| The Museum of Shanghai Toys (MOST) is the first museum of its kind in the region, and possibly, the world. Home to hundreds of toys from yesteryears, the museum was started by Mr. Marvin Chan who collects toys originating from China. Opened on 26th November 2005.
 Story of Shanghai Toys - China's various national industries began to take shape after the May Fourth movement in 1919. During that time, the semi-colonized China was constantly subjected to the divisions of the big powers.
A group of patriots began manufacturing and developing national products. Amongst them were some toy manufacturers & publishers like Shanghai Commercial Press, China Can Company and The New Art Toy Factory, who took the lead in the development of the toy industry in China.
However, many toy factories were forced to cease business during World War Two. By the time the war ended, only about 200 toy workers were left. The People's Republic of China was established in 1949 and the Central Government re-defined the development of the toy industry, laying down the standards for the upgrading of technical expertise.
In 1958, the toy industry started to formulate a standard system and compiling proper merchandise code for export.
Under command from the headquarters to eliminate the capitalist class, however, China kickstarted the Cultural Revolution in 1966. Under the slogan to wipe out the Four Olds, many fine toy designers were unable to give full play to their talents.
The toy industry became stagnant during this period. In the 70s, under the instruction of Premier Zhou Enlai to "adapt foreign things to Chinese needs", electronic technology was introduced to produce high quality toys, thereby enabling the Chinese toy industry to enter a new domain.
(Source: MoST)
 Guided Tour - We suggest that you call in advance to pre-arrange for a group tour.
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Dec 2009.