranes are preserved along the Xuhui Riverside area; the gantry crane near Long Museum is a highly popular photo spot;
• From the riverbank, you can frame the rusted gantry crane with the Lujiazui “Three Giants” skyline across the river, creating a striking contrast of “industrial relics vs. financial skyline”;
• Late afternoon side backlighting is especially good for silhouette shots; people wearing black and white solid colors work best.

3. Zheng Lu’s Sculpture “Zhang Gong Without Arrows (张弓无箭)”

• Location: Under the huge coal hopper outside Long Museum · West Bund;
• Size: Approximately 322 cm tall, made of stainless steel and copper;
• Inspired by the story of the divine archer Ji Chang from the “Liezi” text, who “shoots without shooting” — bow fully drawn but no arrow, symbolizing the Eastern philosophy of “doing nothing yet accomplishing everything” and a sense of relaxation;
• Visitors can walk around and view from different angles, with front, side, and back showing distinctly different visual effects;
• At dusk during the blue hour, the sculpture’s outline overlaps with the coal hopper and umbrella arch silhouettes, creating a highly atmospheric photo scene.

III. Classic Exhibitions and Representative Projects

Note: Exhibition information updates over time. The following are representative recent exhibitions and curatorial concepts, useful for understanding Long Museum’s curatorial standards and collection direction.

1. Group Exhibition “10—60”: A Condensed Contemporary Art History

• Duration: Until 2026.02.23 (subject to official announcement);
• Theme: Focuses on global artists born between the 1910s and 1960s, almost a condensed contemporary art history within the exhibition halls;
• Representative artists:
  • International: Louise Bourgeois, Robert Motherwell, Pierre Soulages, Georges Mathieu, Robert Rauschenberg, Andy Warhol, David Hockney, James Turrell, Antony Gormley, Günther Förg, David Salle, Jeff Koons, George Condo, Neo Rauch, Olafur Eliasson, Kazuo Shiraga (白发一雄), Yayoi Kusama (草间弥生), Nam June Paik (白南准), Hiroshi Sugimoto (杉本博司), Hiroshi Senju (千住博), Yoshitomo Nara (奈良美智), Takashi Murakami (村上隆), etc.;
  • Chinese: Zao Wou-Ki (赵无极), Zhu Dequn (朱德群), Chen Yifei (陈逸飞), He Duoling (何多苓), Luo Zhongli (罗中立), Chen Danqing (陈丹青), Chen Zhen (陈箴), Xu Bing (徐冰), Zhou Chunya (周春芽), Zhang Xiaogang (张晓刚), Ding Yi (丁乙), Pang Maokun (庞茂琨), Liu Ye (刘野), Zeng Fanzhi (曾梵志), Zhang Enli (张恩利), Yu Hong (喻红), Xiang Jing (向京), etc.
• Exhibition layout:
  • First floor mainly abstract series, second floor mainly figurative series;
  • The layout is restrained, leaving plenty of “breathing space” for visitors to freely move among works.
• Must-see installations: Song Dong’s “A Corner of the Kitchen (一隅全厨)”, James Turrell’s “Curved Glass—Safe Blitzkrieg”, Olafur Eliasson’s “Your Multiple Perspectives”, Philippe Parreno’s “Light Canopy”, George Segal’s “Dancer”, Nam June Paik’s “Massey McLuhan”, Louise Bourgeois’ “Couple”, John Chamberlain’s “Acediddley”, Mona Hatoum’s “Suspended”, all highly visually impactful and photogenic.

2. Group Exhibition “70”: A Spiritual Slice of the 1970s Generation

• Duration: 2026.01.24–2026.05.10;
• Location: West Building Exhibition Hall;
• Curated by museum director Wang Wei, selecting nearly 100 works from the collection and recent acquisitions;
• Theme: Focuses on artists born in the 1970s from 15 countries worldwide, engaging in cross-regional dialogue from a generational perspective;
• Representative Chinese artists: Chen Ke, Chen Yujun, Huang Yuxing, etc., with works revisiting collective memory, urbanization observations, and reinterpretations of traditional aesthetics;
• Representative international artists: Jenny Saville, Laura Owens, Javier Calleja, etc., exploring themes of gender, body, race, ecology, technology, and humanity;
• Representative works:
  • Chen Ke’s “Together with You, Never Lonely (Part One)”: blending classical and cartoon qualities, capturing subtle individual emotions of the post-70s generation;
  • Chen Yujun’s “Outsider” series (e.g., “Outsider,” “Traverse,” “Mad Scene,” “Winter No.3”): using abandoned buildings and wastelands to tell stories of “change and belonging”;
  • Others like “All Great Things Start Small,” “Between Valleys,” “Ferryman,” “Canis Major W,” “State of Being,” presenting the 70s generation’s spiritual undertones from family memory, bodily sensation, and cosmic weightlessness perspectives.

3. Solo Exhibition “I, We — Chen Yujun Solo Exhibition”: Hometown, Roots, and Growth

• Duration: 2025.10.10–2026.01.4;
• Location: West Building Exhibition Hall;
• Scale: Over 30 paintings, installations, and sculptures, mostly new works post-2020, some specially created for Long Museum spaces;
• Curatorial structure: Presented in reverse chronological order, divided into three chapters: “Outsider,” “Displaced Spaces,” and “Nature”;
• Theme: Around “hometown, roots, and growth,” exploring migration, overseas hometown memories, and individual positioning in the era;
• Typical works:
  • Collage and mixed media pieces: layering old Putian ancestral home window frames, Shanghai apartment window views, and human silhouettes, with weathered textures metaphorically expressing the dual condition of “being elsewhere yet at home”;
  • Longan Forest series: dominated by dense, richly colored greens, thickly painted and scraped to show the vigorous growth of vegetation;
  • Large-scale installation-style paintings: dense black and white lines resembling migrants’ life trajectories, with Putian old tree branches and daily debris piled under the canvas, extending flat paintings into three-dimensional fields.

4. Major Cultural Relics Exhibition “Grand View of Heaven and Earth (天地大观)”: A 3,000-Year Immersive Stage of Artifacts

• Exhibiting over 200 major cultural relics from the Shang and Zhou dynasties to the Qing dynasty;
• The exhibition hall is almost completely dark, with spotlights illuminating the artifacts, creating an immersive viewing atmosphere;
• Mr. Liu Yiqian personally guided tours, sharing stories about the Chicken Cup, his first collected piece “Green Bowl,” and a French lady using a shoebox to store porcelain, even opening a clock dome to play chimes live;
• Visitors walk slowly in the dark, closely observing patterns and shapes, truly feeling the weight of 3,000 years of history.

5. Other Important Exhibition Sections

• “Yang Bodu: Black Eagle, White Eagle”: a mysterious and profound contemporary art exhibition;
• “Yisi Xingyun (乙巳形蕴)”: a special exhibition focusing on artifact forms and literati tastes;
• “Clay Charm and Ink Fragrance: Masterpieces of Modern and Contemporary Chinese Painting and Yixing Clay”: showcasing modern and contemporary calligraphy, painting, and Yixing clay teapots;
• “Magic” and “Along the Riverbank”: exhibitions featuring beads and paintings, popular photo spots on free admission days;
• “Flow”: a special exhibition tracing the trajectory of Chinese art from the 1930s to the present.

IV. Typical Walking / Touring Route Highlights

Route A: Xuhui Riverside Citywalk (Including Long Museum)

• Typical nodes connected:
  1. Shanghai Expo Museum → 2. Former Naval Aircraft Manufacturing Site → 3. International Table Tennis Federation Museum → 4. Nanyuan Riverside Green Space → 5. Rihui Port → 6. Xuhui Riverside Party-Mass Service Center (Riverside Citizen Canteen) → 7. Station 1907 Starting Point → 8. START Star Art Museum → 9. Riverside Outdoor Basketball Court → 10. Xuhui Riverside Skate Park → 11. Long Museum (West Bund) → 12. Xuhui Riverside Climbing Wall (Beipiao Wharf Tower Crane) → 13. Orbit West Bund Vortex → 14. Xuhui Riverside Green Space → 15. Maritime Tower Plaza → 16. Guangqi Longhua Bay → 17. West Bund Art Center → 18. Glass House (Movie Subtitles) → 19. West Bund Art Museum → 20. Shanghai Longhua Helicopter Airport → 21. Shanghai Oil Tank Art Center → 22. West Bund Dome Art Center → 23. West Bund Grand Theatre → 24. Gate M West Bund Dream Center → 25. Longhua Wharf → 26. McDonald’s China Headquarters Building.
• Recommended key sections: Sections 6–14 (including Long Museum) and Sections 21–25 (West Bund Dream Center section), combining art venues with lively riverside scenery.

Route B: West Bund Master Architects Tour

• Connects works by multiple world-class architects:
  1. West Bund Dream Center (MVRDV, cloud roof);
  2. West Bund Grand Theatre + Dome Art Center (SHL Architects);
  3. Oil Tank Art Center (OPEN Architecture, five white oil tanks);
  4. West Bund Art Island (Kazuyo Sejima, transparent glass curtain wall);
  5. Xuhui Riverside Alibaba Headquarters (Norman Foster, “Smart Cube”);
  6. West Bund Art Museum (David Chipperfield);
  7. West Bund American-style Retro KFC;
  8. Orbit West Bund Vortex (Thomas Heatherwick);
  9. Long Museum · West Bund (Liu Yichun, DASHE);
  10. Star Art Museum (Jean Nouvel);
  11. West Bund Central Hub (ShanghART Gallery).
• Long Museum is the core mid-route node, perfect for architecture enthusiasts to spend a whole day “museum hopping.”

V. Niche Experiences and Hidden Tips

• Free Admission Days “Steal the Deal”: On the first Tuesday of each month, some major exhibitions are free to visit; combined with free admission for primary and secondary school students, making it highly cost-effective for families;
• In-depth Architectural Observation: Multiple visits at different times, floors, and angles to “re-read” the umbrella arches and light changes, suitable for architecture students and photographers for long-term study projects;
• Special Circulation During Dismantling Periods: When the main pavilion is dismantling, the entrance may shift to the adjacent pavilion, with visitors walking back to the main pavilion’s second floor via the sky corridor, unlocking usually closed high-level views;
• Lectures and Guided Tours: Irregularly held curator tours, artist talks, collector sharing sessions, such as Liu Yiqian’s personal guided tour of “Grand View of Heaven and Earth.” Follow the official WeChat account to register in advance for a deeper art and collection story experience.

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Practical Tips for Visiting

1. Visiting Time and Crowd Control

• Free Admission Days (the first Tuesday of each month, excluding holidays):

  • These days are the busiest, with queues taking about 30 minutes to enter;
  • It’s recommended to arrive before opening or before 10:00 AM, to see key exhibits first and then photograph the architecture;
  • The museum and photo spots under the umbrella arches get noticeably crowded in the afternoon, so be patient and allow plenty of time.

• Regular Weekends and Major Exhibition Openings:

  • Weekend afternoons and the initial period of popular exhibitions tend to be crowded for both viewing and photography;
  • For a quieter experience, it’s best to visit on weekday mornings or early afternoons on non-free days.

• Lighting and Photography Time Suggestions:

  • 9:00–11:00 AM: Soft light in the umbrella arches and stairwells, ideal for light beams, silhouettes, and portraits;
  • 3:00–5:00 PM: Backlighting from the gantry crane and river view side, great for industrial-style silhouette shots;
  • Evening blue hour: The coal hopper and the outline of “Zhang Gong Wu Jian” blend into the night, perfect for long exposures and atmospheric portraits.

2. Clothing and Personal Items

• Outfit Recommendations:

  • Black, white, or simple solid colors work best, blending well with the exposed concrete background and geometric light and shadow, increasing your chances of great shots;
  • Avoid large, complex patterns and fluorescent colors to prevent clashing with the space’s atmosphere.

• Footwear and Step Expectations:

  • Comfortable sneakers or flat shoes are recommended, especially if you plan to walk extensively along the Xuhui Riverside or visit nearby venues like the West Bund Art Museum and Oil Tank Art Center;
  • It’s easy to exceed 20,000 steps in a day, so take good care of your feet and knees.

• Seasonal Preparations:

  • Summer: The riverside is windy and sunny; bring sunscreen, a sun hat, sunglasses, a light jacket, and mosquito repellent or long pants;
  • Autumn and winter: The river breeze makes it feel colder than downtown, so bring warm jackets, scarves, etc.

3. Museum Rules and Storage Services

• Prohibited Items in Exhibition Halls:

  • Cameras and selfie sticks;
  • All kinds of drinks (including bottled water, coffee, etc.);
  • Suitcases and backpacks or large bags exceeding 18×20cm.

• Storage Services:

  • Free lockers or staffed storage points are available at the museum entrance;
  • It’s best to travel light, carrying only your phone, small wallet, and other essentials into the exhibition halls.

• Lighting and Viewing Experience:

  • Some exhibition halls (especially cultural relic exhibitions like “Grand View of Heaven and Earth”) are dimly lit, so your eyes will need time to adjust;
  • Always turn off the flash when photographing to protect the artifacts and avoid disturbing other visitors.

4. Photography and Equipment Tips

• Architecture and Portrait Photography Techniques:

  • Use the geometric lines of the umbrella arches and staircases for symmetrical or rule-of-thirds compositions; have subjects stand at the edge of light bands or staircase corners to create a “person wrapped in light” effect;
  • On cloudy days, increase ISO and lower shutter speed as needed, then enhance contrast and clarity in post-processing to highlight concrete textures and spatial layers.

• Silhouette and Light Play:

  • Choose backlighting under the umbrella arches or in front of the gantry crane, lower exposure to turn subjects into silhouettes while preserving sky and building outlines;
  • During early morning or late afternoon slanting light, try low-angle upward shots with light coming from behind the subject to create halos and long shadows.

• Equipment Choices:

  • Smartphones are sufficient for most scenes; remember to turn off the flash;
  • If using a camera, wide-angle lenses are great for capturing the overall umbrella arch space, while medium to telephoto lenses (like 70–200mm) work well for candid portraits and details.

5. Money-Saving and Itinerary Planning Strategies

• Make Full Use of Free and Discounted Days:

  • Take advantage of the first Tuesday free admission days each month; check official channels in advance for the free exhibition list and prioritize major exhibitions;
  • Nationwide junior high and below students can enter all exhibitions free with a student ID, ideal for families visiting multiple times;
  • University students usually get discounted tickets—show your student ID when purchasing.

• Linked Discounts with Nearby Venues:

  • Nearby venues like the West Bund Art Museum and Oil Tank Art Center sometimes offer tickets 10–20 RMB cheaper via their official WeChat accounts than at the door;
  • Check online ticket discounts for the West Bund area before you go to optimize your itinerary and budget.

6. Pitfall Warnings

• Confusing Entrances on Free Days:

  • On free admission days, the entrance may differ from the usual ticket office in the North Zone, often set up near the bend of Longteng Avenue in the South Zone;
  • Pay attention to signs and staff directions on site, and don’t blindly follow the longest queue.

• Holiday Closures and Exhibition End Dates:

  • Long holidays like Chinese New Year may have consecutive closure days; for example, the West Bund Museum will be closed from February 15–20, 2026;
  • Some popular exhibitions close early, such as “We, Chen Yujun Solo Exhibition” closing in early January, with only 1–2 free days left—always confirm exhibition dates before your visit.

7. Safety and Viewing Etiquette

• Please do not shout, run, or use large props for photos in front of artworks to avoid disturbing others;
• Keep a safe distance from exhibits and do not touch paintings, sculptures, or artifacts, especially those without glass covers;
• When shooting outdoors, watch your step on stairs and near riverside railings; do not climb facilities or get too close to the river for shots.

8. Information and Navigation Tools

• “Long Museum” Official WeChat Account:

  • Get the latest exhibition info, opening hours, temporary closures, lecture and guided tour sign-ups;
  • Some special exhibitions may require ticket purchase or reservation via WeChat.

• Maps and Travel Apps:

  • Use Gaode Map, Baidu Map, WeChat Map, etc., and search for “Long Museum West Bund” (龙美术馆西岸馆) for navigation;
  • For driving, navigate directly to “Long Museum West Bund Underground Parking” entrance.

• Itinerary Planning Tools:

  • If you like to plan routes in advance, use itinerary apps to link Long Museum with other West Bund venues, reducing unnecessary walking and saving time and energy.

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Nearby Dining and Coffee Recommendations

1. On-site Dining: Convenient Refueling

1. Long Restaurant (馆内配套餐饮)

• Location: Inside Long Museum · West Bund (龙美术馆·西岸馆), usually near the entrance or atrium with clear signs;
• Type: Western-style light meals, salads, coffee, desserts, etc.;
• Average cost: about ¥80–150 (~$11–22 USD) per person;
• Suitable for:
  • When you don’t want to walk far during the exhibition and need a quick energy boost;
  • Taking breaks between the umbrella-arched space and exhibition halls to save travel time.
• Opening hours: Usually synchronized with the museum’s opening hours; closed during special holidays like Chinese New Year (e.g., closed Feb 15–20, 2026, reopening Feb 21). It’s recommended to check the official WeChat account before your visit.

2. On-site Coffee Corner and Creative Shop

• Small coffee bars are usually set up next to the creative shops, offering coffee, soft drinks, and snacks;
• Perfect for grabbing a drink and sitting nearby to flip through art books or organize photos, serving as a “buffer zone” during your exhibition rhythm.

2. Xuhui Riverside: Riverside Coffee and Tea Drinks

From Long Museum, a 10–15 minute walk along the river leads to many popular coffee and tea shops along the Xuhui Riverside.

1. %Arabica (Xuhui Riverside Store)

• Features:
  • Window seats facing the Huangpu River and Lujiazui skyline, one of the local favorites for riverside coffee;
  • Consistently good coffee quality, with lattes and iced Americanos highly praised.
• Suitable for:
  • After the exhibition, walking here to order a coffee and sit by the window, watching boats on the river and lights across the shore;
  • Great for taking “coffee + river view” atmosphere photos.

2. Manner Coffee (Near Xuhui Riverside)

• Features:
  • Affordable prices, about ¥20 (~$3 USD) for an Americano, offering great value;
  • Mostly small shops, some with outdoor seating.
• Suitable for:
  • A “coffee pit stop” during your West Bund city walk;
  • Sitting outdoors enjoying the river breeze and watching cargo ships come and go, a common afternoon tea choice for nearby office workers and tourists.

3. Chaipang Lane (柴爿巷) — Chinese-style Tea Drinks

• Highlights:
  • Chinese tea drinks paired with snacks, such as Osmanthus Longjing tea with fresh meat mooncakes;
• Suitable for:
  • Visitors who prefer tea over coffee;
  • Sitting at riverside seats, sipping tea while enjoying the river view, experiencing a blend of “Old Shanghai + New Riverside” vibes.

3. West Bund Dream Center: Concentrated Area for Full Meals and Desserts

West Bund Dream Center is one of the most concentrated dining complexes in the West Bund area, about a 15–20 minute walk or bike ride from Long Museum.

1. Ama Handmade (阿嬷手作, West Bund Dream Center)

• Type: Taiwanese drinks and desserts;
• Signature: Summer limited yangmei (bayberry) drink “Yangmei Return” and other fruit specials;
• Suitable for:
  • After the exhibition, walking or biking here for afternoon tea or as a stroll endpoint;
  • You can order online in advance to reduce wait times and enjoy your drink while walking along the riverside at Dream Center.

2. need (Korean Cuisine, West Bund Dream Center)

• Type: Korean restaurant;
• Dishes: Korean BBQ, bibimbap, army stew, and other classic Korean dishes;
• Features:
  • Newly opened and extremely popular, often described as “long queues everywhere”;
  • It’s recommended to take a queue number via the mini-program or on-site, and dining off-peak is better.

3. Thai Lion (泰狮, Thai Cuisine, West Bund Dream Center)

• Type: Thai restaurant;
• Recommended dishes: Beef basil rice, pork neck, etc.;
• Suitable for:
  • Visitors who enjoy sour and spicy flavors;
  • After dinner, a riverside walk for some “deep talk” with a great atmosphere.

4. Other Dining Options

• Along the riverside at West Bund Dream Center, there are many Japanese, Italian, light salad, and dessert shops;
• During festivals, there are often markets and pop-up food trucks, perfect for strolling and snacking while experiencing the combined vibe of “art + commerce + river view.”

4. Around West Bund Art Museum and Oil Tank Art Center

1. West Bund Art Museum First Floor Café

• Location: First floor of West Bund Art Museum, facing the river;
• Features:
  • Free luggage storage inside the museum, and the café is a good spot to rest and enjoy the river view;
  • About a 15–20 minute riverside walk from Long Museum, ideal for scheduling coffee time when visiting both museums.

2. Light Meals Around Oil Tank Art Center

• The area around Oil Tank Art Center often has coffee carts, light meal shops, and small eateries;
• After visiting Long Museum, you can continue walking along the river to the Oil Tank area for a simple lunch or afternoon tea.

5. Meal Time and Route Suggestions

• Lunch Suggestions:

  • If you spend the morning deeply exploring Long Museum, consider walking or biking to West Bund Dream Center around 1:00 PM for lunch to avoid the noon rush;
  • Or choose a simple meal at the on-site Long Restaurant to save time and continue your visit.

• Afternoon Tea Suggestions:

  • After the exhibition, head to %Arabica, Manner Coffee, or Chaipang Lane for riverside coffee/tea, resting and organizing photos;
  • If planning to shoot silhouettes by the river at sunset, arrange afternoon tea around 3:00 PM, then return to Long Museum or near the Longmen Crane to wait for the sunset.

• Dinner Suggestions:

  • If you plan to enjoy the night view at West Bund, dining at West Bund Dream Center is recommended for its variety and wide range of flavors;
  • After dinner, take a riverside walk back toward Long Museum, enjoy the night silhouettes of the umbrella arches and coal funnels, then return via Longyao Road or Longhua Middle Road Metro stations.

6. Price Range Overview

• Coffee/Tea drinks: about ¥20–40 (~$3–6 USD) per cup (Manner, %Arabica, Chaipang Lane, etc.);
• On-site light meals: about ¥80–150 (~$11–22 USD) per person (Long Restaurant);
• Full meals at West Bund Dream Center: about ¥100–200 (~$15–30 USD) per person (need, Thai Lion, and other international cuisines);
• Pop-up food trucks and market snacks: single items about ¥20–60 (~$3–9 USD), perfect for casual eating while walking.

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Accommodation and Area Choices Nearby

The Xuhui Riverside / West Bund area where Long Museum · West Bund is located is mainly composed of cultural venues and office buildings. Although the number of hotels is slightly less than in the city center, you can find a variety of accommodation options that balance art experiences and city life within a 30–40 minute commute via Metro Lines 7, 11, 12, and others.

1. Xuhui Riverside / West Bund Area (High-end to Upper Mid-range)

Suitable for:

• Visitors focusing on Long Museum and the West Bund Art Corridor, who want to walk or take a short bike ride to these spots;
• Those planning 1–2 consecutive days of art activities in the West Bund with a relatively flexible accommodation budget.

Area Features:

• Mainly around Longhua Middle Road Station (龙华中路站) and Longyao Road Station (龙耀路站), with some international brand hotels, design hotels, or serviced apartments;
• About a 5–15 minute walk or taxi ride to Long Museum;
• Relatively quiet at night, ideal for visitors who want to “stay in the art district.”

Recommendations:

• Prioritize searching for hotels with keywords like “Xuhui Riverside,” “Longhua Middle Road,” or “Longyao Road”;
• If you want to frequently go back and forth to Long Museum for morning and evening light photography, try to choose hotels near Longteng Avenue or the riverside promenade.

2. Xujiahui Commercial Area (Mid-range to High-end)

Suitable for:

• Those who want to visit exhibitions at the West Bund during the day and shop, dine, or watch movies downtown at night;
• Visitors who need convenient access to shopping, dining, and metro transfers in a comprehensive commercial district.

Transport and Commute:

• From Xujiahui, take Metro Lines 1, 9, or 11, transfer to Longyao Road or Longhua Middle Road Station, then walk to Long Museum;
• One-way commute takes about 30–40 minutes.

Hotel Types:

• From budget chains to five-star hotels are all available;
• Suitable for families, business travelers who want to visit exhibitions, and first-time visitors to Shanghai who want to cover multiple attractions.

3. French Concession – Dapuqiao – South Shaanxi Road Area (Mid-range)

Suitable for:

• Those who enjoy old Western-style houses, plane tree-lined streets, cafés, and small bars;
• Visitors who want to combine “daytime West Bund exhibitions + evening strolls in the French Concession.”

Transport and Commute:

• Multiple metro lines including 9, 12, and 10 allow transfers to Longhua Middle Road or Longyao Road Station;
• One-way commute takes about 25–35 minutes.

Area Features:

• Close to Tianzifang, Xintiandi, Hengshan Road, and other lively neighborhoods;
• Ideal for visitors who like city walks, street photography, and experiencing everyday Shanghai life.

4. Huangpu Riverside / Expo Source Area (Upper Mid-range)

Suitable for:

• Visitors who want to connect the riverside views of both Huangpu Riverside and Xuhui Riverside;
• Those who enjoy long riverside city walks or cycling.

Transport and Activities:

• Walk or cycle along the Huangpu River from Expo Avenue or the Expo Museum area to cross over to Xuhui Riverside;
• Or take Metro Lines 8 or 13, transfer to Longhua Middle Road Station, then walk to Long Museum;
• You can also combine a ferry ride, experiencing the “¥2 ferry + riverside walk” cross-river option.

Area Advantages:

• Close to cultural facilities like the Expo Museum, China Art Museum, and Mercedes-Benz Arena;
• Suitable for including both Pudong and Xuhui riverside art and scenery in your itinerary.

5. Budget and Route Recommendations

• Art Priority (Sufficient Budget):

  • Recommended to choose mid-to-high-end hotels or serviced apartments in the Xuhui Riverside / West Bund area or near Longhua Middle Road Station;
  • Walking or short taxi rides make it easy to visit Long Museum multiple times at different times for light and shadow photography.

• City Life + Art Balance:

  • Recommended areas are Xujiahui Commercial Area or French Concession – Dapuqiao – South Shaanxi Road;
  • Take the metro to Long Museum and West Bund during the day, then return to the city center for shopping, dining, and nightlife to experience richer urban culture.

• Budget-Conscious:

  • Choose budget chain hotels near metro stations like Longhua Middle Road or Longyao Road, and use “metro + walking” to reach Long Museum;
  • This controls accommodation costs without affecting your overall itinerary.

6. Location Tips

• As long as your accommodation is near any metro line 1, 7, 9, 10, 11, or 12, you can usually reach Long Museum · West Bund within 30–40 minutes;
• When booking, prioritize:
  • Walking distance of 10–15 minutes to a metro station;
  • Nearby basic dining and convenience stores;
  • Areas where metro is not overly crowded during peak commute times.

Overall, Long Museum · West Bund does not provide accommodation itself, but its location in Xuhui Riverside is closely connected to Xujiahui Commercial Area, French Concession, and Huangpu Riverside. Choosing hotels along main metro lines allows easy and reasonable commute times, making it an ideal base for balancing art experiences and city life.

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Sample Itinerary: Long Museum · West Bund Branch Half-Day / Full-Day Tour

1. Half-Day Itinerary (About 4 Hours): Architecture + Exhibitions + Riverside Walk

Suitable for: First-time visitors to Long Museum who want to focus on experiencing the architecture and 1–2 key exhibitions.

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Morning Session (10:00–14:00)

10:00–10:20 Arrival and Initial Exploration of Outdoor Spaces

• Exit from Metro Line 7/12 Longhua Middle Road Station, Exits 5/6 (龙华中路站), then walk about 10–15 minutes along Longteng Avenue to reach Long Museum · West Bund Branch;
• Before entering the museum, take a slow walk around the building’s exterior:
  • Observe from a distance the continuous umbrella vaults made of exposed concrete, feeling the overall volume and rhythm;
  • Note the locations of the coal hopper, abandoned railway tracks, and gantry crane, and pre-select good spots for photography later.

10:20–10:30 Entry and Storage

• Enter the main hall and follow signs to store large bags, drinks, and cameras for free at the entrance, carrying only your phone and small personal items;
• At the service desk or guide boards, check the exhibitions open that day and recommended routes, and decide on the 1–2 exhibitions you are most interested in (e.g., “70” or “10—60”).

10:30–11:15 Umbrella Vault Hall and Staircase Light & Shadow

• Take advantage of the soft morning light between 10–11 AM to photograph architecture and portraits in the umbrella vault hall and staircase areas:
  • Shoot upward at the vault ceiling under the umbrella arches, trying symmetrical compositions;
  • Walk up to the second-floor corridor to shoot the umbrella vaults and foot traffic from above;
  • Use the white stairs and spiral staircase, leveraging geometric lines and skylight illumination for portraits or silhouettes;
• Also pay attention to spatial details such as concrete textures and the movement of light bands on walls and floors.

11:15–12:15 Key Exhibition 1: Contemporary Art or Group Exhibition

• Choose the contemporary art or group exhibition that interests you most (e.g., “10—60” or “70”):
  • Quickly browse the entire gallery first to find the works or sections that attract you most;
  • Spend more time on key pieces, reading wall texts and descriptions, and try to understand the connections between works through curatorial clues;
  • Take photos moderately but avoid disrupting the viewing experience.

12:15–12:45 Museum Shop and Light Refreshments

• Head to the museum shop:
  • Browse exhibition-related catalogs, postcards, posters, etc.;
  • If you have a pass ticket, consider using the ticket stub to offset some purchases in the shop;
• Buy coffee or soft drinks at the coffee corner next to the shop, take a short break, and organize your photos and impressions.

12:45–14:00 Riverside Walk and Industrial Style Photography

• After leaving the museum, walk along the riverside:
  • First, photograph Zheng Lu’s sculpture “Zhang Gong Wu Jian (Bow Without Arrow)” under the coal hopper from front, side, and back angles;
  • Walk toward the gantry crane and Beipiao Wharf tower crane, capturing industrial-style silhouettes and the Lujiazui skyline across the river;
• If time and energy allow, continue to Xuhui Riverside Skate Park and outdoor basketball courts to experience the riverside lifestyle;
• Finally, depending on your energy level:
  • Enjoy a simple lunch or afternoon tea at nearby riverside cafes such as %Arabica, Manner, or Chaipang Lane;
  • Or return the same way to Longhua Middle Road Station (龙华中路站) to end the half-day tour.

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Afternoon Session (14:00–18:00)

If you want to avoid the morning crowds, you can shift the above itinerary later:

• 14:00–14:20 Arrival and initial outdoor exploration;
• 14:20–14:30 Entry and storage;
• 14:30–15:15 Umbrella vault hall and staircase light & shadow (light gradually warms);
• 15:15–16:15 Key Exhibition 1;
• 16:15–16:45 Museum shop and coffee corner break;
• 16:45–18:00 Riverside walk and sunset silhouettes (focus on photographing the gantry crane and “Zhang Gong Wu Jian” during dusk and blue hour).

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2. Full-Day Itinerary (About 8–10 Hours): In-Depth Long Museum + West Bund Art Zone Tour

Suitable for: Art and architecture enthusiasts or visitors who want a comprehensive experience of the West Bund art waterfront.

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10:00–10:20 Arrival at Long Museum · West Bund Branch

• It’s recommended to start from Longhua Middle Road Station (龙华中路站) and walk to the museum, getting familiar with the Xuhui Riverside environment along the way;
• Upon arrival, quickly browse the umbrella vaults and coal hopper outside to scout photo spots for the afternoon.

10:20–10:40 Entry, Storage, and Exhibition Planning

• Store large items and pick up or photograph the day’s exhibition guide map;
• Based on current exhibitions, select 2–3 key exhibitions to focus on (e.g., “10—60,” “70,” and a cultural relic/calligraphy & painting exhibition).

10:40–11:30 Architectural Space Experience and Photography

• Concentrate on photographing architecture and light & shadow in the umbrella vault hall, white stairs, spiral staircase, and sky corridor areas;
• Try observing the space from different heights and angles:
  • Look up at the umbrella vaults from the first floor;
  • Look down at the hall and visitors from the second floor;
  • Experience the special perspective from the sky corridor if open that day.

11:30–12:30 Key Exhibition 1: Contemporary Art or Group Exhibition

• Start with contemporary art or a large group exhibition (e.g., “10—60”):
  • View the whole exhibition first, then focus on details, noting differences in periods and styles between works;
  • For installations by James Turrell, Olafur Eliasson, etc., take photos moderately but respect queue order and viewing etiquette.

12:30–13:30 Lunch and Short Rest Inside the Museum

• Have lunch at the museum’s “Dragon Restaurant,” choosing light meals or salads, keeping dining time around 40–60 minutes;
• After eating, take a short stroll in the atrium or under the umbrella vaults to aid digestion and refresh.

13:30–14:30 Key Exhibition 2: Cultural Relics / Calligraphy & Painting / Purple Clay Special Exhibition

• Head to the basement white-box gallery and choose a cultural relic or calligraphy & painting exhibition (e.g., “Grand View of Heaven and Earth” or “Clay Charm and Ink Fragrance”):
  • Slow down in the dimly lit gallery, carefully observing patterns on artifacts and brushwork in paintings;
  • Read labels to learn about the age and origin of works, appreciating the “time depth” of Long Museum’s collection.

14:30–15:15 Key Exhibition 3: Solo or Thematic Exhibition

• Select a current solo or thematic exhibition (e.g., “We, Us — Chen Yujun Solo Exhibition” or a specific chapter from “70”):
  • Pay attention to curatorial structure and spatial narrative;
  • Spend extra time on works that resonate with your personal experiences or emotions, making notes or photo records.

15:15–15:45 Museum Shop and Coffee Corner

• Visit the museum shop to pick up catalogs, postcards, or small items, using ticket stubs to offset purchases if applicable;
• Order a coffee or soft drink at the coffee corner, sit down to browse catalogs, and reflect on your morning and early afternoon viewing experience.

15:45–16:30 Outside Coal Hopper and “Zhang Gong Wu Jian”

• After leaving the museum, return to the coal hopper and “Zhang Gong Wu Jian” sculpture area:
  • Use the gradually warming afternoon light to photograph the sculpture and coal hopper together from different angles;
  • Try backlighting silhouettes and low-angle upward shots to highlight the sculpture’s lines and the industrial components’ strength.

16:30–17:30 Walk Along Xuhui Riverside to West Bund Museum / Oil Tank Art Center

• Walk west along the riverside trail:
  • Pass by Xuhui Riverside climbing wall, Beipiao Wharf tower crane, Orbit West Bund vortex, and other landmarks;
  • Depending on energy and interest, enter West Bund Museum or Oil Tank Art Center for a quick exhibition visit or just photograph the architecture outside.

17:30–18:30 Dinner and Riverside View at West Bund Dream Center

• Continue walking or cycling along the river to the West Bund Dream Center:
  • Choose from Korean food at need, Thai cuisine at Thai Lion, or other international options for dinner;
  • After dinner, stroll along the river near the Dream Center, enjoying the Lujiazui night skyline and boat lights on the river.

18:30–19:30 Riverside at Night and Return Trip

• If you still have energy, return to Long Museum along the original or a nearby route, admiring the night silhouettes of the umbrella vaults and coal hopper;
• Finally, take the metro from Longyao Road Station or Longhua Middle Road Station (龙耀路站 or 龙华中路站) to return, concluding a full day of West Bund art exploration.

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3. Family-Friendly Itinerary Suggestion (Half-Day)

Suitable for: Families with primary and secondary school children who want to take advantage of free admission policies for students and free open days for a cost-effective visit.

Sample Schedule (9:30–14:00):

1. 9:30–10:00 Arrive at Long Museum · West Bund Branch and check in belongings;
2. 10:00–11:00 Choose child-friendly exhibitions (e.g., those with bright colors and interactive installations), guiding kids to observe details and stories in the works;
3. 11:00–11:30 Take family photos in the umbrella vault hall and staircase areas, briefly explaining the architecture and light & shadow changes;
4. 11:30–12:00 Visit the museum shop to pick postcards, stickers, or small picture books suitable for children;
5. 12:00–13:00 Have a simple meal inside the museum or along Xuhui Riverside;
6. 13:00–14:00 Head to Xuhui Riverside Skate Park, outdoor basketball courts, or climbing wall to let kids burn off energy by the river while parents take turns photographing and resting.

With these itineraries, whether you have limited time for a half-day visit or want an immersive full-day experience, you can enjoy a complete blend of art, architecture, and local lifestyle at Long Museum · West Bund Branch and its surroundings.