As I spend quite a bit of time in Shanghai, I looked for unique places off the typical tourist trail and came across the Shanghai Aviation Museum, the Hangyu Kepu Center. As an aviation enthusiast, there was no way I was going to miss visiting this museum. I had read several online reviews mentioning that it was a bit outdated, but I wanted to form my own opinion. That day, it was drizzling slightly, but it didn’t cut my visit short.
Visit to the Shanghai Aviation Museum
The museum itself is not very big. It was difficult to find the exact opening hours since the website wasn’t working. So, I asked my partner to call them (he speaks Chinese, which is a huge help!). Fortunately, the museum was open that day, so I set off to visit it.
The surroundings have changed a lot since the museum was built. The station has now been turned into an amusement park, giving the museum a bit of a relic-from-the-past feel. I couldn’t help but wonder how much longer it might withstand real estate developers, especially with Shanghai’s constant expansion!
It’s an enjoyable museum to visit, especially for aviation enthusiasts. However, compared to museums like the Aerospace Museum in Jeju, it lacks a bit of grandeur for a city like Shanghai. While it is interactive and engaging, it is not very well maintained.
Museum exterior
The outdoor exhibition area covers about 10,000 square meters and features around ten aircraft, including Chinese fighter jets like the J-8, commercial planes such as the McDonnell Douglas DC-8, and helicopters. Some aircraft, like the DC-8, are open for visitors to explore. A fun detail: on the other side of the museum, cars are parked right under its fuselage!
Here is a list of notable aircraft:
Ilyushin Il-14M: This transport aircraft, once used by political figures, is displayed to illustrate the history of both civil and military aviation. It is also open to visitors. This type of aircraft was used as a special transport for Mao Zedong, which explains the presence of his photo inside. It is a twin-engine passenger plane designed for medium-range flights by the former Soviet Union.
McDonnell Douglas DC-8-61: This Douglas DC-8-61 was originally a Japan Airlines aircraft involved in an incident in September 1982 during a flight to Shanghai. A hydraulic system failure led to a loss of brake control, forcing the aircraft to make an emergency landing at Shanghai Hongqiao Airport. It overran the runway and sustained significant damage, rendering it inoperable. Later, it was restored and is now open to visitors, who can explore its interior and see its cabin layout.
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15UTI: This is a two-seater training version of the famous Soviet MiG-15 fighter jet, used during the Korean War. Known for its maneuverability and speed, it was used to train military pilots in many countries, including China.
Shenyang F-6: A Chinese fighter jet derived from the Soviet MiG-19, it played a crucial role in air defense.
Other aircraft at the Shanghai Aviation Museum
Many of the aircraft on display are Chinese copies of Russian planes, as indicated on the plaques in front of each aircraft. This is why their shapes may look familiar.
Shenyang F-8E
Shenyang F-5
Dongfeng 102
Shengyang XI-7 Jian Fan
Shengyang XI-9 Jian Fan
Quickie Aircraft Quickie 1
Microlight SB582
Inside the Museum
L’exposition intérieure couvre une surface de 2 000 mètres carrés. Le musée est divisé en plusieurs sections thématiques, dont l’une retrace l’histoire de l’aviation et une autre met en avant les projets d’avions fabriqués en Chine, tels que ceux de COMAC.
A Chinese Aircraft with Foreign Expertise
The indoor exhibition covers an area of 2,000 square meters. The museum is divided into several thematic sections, one of which traces the history of aviation, while another highlights aircraft projects manufactured in China, such as those by COMAC.
I briefly watched a Chinese aviation drama, Flight to You, a romantic series about a Chinese pilot. They promoted this aircraft so much that it was almost comical! Although made in China, the C919 still relies on foreign components, particularly its engines. Nevertheless, it represents a significant milestone for China’s aviation industry.
Museum attractions
Among the museum’s attractions, there are flight simulators offering a piloting experience, as well as a panoramic 3D cinema that screens educational films about aviation. I wanted to check it out, but I was told it was only for children… what a shame!
The museum also displays aircraft engines, such as the Wo-Pen 5. The WP-5 powered China’s first jet fighters, particularly the Shenyang J-5, which was a copy of the Soviet MiG-17.
How to Visit the Shanghai Aviation Museum?
The museum is located near Jinjiang Park Station on Metro Line 1. Use Amap for directions. Expect to walk about 1 km to reach the museum. The entrance isn’t the most welcoming and is easy to miss! 🙂
Opening hours
Open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (last entry at 3:00 PM).
Closed on Tuesdays.
Ticket Prices
Flight simulator: 10 yuan for 10 minutes
Adult ticket: 8 yuan
Student & senior ticket: 4 yuan
Address
Shanghai Aviation Museum (Hangyu Kepu Center)
7900 Humin Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, China
