The Shanghai Museum fisheye

The Shanghai Museum, with 120,000 artifacts, is one of China's largest museums. It specialises in ancient Chinese art - ranging from bronze and ceramics to paintings and calligraphy. The museum was opened in 1952, yet moved to a new home in the People's Square, in the heart of the city centre in 1996; the round-topped square building epitomising the ancient Chinese philosophy that the square earth is under the round sky.

Displays at the museum include ancient coins, sculpture, writing, seals, furniture and even jade items, for which China is renowned. In keeping with their heritage, most displays are encased in archaic wooden cases and set in soft lighting so as to emphasise their intricacy. There is also a special area for minority art.