People`s Square is the central square of Shanghai, an important cultural, political, and transportation hub of the city. Located in the Huangpu District, it is one of the largest squares in China, with a total area of about 140,000 m² (14 hectares). In the morning, you can see retirees practicing tai chi here, during the day—tourists rushing to museums, and in the evening—young people enjoying the illuminated fountains.
Before 1949, the site of People`s Square was occupied by a racecourse built by the British in 1862, when Shanghai was divided into foreign concessions. After the founding of the People`s Republic of China, the racecourse was closed, and in 1951, the transformation of the area into a public space began. People`s Square was officially opened in 1954 as a symbol of the new socialist China.
In the 1990s, the square underwent a large-scale reconstruction: the largest metro interchange station in Shanghai was built beneath it, and modern buildings were erected around it, turning it into a multifunctional complex.
Main Attractions of People`s Square
1. Shanghai Museum. One of China`s finest museums, dedicated to ancient art. The building, shaped like an ancient bronze ding vessel, symbolizes a connection to cultural heritage. The museum features:
• A collection of ancient Chinese bronze artifacts
• Buddhist sculptures
• Calligraphy and paintings
• Porcelain and jade artifacts
2. Shanghai Grand Theatre. A futuristic building shaped like a soaring arch, constructed in 1998. It hosts opera, ballet, and symphony performances.
3. Shanghai Municipal Government Building. A majestic neoclassical structure where the city government convenes. The national flag of China flies in front of it, and in the evenings, the building is beautifully illuminated.
4. Park Area with Greenery. Part of the square is dedicated to tree-lined promenades, flower beds, and fountains. The vegetation includes:
• Plane trees – providing shade on hot days
• Ginkgo biloba – "living fossil" trees with golden leaves in autumn
• Magnolias – the symbol of Shanghai, blooming in spring
• Roses, chrysanthemums, tulips – seasonal floral arrangements
At the center of the square is a large musical fountain, illuminated in different colors in the evening.
5. Underground City. Beneath the square lies the "People`s Square" shopping complex, with stores, cafes, and a metro interchange (Lines 1, 2, and 8).
Interesting Facts
• A flag-raising ceremony is held daily on the square (between 6–7 AM).
• It marks the starting point of Nanjing Road – Shanghai’s main shopping street.
• In 1997, the Shanghai History Museum opened in the underground level.
People`s Square is not just an open space but a symbol of Shanghai, where history, culture, and modernity come together. Visiting it is a must for anyone wanting to experience the pulse of this dynamic metropolis.
