People’s Square (人民广场), located in the heart of Shanghai, serves as a hub for politics, economics, culture, tourism, and transportation. It stands as an iconic symbol of the city, surrounded by prominent structures such as the Municipal Government Building, Shanghai Grand Theatre, Shanghai Museum, and Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street.
The square itself is a relatively compact green space adorned with lush trees and home to thousands of pigeons. Visitors can rest on benches and enjoy the serene atmosphere or engage in pigeon feeding. At the center of the square, a fountain delights spectators with periodic water displays, particularly enchanting at night when illuminated by colorful lights. In the summer, both children and adults often cool off by playing in the fountain, making it a popular spot for relaxation.
Beneath the square lies an underground shopping street and Deji Plaza, offering a variety of trendy clothing, accessories, nail salons, dessert shops, and more. Accessible from the northeast and southwest corners of the square, these underground spaces connect to the metro station. Adjacent to the metro Line 2 entrance, a section of the underground area features a 1930s-style street, showcasing the old Shanghai cityscape of the 1930s as part of the Urban Planning Exhibition Hall. People’s Square truly encapsulates the vibrant essence of Shanghai, blending modernity with historical charm.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Shanghai People’s Tour
- Vlog about People’s Square
- Popular Snacks around People’s Square
- History of People’s Square
- Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
- Related Facts
- Other Parks in Shanghai
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | About 1 hour |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours a day |
Location and Transportation
People’s Square is located in the Huangpu District of Shanghai, at the intersection of East Nanjing Road and West Nanjing Road. The specific address is 185 Renmin Avenue, Huangpu District. It is easily accessible by public transportation, with several metro lines stopping at the nearby People’s Square Station.
Bus: Take bus 46, 51, 112, 123, or 312, and get off at People’s Square Stop (Renmin Guangchang 人民广场).
Subway: Take subway line 1, 2, or 8, get off at People’s Square Station (Renmin Guangchang 人民广场), exit from Exit 1, and you will be standing at the north end of the park.
Highlights of Shanghai People’s Tour
Shanghai Museum
The Shanghai Museum is one of China’s largest and most comprehensive museums, showcasing over 120,000 cultural relics and artifacts. Its vast collection covers a wide range of subjects, including Chinese bronzes, ceramics, paintings, calligraphy, and more. The museum is housed in a modern building in the heart of People’s Square, and visitors can explore its various galleries and exhibits, which feature ancient Chinese artifacts as well as contemporary art. The museum is considered one of Shanghai’s top cultural attractions and is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Chinese art and culture. Admission is free, but tickets are required and can be reserved online.
Shanghai Grand Theatre
The Shanghai Grand Theatre is a modern landmark located in the heart of People’s Square in Shanghai. The theater opened in 1998 and has since become one of China’s premier venues for performing arts. The theater features three separate performance spaces, including a large concert hall, an opera house, and a theater. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of world-class performances, including ballet, opera, classical music concerts, and more. The theater’s sleek and modern design is a testament to Shanghai’s reputation as a global cultural hub
People’s Park
People’s Park is a beautiful public space located in the center of People’s Square in Shanghai. The park covers an area of 40 acres and features lush greenery, fountains, and sculptures. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, with many locals using the park for leisure activities such as tai chi, dancing, and playing musical instruments. The park also features several attractions, including a small lake, a rose garden, and a children’s playground.
Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center
The Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center is an interesting and informative museum located in People’s Square in Shanghai. It showcases the past, present, and future of Shanghai’s urban planning and development through a variety of interactive exhibits and displays. Visitors can learn about the city’s history, as well as its plans for future growth and sustainability. One of the highlights of the museum is a large scale model of Shanghai that covers over 600 square meters, providing a bird’s-eye view of the city’s impressive skyline.
Nanjing Road
Nanjing Road is a famous shopping street located in the heart of Shanghai, running east from People’s Square. The pedestrian-only street covers a distance of 5.5 kilometers and is lined with luxury boutiques, department stores, and traditional Chinese shops. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of shopping experiences, from high-end designer stores to budget-friendly souvenir shops. The street is also home to several historic landmarks, including the Peace Hotel and the Shanghai Museum.
Vlog about People’s Square
Popular Snacks around People’s Square
| Snack | Description | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Xian De Lai · Ribs and Rice Cake | A classic Shanghai snack featuring crispy, fragrant fried ribs paired with chewy rice cakes and a special sweet bean paste. | No. 36 Yunnan South Road (鲜得来 · 排骨年糕) |
| Gu Shougang · Shanghai Scallion Pancake | Delicious scallion pancakes with a crispy exterior and tender interior, located near the Peace Hotel’s long queue. | No. 106 Huanghe Road, Nanjing East Road Area (顾寿刚 · 老上海葱油饼) |
| Zhuang’s Longxing · Crab Meat Noodles | Fresh crab meat cracked on-site, served generously without any fishy taste, always busy with customers. | No. 441 Zhejiang Middle Road (庄氏隆兴 · 蟹粉面道) |
| Dong Tai Xiang · Pan-Fried Buns | Crispy-bottomed buns with a soft, juicy filling, best enjoyed hot for a flavorful, crispy treat. | No. 188 Chongqing North Road (东泰祥 · 生煎包) |
| Hu Xi Lao Nong Tang Noodle Shop · Clam and Pork Liver Noodles | Long lines worth the wait for fresh clams and rich, flavorful noodles with a delicious topping. | Room 02, 1st Floor, World Trade Building, No. 500 Guangdong Road (沪西老弄堂面馆 · 蛤蜊猪肝面) |
| Du She Noodle House · Spicy Eel Noodles | Stir-fried eel slices with a rich color and tender, flavorful meat, perfectly seasoned with a savory sauce mixed with noodles. | B Block, 1st Floor, No. 235 Guangxi North Road (毒舌面馆 · 响油鳝丝面) |
History of People’s Square
Before Shanghai’s development as a port city, the area now known as People’s Square was a waterlogged field.
1848: During the reign of Emperor Daoguang of the Qing Dynasty, the British Concession expanded into this area. They repaired the city moat and built a mud city, which was referred to as “Mud City Bang.”
1854: During the Xiaodao Society Rebellion, the Xiaodao Society allied with British and American forces to fight against the Qing army in what is known as the “Battle of Mud City.”
1863: Under the support of the British Consulate, the “Shanghai Jockey Club” was established on land west of Mud City Bang. This location was used for horse racing and other events, with a restriction that Chinese people were not allowed inside.
1909: The Jockey Club began to admit Chinese patrons.
Pacific War: During World War II, the Jockey Club premises were occupied by Japanese forces and used as a military camp.
Post-War: After the Japanese occupation, the premises were used by the U.S. military as a camp and warehouse.
1946: The Shanghai Municipal Government engaged in negotiations with the Jockey Club to reclaim the land.
1947: Due to public pressure, the Shanghai Municipal Government refused to approve further horse racing. Consequently, the Jockey Club agreed to sell part of the land to the government. However, the plan to exchange this land for a larger site in the suburbs failed as the People’s Liberation Army approached Shanghai.
1951: On August 28, the Shanghai Military Control Commission reclaimed the Jockey Club premises. In September, the Shanghai Municipal Government transformed the site into People’s Park and People’s Square.
1954: On May 31, the Shanghai Municipal Government took over all buildings of the Jockey Club. The Jockey Club building was converted into the Shanghai Library.
1957: The Shanghai Municipal Government built the Shanghai Sports Palace at No. 190 Huangpi North Road. Other significant buildings constructed included the Shanghai People’s Congress building (later rebuilt as the Shanghai Municipal Government building), Shanghai Museum, and the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center.
1992: On September 14, the comprehensive renovation project of People’s Square commenced.
1994: The renovation project was completed on October 1.
1997: The Shanghai Sports Palace relocated to No. 1860 Daduhe Road, and the original site was redeveloped into the Shanghai Grand Theatre. The Shanghai Library moved to a new location on Huaihai Middle Road, and the Shanghai Art Museum occupied the former Jockey Club building.
Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Feeding the Pigeons: One of the recommended activities at People’s Square is feeding the pigeons. There are many pigeons in the square, and they are not afraid of people. It can be a fun and peaceful experience to interact with them.
Exploring Underground Shops and Food: Take some time to explore the underground shops and food stalls around People’s Square. You’ll find a variety of authentic local snacks and dishes to try, providing a taste of Shanghai’s culinary scene.
Luggage Storage: If you need to store your luggage while exploring People’s Square, there is a luggage storage facility located about 310 meters from Exit 11 of People’s Square Metro Station. It operates from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and the fees are 10 yuan per backpack per day and 20 yuan per suitcase per day.
Flower Blossom: While the park may not have many magnolia trees, it typically features blooming Begonia blossoms in late March, adding to the charm of the surroundings.
