HUANGPU. This museum chronicles the development of one of the city's most culturally rich neighborhoods. The Bund, which faces the Huangpu River, is an area with outstanding European architecture. Buildings display Gothic, baroque, Romanesque, and Renaissance touches. The museum has a number of photographic displays and an observatory deck that overlooks both the Bund and Pudong. There is an intimate shop, where visitors can buy a drink and enjoy the view.

HONGKOU. Lu Xun, renowned as one of China's most noted 20th century writers, is commemorated here. On display are letters, manuscripts, furniture, and photographs that influenced this prolific writer and his works. He is considered the father of the Chinese revolution because he abandoned a successful medical profession to write. Lu Xun's Museum is located in Hongkou Park, where the author's ashes are kept.

This museum houses more than 3000 artifacts and documents describing the history of the Shanghai police force. The artifacts date back to 1854 and include a number of items like pistols, murder photographs, and confiscated contraband such as books.

HUANG PU. From a fertility jar that is five centuries old to a 1960s marriage certificate with a political slogan, the items on display at this risqué museum chronicle the ever-changing morals of China. The Museum of Sex Culture, founded by Professor Li Dalin, exhibits a number of ancient and modern artifacts that depict the country's attitude toward sex. Curious visitors can see everything from tea sets with intricate detailing to erotic portraits. Because of the subject matter, no one under 18 years of age is admitted. METRO: Line 2, Henan Zhong Lu

YANGPU. Russian immigrants built this synagogue in 1927. From the mid-1800s through World War II, the city was a refuge for people escaping religious persecution. Through the use of photographs and written documentation, the museum chronicles the area's Jewish influence and Hongkou's ghetto life. Because of communist rule, the area north of the Suzhou Creek is where local Jews where forced to live after 1943. The museum was restored and is now considered a symbol of religious tolerance and acceptance.