Renji Hospital

Renji Hospital Shanghai Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Visitor Information

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction to Renji Hospital Shanghai

Established in 1844, Renji Hospital is Shanghai’s first Western-style hospital and one of the oldest and most significant medical institutions in China. Founded by British medical missionary William Lockhart, Renji Hospital introduced Western medicine to a region dominated by traditional Chinese practices, marking a pivotal moment in Chinese medical history. Over the past 180 years, it has evolved from a modest riverside clinic to a modern multi-campus complex affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. Renji stands as a symbol of Shanghai’s cosmopolitan heritage, medical innovation, and cultural integration.

Visitors to Renji Hospital can explore preserved 19th-century architecture at its main campus in Huangpu District and experience interactive historical exhibits—such as the new multilingual holographic displays at the Pudong East Branch. This guide provides comprehensive information for visitors, including updated visiting hours, ticketing details, accessibility, transportation options, and highlights of Renji’s renowned medical programs. Whether your interest lies in Shanghai’s medical heritage, architectural history, or practical travel planning, this article will prepare you for a rewarding visit.

For additional details and the latest updates, refer to trusted sources such as Shine.cn and China Daily.

Introduction
Historical Overview
Founding and Early Years (1844–1858)
Growth and Modernization (Late 19th–Early 20th Century)
War, Revolution, and Public Service (1930s–1949)
Expansion and Modern Achievements (1949–Present)
Architectural Heritage and Significance
Visitor Information
Visiting Hours
Tickets and Admission
Accessibility
Guided Tours and Special Events
Getting There
Nearby Attractions
FAQs
Travel Tips
Visuals and Media Recommendations
Conclusion and Call to Action
References

Historical Overview

Founding and Early Years (1844–1858)

Renji Hospital was established by William Lockhart of the London Missionary Society shortly after Shanghai opened to foreign trade. Initially named “Luo’s Clinic,” it was located near Dadongmen gate wharf before moving to Maijiaquan by 1846. Renji was among the first hospitals in China to implement standardized management and medical education, training the country’s first Western medicine doctor, Huang Chunfu, by 1854.

Growth and Modernization (Late 19th–Early 20th Century)

With support from the British government and philanthropist Henry Lester, Renji Hospital expanded significantly. In 1927, Lester’s donation enabled the construction of Shanghai’s largest hospital building at the time. Renji also pioneered nursing education, establishing one of Shanghai’s first nursing schools in 1914.

War, Revolution, and Public Service (1930s–1949)

Throughout political turmoil and war, Renji Hospital maintained its commitment to public health and fostered collaboration between Chinese and Western medical professionals.

Expansion and Modern Achievements (1949–Present)

After 1949, Renji modernized and became affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. Today, it operates four campuses, including a cancer institute and advanced research centers, and is recognized for specialties such as digestive diseases and pediatric liver transplantation.

Architectural Heritage and Significance

Renji Hospital’s main campus preserves historic Western-style buildings alongside Chinese elements. The Huangpu District campus features a cultural heritage map, while the Pudong East Branch offers a contemporary history exhibition museum with multilingual holographic displays, providing an immersive look at the hospital’s legacy.

Visitor Information

Visiting Hours

Main Campus (Huangpu District): Monday–Saturday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
East Branch (Pudong): History Exhibition Museum, Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Closed on public holidays

Tickets and Admission

Entry: Hospital grounds are free to enter.
Museum: Admission to the history exhibition museum is 20 RMB. Tickets can be purchased onsite or online via the official hospital website.

Accessibility

All campuses are wheelchair accessible, with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.
Assistance is available at visitor centers upon request.
Multilingual support services are offered, especially at the main and East Branch campuses.

Guided Tours and Special Events

Guided tours focusing on Renji’s history and architecture are available by appointment through the international visitor services department.
Special events and exhibitions often coincide with hospital anniversaries and public health campaigns.

Getting There

By Metro: Line 4 to Renji Hospital Station (main campus), Line 7 to Pudong East Station (East Branch)
By Bus: Several bus lines serve both campuses; check local apps for the latest routes
By Taxi: Provide the driver with the campus name in Chinese for convenience

Nearby Attractions

Yu Garden and Old City: ~10 minutes by taxi
The Bund: ~15 minutes by taxi
Shanghai Museum and People’s Square: ~20 minutes by taxi

Renji Hospital’s National and International Recognition

Renji is consistently ranked among China’s top hospitals, featuring in the first tier of the Fudan Rankings and excelling in clinical care, research, and innovation (China Daily). Its digestive disease discipline is ranked first nationally, and its pediatric liver transplant program is recognized globally, with survival rates among the highest worldwide (City News Service).

Renji is also a leader in digital healthcare, having fully digitized its medical records and pioneered the Precise Reservation Path (PRP) system to improve access for patients with complex conditions (BMJ Open, PubMed). During the COVID-19 pandemic, Renji sent 172 medical professionals to Wuhan as part of Shanghai’s public health response (Shine.cn).

Travel Tips

Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes to navigate the large campuses and heritage sites.
Photography: Permitted in public and exhibition areas; prohibited in patient care zones.
Respect Protocols: Follow hospital guidelines and respect patient privacy.
Planning: Check the latest hours and ticketing info on the official website before your visit.

Visuals and Media

Use high-resolution images of historic buildings, museum exhibits, and campus maps.
Alt text should include keywords such as “Renji Hospital Shanghai,” “Shanghai hospital architecture,” and “Renji Hospital museum exhibits.”
Incorporate interactive maps and virtual tours from the official website where possible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are Renji Hospital’s visiting hours?
Main campus: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (Mon–Sat). East Branch museum: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (Tues–Sun). Closed on public holidays.

Is there a fee to visit the hospital or museum?
Hospital grounds: Free. History museum: 20 RMB.

Can I book a guided tour?
Yes, advance booking through the international visitor services department is recommended.

How do I get to Renji Hospital?
By Metro (Line 4 or 7), bus, or taxi. See above for detailed directions.

Are services available for international visitors?
Yes, including multilingual support, insurance cooperation, and butler-style patient services (City News Service).

Conclusion and Call to Action

Renji Hospital is a unique convergence of Shanghai’s medical history, architectural heritage, and contemporary healthcare excellence. Whether you are a medical tourist, history buff, or traveler seeking cultural enrichment, Renji offers a meaningful and insightful experience.

For up-to-date visitor information, special events, and exhibition details, download the Audiala app or follow our official channels. To deepen your understanding, explore related guides and resources on Shanghai’s historic sites.