Spread across 10 hectares in central Shanghai, People`s Park is a remarkable example of harmony between nature and urban design. Established in 1952 on the site of a former racecourse, the park retains features of classical Chinese landscape architecture blended with modern elements.
Key Features of People`s Park
• Over 2,000 trees (including century-old plane trees, ginkgos, and cherry blossoms)
• An artificial pond with winding bridges in "sleeping dragon" style
• The "Autumn Moon" Pavilion – a traditional structure with curved eaves reflected in the water
Waterfront Serenity. The central pond, framed by willow trees, is particularly picturesque from June to September, when its surface is covered with:
• 12 varieties of lotus (including rare pink Nelumbo nucifera)
• Floating tea houses serving jasmine tea
• Schools of koi carp that visitors can feed (food sold at the entrance)
Tropical Oasis. The northwestern section features "mini-jungle" with:
• 15-meter-tall palm trees and bamboo groves
• Dense ficus canopies providing complete shade even at noon
• An artificial waterfall muffling the city noise
• Stone paths winding through tree ferns
• Home to lovebirds (introduced in the 1980s) and giant swallowtail butterflies
Seasonal Transformations of Shanghai`s People`s Park
Spring Awakening (March-May)
• Cherry blossoms and magnolias create pink-white clouds (peak bloom late March)
• 15 varieties of tulips arranged in patterns near the pavilion
• Peony Festival (April) featuring 200-year-old plants from Henan Province
Summer Splendor (June-August)
• Lotuses fully cover the pond by July
• Bamboo groves become natural air conditioners (5°C cooler)
• Fireflies visible in the forest zone (rare for a metropolis)
Autumn Symphony (September-November)
• Maple trees near the memorial turn vermilion-red
• Ginkgo leaves form a golden carpet (best photos early November)
• 50 varieties of chrysanthemums cascade near the waterfall
Winter Charm (December-February)
• Snow-dusted pines (a rare Shanghai sight)
• Wintering herons by the unfrozen pond
• New Year lanterns among bamboo (January)
"Five Heroes" Memorial
Separately located in the eastern section stands a granite monument (1964) commemorating five Communists executed in 1927. The abstract composition features five 9-meter stelae symbolizing unity. The memorial garden, surrounded by cypresses and red maples, is especially beautiful in autumn.
Practical Information
• Opening Hours: 6:00–18:00 (extended to 19:00 in summer)
• Metro: People`s Square (Lines 1, 2, 8)
• Best Time to Visit: Mornings (8:00–10:00) for tai chi sessions
• Don`t miss the "Invisible Stone" – an ancient meteorite near the west entrance believed to bring luck
• Behind the pavilion grows the "Calendar Tree" – a plane tree whose bark texture changes seasonally
• For photographers: Visit at 7:00 AM in November when pond mist creates classic Chinese painting effects
