People's Square and Park, Shanghai (must see)
People's Square, situated at the very center of Shanghai, serves as a prominent location in the city. It features world-class museums, the Grand Theater, luxurious five-star hotels, a large water fountain, and the imposing Shanghai City Hall. These structures were constructed in the late 1990s and each of them serves as a significant architectural representation of Shanghai's economic and cultural advancement.
This area stands out in China due to its exceptional collection of remarkable attractions and stunning skyline, making it a highly popular meeting place and a venue for various celebrations. Today, there are few visual reminders of People's Square's history as Asia's finest racecourse, where wealthy individuals once watched horse races. During the wartime Japanese administration, the racetrack was utilized as a detention facility, and after World War II, the Chinese nationalist government transformed it into a sports arena.
By 1952, the new Communist regime had abolished horse racing and gambling, and a section of the racetrack was converted into a recreational space, now referred to as People's Park. Both the square and the park are meticulously maintained and offer numerous benches for relaxation. The park boasts pleasant landscaping, with tree-lined pathways and ponds that are beloved by locals who often visit for leisurely walks, exercise, kite flying, and where children can enjoy various activities at the playground.
Tip:
Underneath the park, there's a fantastic underground labyrinth of galleries with colorful stores, a subway station, and a food court. A definite must-visit!
This area stands out in China due to its exceptional collection of remarkable attractions and stunning skyline, making it a highly popular meeting place and a venue for various celebrations. Today, there are few visual reminders of People's Square's history as Asia's finest racecourse, where wealthy individuals once watched horse races. During the wartime Japanese administration, the racetrack was utilized as a detention facility, and after World War II, the Chinese nationalist government transformed it into a sports arena.
By 1952, the new Communist regime had abolished horse racing and gambling, and a section of the racetrack was converted into a recreational space, now referred to as People's Park. Both the square and the park are meticulously maintained and offer numerous benches for relaxation. The park boasts pleasant landscaping, with tree-lined pathways and ponds that are beloved by locals who often visit for leisurely walks, exercise, kite flying, and where children can enjoy various activities at the playground.
Tip:
Underneath the park, there's a fantastic underground labyrinth of galleries with colorful stores, a subway station, and a food court. A definite must-visit!
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Shanghai. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
People's Square and Park on Map
Sight Name: People's Square and Park
Sight Location: Shanghai, China (See walking tours in Shanghai)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Shanghai, China (See walking tours in Shanghai)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Shanghai, China
Create Your Own Walk in Shanghai
Creating your own self-guided walk in Shanghai is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Shanghai Introduction Walking Tour
Perhaps more than any other Chinese city, Shanghai deserves to be called the “face of modern China.” Despite modern look, the city emerged on a map as far back as 751 AD. Shanghai County was established under the Yuan Dynasty in the 13th century, although the city character, as we know it today, began to take shape in the aftermath of the first Opium War in 1842. The post-war treaty opened... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.2 Km or 3.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.2 Km or 3.9 Miles
Souvenirs Shopping Walk
Leaving Shanghai without calling local shops and procuring something truly original to bring home as a souvenir would be a pity. Indeed, souvenir shopping in Shanghai is an exciting experience.
Nanjing Road, commonly known as Nanjing Lu – Asia's longest and perhaps most famous thoroughfare – is a popular destination in Shanghai. Here, you can find a plethora of shops and boutiques... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Nanjing Road, commonly known as Nanjing Lu – Asia's longest and perhaps most famous thoroughfare – is a popular destination in Shanghai. Here, you can find a plethora of shops and boutiques... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Shanghai Old Town Walking Tour
The Old Town of Shanghai, historically the heart of the city, is a part of Shanghai's urban core. Shanghai's importance as a trade hub led to its elevation to county status in 1292. In 1554, during the Ming Dynasty, the area was surrounded by protective walls to safeguard against Japanese pirate raids and remained so until 1912, when the walls were dismantled.
During the colonial era,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
During the colonial era,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
The Bund Sightseeing Tour
The Bund is a waterfront area and a protected historical district in central Shanghai. The term "bund" was borrowed into English from Hindi and originally referred to a dyke or embankment. The Chinese name for the Bund is unrelated in origin: it literally means "outer bank", and distinguishes this part of the riverfront from the "inner bank" adjacent to the Old Town... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
15 Uniquely Chinese Things to Buy in Shanghai
Prepare a Shanghai surprise for your loved ones back home! Bring them a piece of exciting China from one of the country's most iconic destinations. Luckily, the choice of things fit to do the job is enormous. All you need is a knowledgeable advice on where to go to get a fair price and decent...