Madame Tussauds Shanghai

Madame Tussauds Shanghai brings the familiar wax museum format to the heart of the city's main shopping area. The figures are arranged in themed zones, so you move from film and music stars to sporting heroes, historical and political figures and a section on Chinese celebrities and cultural icons that you will not find in the London original. The appeal is photographs: the figures are placed so you can stand beside them, strike a pose and take a selfie, and staff are used to visitors asking to set up a shot. Interactive touches add variety, with areas where you can sit with a figure, join a scene or try a small activity. The experience is indoors and air conditioned, which makes it a reliable choice on a hot summer afternoon, a cold winter day or a rainy evening, when walking outdoor sights is less appealing. It also works as a break from heavy temple and museum sightseeing, since there is no history to absorb and no pressure to read every label. Pace is up to you, and most visitors spend between an hour and two hours.

The Shanghai branch is part of a global chain, so the quality is consistent: figures are carefully made, with realistic hair, clothes and expressions, and the lighting is designed for photographs. What makes it local is the selection of figures. Alongside global names, you will find Chinese film and television stars, singers, athletes and artists, many of whom are well known to Chinese visitors but less familiar abroad. If you do not recognise a face, the signs explain who they are, and staff can usually tell you.

There are cafes and restaurants nearby for a meal before or after, and shops in the surrounding malls if you want to continue browsing. Combined tickets with a Huangpu River night cruise are sometimes offered if you want an evening plan, so look at the options when you book.

Who it suits and what to know: it is an easy win for families, teenagers and groups of friends, and a pleasant change of pace for couples who have been touring temples and gardens. It is less compelling if you dislike crowds or photo queues, or if you are short of time, since the better sights of the city are outdoors. On a wet day, however, it earns its place on the itinerary. Bring a charged phone, and take your time with the interactive scenes, which are often the most fun part of the visit.