Tucked away in Pudong’s Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park lies a treasure trove of animated delight. This is the Shanghai Animation & Comics Museum. It is a place where childhood dreams come to life. Though a bit out of the way, the museum promises an afternoon of family fun.
Let’s step inside the three-story building. It is packed with cartoon heroes and kid-friendly activities. The museum showcases Shanghai’s animation history. It offers a captivating journey through the world of cartoons and comics.
Our adventure begins in “The Evolution” hall. It is the most interesting part. Here, animation history unfolds in an entertaining way. Familiar faces like Mickey Mouse, Kungfu Panda, and Astroboy decorate the information points. We can watch some of the earliest animation films ever made. “Steamboat Willie” was the first animation film with sound. “Flowers and Trees” was the first color animation film.
Next, we venture into the “Animation” hall. It offers a glimpse into Chinese animation through the ages. There is a wide selection of Shanghai’s oldest cartoons. Details on Shanghai’s most famous illustrators are also available. Adults will find the static exhibitions quite interesting here.
For interactive fun, let’s head upstairs to the second floor. Here lies the clay molding station. For a small fee, kids can recreate their favorite cartoon characters in ceramics. Children can also trace illustrations or try sand painting. Early video games are available on computer consoles too.
Now, a word of caution about the third-floor theater. Its 3D movies are screened infrequently. They are only shown once a day during the week after the museum closes.
Audio tours are available for a small fee. Guided tours in Chinese offer insights into the first two floors.
The Shanghai Animation & Comics Museum is more than just a museum. It is a celebration of creativity and imagination. It is a place where visitors of all ages can rediscover the magic of animation. As we leave, we carry with us memories of laughter, learning, and the timeless appeal of cartoons.