People's Square
Transformed from the 'Far East's largest racecourse' of the concession era, this grassy square in the heart of Shanghai serves as the city's grand living room.…
People's Square, Shanghai
Key facts
- Guidebook rating
- 3 / 5
From China Self Guided Travel 2025, page 942. Open in Google Maps
About People's Square
Transformed from the 'Far East's largest racecourse' of the concession era, this grassy square in the heart of Shanghai serves as the city's grand living room. On its north central axis stands the Shanghai Municipal Government Building. The Shanghai Grand Theatre is in the northwest corner, and a metro station lies to the northeast. South of People's Avenue, three large underground complexes stand in a row: to the southeast is a band-shaped underground shopping mall, and further south is Asia's largest urban underground substation. South of the square's central axis is the Shanghai Museum. As a transport hub close to East Nanjing Road, it is a place most visitors pass through. In recent years, People's Square has undergone large-scale greening and now merges with People's Park, forming two 'green lungs' in central Shanghai that bring fresh greenery and air to residents.
Tips from the guidebook
- Architecture tour: People's Square brings together notable buildings such as the Shanghai Municipal Government Building, the Shanghai Museum, the greening project, the Shanghai Grand Theatre and the Park Hotel. Each has its own character, so they can be visited together.
Frequently asked questions
Where is People's Square?
People's Square is in Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, in the East China of China.
More places in Shanghai
Shanghai Museum
Its collection and architecture are truly first-class. Focusing on ancient Chinese art, its collection, exhibitions and research aim to present the complete development history of each artistic category. Its system, richness and quality are highly renowned at home and abroad. Moved here in 1995, the museum has a distinctive design that follows the traditional Chinese concept of 'round heaven, square earth'. Its overall form resembles a dignified ancient bronze vessel. The Shanghai Museum holds half of China's ancient art treasures, and its galleries have no showy gimmicks, yet they will leave visitors astonished by China's history.
Free admission, though some special exhibitions require tickets, with prices varying · 3+ hours
Old City God Temple
A crash course in old Shanghai folk culture. The Old City God Temple has long been like a grand temple fair that never ends. Whatever you might look for at other temple fairs, you'll find here, with its snacks and distinctive handicrafts the most famous of all. The Old City God Temple was built during the Yongle era of the Ming dynasty. Historically, the temple was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt. The current temple was built in 1926 and rebuilt on a large scale in the 1990s, becoming a large, antique-style architectural complex and commercial district. The renovated old temple may have lost some of the atmosphere of the old city district, yet visitors still flock here, a testament to its enduring charm. The saying “Gold from the Old Temple brings you good luck” is known far and wide.
Free · 1–3 hours
Zhujiajiao Ancient Town
The best-preserved Jiangnan water town near Shanghai. Its waterside townscape, thousand-year history, historic sites and cultural charm define Zhujiajiao. It has less commercial bustle than many other towns, so it feels fresh and relaxed.
Free; folk customs tour ¥30; New Water Town heritage tour ¥60
Jiading Ancient Town
This ancient town, with over 780 years of history, still preserves pagodas, temples, monasteries and old trees. Most visitors come for Zhouqiao Old Street. Lying on the same central axis as the Fahua Pagoda, about 500 meters from it, are the Confucian Temple, Huilong Pool and Yingkui Hill, another distinctive scenic area beside Zhouqiao Old Street. The Confucian Temple in particular is considered the number one in Wuzhong.
Shanghai Grand Theatre
The first choice for music and architecture lovers. Built with an investment of US$60 million and designed by a French architect, it has a geometric form, with a white curved roof that sweeps up toward the sky like a crown. Above it are a classical outdoor theatre and a rooftop garden, blending East and West. The seating has been excellently designed, with no obstructed views from any corner. The hall's ceiling features a multi-layered echo design, giving outstanding acoustics. The multifunctional stage is even larger than the audience area. The theatre houses three performance halls and frequently hosts international performances.
Visiting the theatre: ¥50 (¥100 for a family of three). To watch a performance, tickets must be booked at least 1 week in advance.
Shanghai Astronomy Museum
The world's largest planetarium. Its main exhibition areas are divided into three themes: Home, Universe and Journey. The main building is spiral-shaped, resembling 'orbits of celestial bodies'. Its three circular elements, the round skylight, the inverted dome and the dome theatre, form a distinctive 'three-body' structure. Since it opened, tickets have been hard to get. Here you can discover the wonders and rich knowledge of the universe, and enjoy a breathtaking visual experience.
¥30; dome theatre film ticket ¥40