People's Square

Overview

People's Square is the civic and cultural heart of Shanghai, a 140,000-square-meter open space flanked by the Shanghai Museum, the Shanghai Grand Theatre, and the Municipal Government building. Once the site of the Shanghai Racecourse, it now serves as the city's central green lung.

Highlights

• Cultural Triangle: The Shanghai Museum, Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center, and Shanghai Grand Theatre all border the square.
• Green Space: Lawns, fountains, and flower beds offer respite from the surrounding urban density.
• Metro Hub: One of Shanghai's busiest interchange stations lies directly beneath.

History

The site served as the Shanghai Race Club from 1862 until 1951, when the new government converted it into a public square. Major redevelopment in the 1990s added the museum and theatre.

Visitor Tips

• People Watching: The park draws tai chi practitioners at dawn and matchmaking parents on weekends.
• Orientation: Start here to get your bearings; Nanjing Road runs east to the Bund.
• Duration: 30–45 minutes.