Hello, and welcome to my travel journal! My name is Michael Zhang, a passionate travel expert from China with extensive international travel experience. My journeys have taken me across the globe, where I’ve developed a deep love for uncovering the history and cultural significance of each destination. Today, I invite you to explore one of Shanghai’s most iconic landmarks, People’s Square Shanghai, and discover the charm it holds at the heart of this bustling metropolis.

Summary

Overview of People’s Square Shanghai

Located in the heart of Shanghai, People’s Square Shanghai is a prominent political, economic, cultural, and transportation hub. It is also one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Spanning over 140,000 square meters, the square consists of an open plaza, People’s Park, and a collection of surrounding cultural, commercial, and tourist attractions. North side: Shanghai Municipal Government headquarters.Northwest side: Shanghai Grand Theatre.Northeast side: Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center.South side: Shanghai Museum.

  • Address: No. 185 Renmin Avenue, Huangpu District, Shanghai. (Apple Maps/Amap)
  • Opening hours: 24 hours a day.
  • Recommended visit duration: 1–2 hours.
  • Best time to visit: Any season.
People's Square Shanghai with cityscape view and flowerbed in the foreground

Historical Background

The history of People’s Square Shanghai dates back to the mid-19th century. Originally a horse racing track known as the “Shanghai Race Club,” this space was used for equestrian and athletic events. In 1951, the Shanghai Military Control Commission reclaimed the area and transformed it into People’s Square and People’s Park. Today, it stands as a symbol of the city’s evolution and resilience.

Why Visit People’s Square Shanghai?

When exploring downtown Shanghai, People’s Square Shanghai is a must-see destination. For locals, this area is often the first place that comes to mind when discussing the city center. It is surrounded by a variety of cultural and architectural landmarks that captivate visitors from all over the world.

Key attractions around the square include:

  • City landmarks: The Municipal Government Building to the north, the Shanghai Grand Theatre to the northwest, the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center to the northeast, and the Shanghai Museum to the south.
  • Convenient location: Only a 400-meter walk to the famous Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street.
  • Fountain show: The central plaza features a large fountain that comes alive with water displays approximately every 30 minutes in the evening. The illuminated fountain is a visual delight, creating a lively atmosphere perfect for photos.
  • Family-friendly ambiance: During the summer, it’s common to see families enjoying the cooling spray of the fountain, making it a refreshing escape from the heat.

Things to Do at People’s Square Shanghai

Main Attractions

Shanghai Museum

The Shanghai Museum is a premier museum dedicated to ancient Chinese art, boasting a collection of nearly 1.02 million artifacts, including over 140,000 precious items. Its exhibits cover a wide range of artistic disciplines, including bronze, ceramics, calligraphy, painting, sculpture, jade, coins, and minority arts and crafts.

The museum’s architecture is also a highlight, combining a square base and a round roof to symbolize the Chinese concept of “heaven is round, earth is square.” Visitors can admire iconic relics such as the Shangyang Fangsheng, Da Ke Ding, Jin Hou Su Bells, and the famous Letter on Bamboo. Each artifact showcases the richness of ancient Chinese culture and artistry.

Shanghai Museum showcasing traditional Chinese architectural design

People’s Park

Located adjacent to People’s Square, People’s Park is one of Shanghai’s oldest parks. It offers lush greenery, expansive lawns, tranquil lakes, and scenic gardens, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing stroll, jog, or moment of peace.

The park also features recreational facilities, tea houses, and a unique cultural attraction: the “marriage market.” On weekends, parents gather here to find potential matches for their children, creating a one-of-a-kind cultural phenomenon.

People’s Park in Shanghai with colorful autumn foliage and a serene lake

Shanghai Grand Theatre

The Shanghai Grand Theatre, situated on the northwest side of People’s Square, is a cultural and artistic landmark. Its sleek, modern design blends seamlessly with the city’s skyline. Inside, state-of-the-art facilities host world-class performances, including operas, ballets, musicals, and plays.

If you’re an art enthusiast, attending a performance here is a must. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in Shanghai’s thriving cultural scene.

Shanghai Grand Theatre during a live stage performance

1192 Lane: Old Shanghai Street

Hidden beneath People’s Square, 1192 Lane is a charming underground street that takes you back to the Shanghai of the 1930s. The area recreates the city’s historic ambiance with vintage storefronts, nostalgic advertisements, and rickshaws.

You can sample a variety of traditional Shanghai snacks and shop for souvenirs that reflect the city’s rich heritage. It’s a delightful journey into the past, perfect for history buffs and curious travelers alike.

1192 Lane Old Shanghai Street with vintage tram and nostalgic decor

People’s Square Fountain

At the heart of People’s Square is a large circular fountain, which holds the distinction of being China’s first major music fountain. Its colorful light displays and unique design, featuring a map of Shanghai in the center, make it a visual centerpiece of the square.

The fountain comes alive every hour from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with each show lasting about 10 minutes (approximately three songs long). On sunny days, visitors gather to watch the performance and snap memorable photos, especially in the evening when the fountain is illuminated.

Illuminated musical fountain at People’s Square Shanghai at night

Nearby Shopping Streets

The area around People’s Square is a shopper’s paradise. Highlights include the bustling Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street and the New World City shopping complex.

  • Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street: Shanghai’s most famous shopping street, lined with an array of stores, restaurants, and cafes. Here, you can indulge in everything from luxury brands to local delicacies.

Whether you’re looking for souvenirs, trendy fashion, or a quick bite, the shopping streets near People’s Square offer an exciting blend of tradition and modernity.

Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street with historic buildings and bustling crowd

Sightseeing Buses

If you’re near People’s Square Shanghai, consider taking a sightseeing bus to explore Shanghai’s most iconic attractions. These buses offer a convenient way to see the city without the hassle of navigating public transportation.

  • Ticket Purchase and Boarding: Tickets can be purchased at the kiosk located near Exit 19 of People’s Square Metro Station (Lines 1, 2, and 8). Once you exit, head up the stairs, and you’ll see the double-decker buses parked nearby.
Sightseeing bus kiosk at People’s Square Shanghai with red bus in the background

Line 4 (Red Line)

  • Route: Nanjing Road (New World City) ➡️ People’s Square ➡️ People’s Park ➡️ Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street ➡️ Shiliupu Dock ➡️ The Bund (Bund Sightseeing Tunnel) ➡️ The Bund (General Union) ➡️ Yu Garden ➡️ Xintiandi ➡️ Nanjing Road (New World City)
  • Operating Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Departure Frequency: Every 30 minutes
  • Price: 100 RMB

Line 5 (Blue Line)

  • Route: The Bund (Bund Sightseeing Tunnel) ➡️ The Bund (General Union) ➡️ Oriental Pearl Tower ➡️ Shanghai Tower / Jin Mao Tower ➡️ Old Wharf ➡️ Shiliupu Dock ➡️ The Bund (Bund Sightseeing Tunnel)
  • Operating Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Price: 100 RMB

Line 6 (Green Line)

  • Route: Nanjing Road (New World City) ➡️ Shanghai Museum ➡️ Huaihai Road ➡️ Jing’an Temple ➡️ Shanghai Exhibition Center ➡️ HKRI Taikoo Hui ➡️ Nanjing West Road ➡️ People’s Park ➡️ Nanjing Road (New World City)
  • Operating Hours: 9:15 AM – 4:45 PM
  • Price: 100 RMB

If you’re planning a day trip around People’s Square Shanghai, here’s a recommended itinerary: People’s Square ➡️ Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street ➡️ The Bund ➡️ Jinling East Road Ferry Terminal ➡️ Dongchang Road Ferry Terminal ➡️ Jin Mao Tower / Shanghai Tower / Shanghai World Financial Center ➡️ Oriental Pearl Tower

This route covers some of the city’s most famous landmarks, making it perfect for first-time visitors.

Here are some excellent dining options near People’s Square. If you’re curious about other delicious foods in Shanghai, check out this Shanghai Food Guide.

Zhuguangyu Hot Pot Restaurant (People’s Square Branch)

  • Address: 555-1 Fuzhou Road, Huangpu District (450 meters from Exit 15 of People’s Square Metro Station)
  • Average Price: 173 RMB
  • Why Visit: Specializes in Chongqing-style hot pot. While the hot pot itself is average, the desserts, especially the whole mango milk ice, are worth trying. Visiting during lunchtime is recommended to avoid crowds.

Gongdelin Vegetarian Restaurant (Hongxiang Building Branch)

  • Address: 2nd Floor, Hongxiang Building, 21 Huanghe Road, Huangpu District
  • Average Price: 85 RMB
  • Why Visit: A traditional vegetarian restaurant known for its delicate dishes that are so well-prepared, it’s hard to believe they’re meat-free. Highlights include crab roe tofu, sesame oil eel shreds, and greens with meatballs. The affordable prices and minimal lunchtime wait make it a hidden gem.

Fat Brother Hong Kong Noodles (Fuzhou Road Culture Street Branch)

  • Address: 567 Fuzhou Road, 1st Floor, Baxi Business Building, Huangpu District
  • Average Price: 44 RMB
  • Why Visit: Known for its secret-recipe steak and other unique dishes. The spicy fried shimeji mushroom rice is a standout choice for adventurous diners. Average spending per person is around 100 RMB.

How to Get to People’s Square Shanghai from Downtown Shanghai

Metro

Shanghai’s metro system is highly efficient, and People’s Square is one of its major transit hubs. You can take the following lines to reach People’s Square:

  • Line 1: Direct access to People’s Square Station, connecting areas like Shanghai South Railway Station and Xujiahui.
  • Line 2: A convenient east-west line connecting Pudong Airport, Lujiazui, and other key areas.
  • Line 8: Starting from Shendu Highway, it passes through Laoximen and People’s Square, covering popular locations along the way.

Bus

Several bus routes serve the People’s Square area, making it easily accessible from different parts of Shanghai:

  • Routes 18, 46, and 49: Connecting key districts like Huangpu and Jing’an.
  • Routes 123 and 312: Ideal for mid-to-long-distance travel from Hongkou or Changning.
  • Routes 451 and 537: Budget-friendly options for reaching People’s Square from other parts of the city.

Taxi or Ride-Hailing

Taxis and ride-hailing services like Didi are quick and convenient ways to reach People’s Square:

  • Travel Time: Approximately 10-20 minutes from central areas like Xujiahui or Jing’an Temple.
  • Cost: Usually 20-50 RMB, depending on distance and traffic conditions.

How to Get to People’s Square Shanghai from Shanghai Pudong Airport

Traveling from Shanghai Pudong International Airport to People’s Square offers several transportation options.

Metro

Taking the metro is a cost-effective and straightforward choice:

  • Route: Take Metro Line 2 (toward Guanglan Road) from Pudong Airport Station. Transfer at Guanglan Road Station to the same line (toward East Xujing) and ride directly to People’s Square Station.
  • Operating Hours: First train at around 6:00 AM; last train at around 10:00 PM.
  • Travel Time: Approximately 60-70 minutes.
  • Cost: About 7 RMB.

Airport Shuttle Bus

Airport shuttle buses provide direct access to downtown Shanghai:

  • Route: Take Airport Bus Line 2 and get off at Yan’an East Road and Zhejiang Middle Road. A 10-minute walk will take you to People’s Square.
  • Operating Hours: First bus at around 6:30 AM; last bus at around 11:05 PM.
  • Frequency: 15-25 minutes during peak hours, 30 minutes during off-peak hours.
  • Travel Time: Around 60-80 minutes, depending on traffic.
  • Cost: About 25 RMB.

Taxi and Ride-Hailing

Taxis and ride-hailing services offer direct and convenient transportation:

  • Pickup Location: Taxi stands are located at the arrival level of Pudong Airport.
  • Travel Time: About 50-60 minutes, depending on traffic.
  • Cost: Around 150-200 RMB, including highway tolls.

How to Get to People’s Square Shanghai from Shanghai Hongqiao Airport

Traveling from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport to People’s Square is easy with multiple options available.

Metro

The metro is one of the fastest ways to travel between the two locations:

  • Route: Take Metro Line 2 (toward Guanglan Road) from Hongqiao Terminal 2 Station. Ride directly to People’s Square Station.
  • Operating Hours: First train at around 5:30 AM; last train at around 11:00 PM.
  • Travel Time: Approximately 30 minutes.
  • Cost: About 4 RMB.

Bus

Buses are a budget-friendly option, though they may take longer:

  • Route: From Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 of Hongqiao Airport, take bus routes such as 941 to reach the vicinity of People’s Square.
  • Operating Hours: Typically from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM, depending on the route.
  • Travel Time: Around 60 minutes, depending on traffic.
  • Cost: About 2 RMB.

Airport Shuttle Bus

Airport shuttle buses offer direct service to the city center:

  • Route: Take Airport Bus Line 1 from Hongqiao Airport to People’s Square.
  • Operating Hours: First bus at around 6:00 AM; last bus at around 11:00 PM.
  • Travel Time: About 60 minutes, depending on traffic.
  • Cost: About 30 RMB.

Taxi and Ride-Hailing

Taxis and ride-hailing services are the quickest and most convenient way to travel:

  • Pickup Location: Taxi stands are located outside both terminals at Hongqiao Airport.
  • Travel Time: Around 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
  • Cost: Approximately 60-80 RMB, depending on distance and road conditions.

Essential Shanghai Travel Resources