People's Square Tours and Activities

People\'s Square showing a park and flowers
People\'s Square which includes a garden
People's Square
People\'s Square featuring signage
People\'s Square which includes a day spa as well as a small group of people


To see the modern heart of Shanghai, visit this square, a vast green space surrounded by museums and a grand theater. 

People's Square, or Renmin Square, is Shanghai’s massive central square. This popular public gathering place is home to the Shanghai Museum, the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall and the Grand Theater, among other attractions. Admire the towering modern buildings that surround the square and watch local residents chatting and flying ornate kites over the grassy lawn areas. 

The square was established in 1862 and served as the site of the Shanghai racecourse. The only surviving aspect of the original racecourse is its former clubhouse, which is now the home of the Shanghai Art Museum. Head inside this museum and notice how it still resembles an old-fashioned gentlemen’s club with an open layout and lacquered wood floors.

On the west end of the square, you’ll see the curved roof of the Shanghai Grand Theater. Buy tickets to see one of the ballet productions, Broadway shows or orchestra concerts that are regularly performed at this important venue. 

Be sure to visit the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall on the northeast end of the square near the austere Shanghai Government Building. Fascinating detailed scale models of central Shanghai show how the city’s footprint has expanded dramatically over the last century. Don’t miss the virtual tour of the city.

Walk to the south side of the square to see the venerable Shanghai Museum. Designed to resemble a Chinese cooking pot, this unique building houses an impressive collection of ancient Chinese art, including bronze, jade, calligraphy, scrolls, painting, coins and ceramics. 

Find a seat on a bench and watch locals strolling, feeding pigeons, roller skating and practicing tai chi. Look for the distinct tower of Tomorrow Square overlooking the scene, as well as the unusual rounded top of the Radisson Hotel Shanghai New World. Near the People’s Square subway station, descend underground to explore its massive subterranean shopping plaza. Weekends can be extremely busy here, so it’s best to come during the week when the area is quieter.

People's Square is located in central Shanghai. Get here by taking the subway or bus. Several major lines intersect at the square. 

Plan a trip to see People's Square

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
IFC Residence
Fairmont Peace Hotel on the Bund
Bellagio by MGM Shanghai

Tours & day trips

See all 98 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 63 activities

Classes & workshops

See all 5 activities

Shopping & fashion

See all 4 activities

Air, helicopter & balloon tours

See all 4 activities

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near People's Square

Grand Central Hotel Shanghai

Grand Central Hotel Shanghai

4.5 out of 5
505 Jiujiang Road, Shanghai, Shanghai
Grand Central Hotel Shanghai
Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World

Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World

5 out of 5
88 Nanjing West Road, Shanghai, Shanghai
Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World
Conrad Shanghai

Conrad Shanghai

5 out of 5
789 Nanjing Road East, Shanghai, Shanghai
Conrad Shanghai
Central Hotel Shanghai

Central Hotel Shanghai

4 out of 5
No 555 Jiujiang Road, Shanghai, Shanghai
Central Hotel Shanghai
Crowne Plaza Shanghai Nanjing Road by IHG

Crowne Plaza Shanghai Nanjing Road by IHG

4.5 out of 5
700 Jiujiang Road/719 Nanjing Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, Shanghai
Crowne Plaza Shanghai Nanjing Road by IHG
Jin Jiang Park Hotel

Jin Jiang Park Hotel

4 out of 5
170 Nanjing Road West, Shanghai, Shanghai
Jin Jiang Park Hotel
The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi

The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi

5 out of 5
No.99 Madang Road, Luwan District, Shanghai, Shanghai
The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi
Renaissance Shanghai Yu Garden Hotel on the Bund

Renaissance Shanghai Yu Garden Hotel on the Bund

4.5 out of 5
159 South He Nan Road, Shanghai, Shanghai
Renaissance Shanghai Yu Garden Hotel on the Bund
Grand Hyatt Shanghai

Grand Hyatt Shanghai

5 out of 5
88 Century Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, Shanghai
Grand Hyatt Shanghai
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near People's Square

People's Square in Shanghai is a vibrant entertainment hub, perfect for tourists seeking adventure. Explore the bustling shopping areas where you can find everything from local crafts to high-end brands. Enjoy the nearby parks and cultural attractions that add to the lively atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for leisure and exploration. Experience the unique blend of modernity and tradition that Shanghai has to offer right in the heart of this dynamic city.

Shopping

At People's Square, explore Nanjing Road Shopping District for a vibrant mix of family-friendly shops, just 966m away. Yuyuan Bazaar, located 805m away, offers a charming public market experience. For a larger selection, Shanghai Landmark Department Store is also 966m away, perfect for gifts.

Recreation

The Mercedes Benz Arena offers a lively atmosphere for sports enthusiasts, while the nearby Shanghai Concert Hall radiates entertainment vibes with its captivating performances. For tennis lovers, the Shanghai Changning Tennis Court provides an excellent venue to unwind and engage in recreational activities, all within a short distance from People's Square.

Adventure

The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel offers a unique underground journey with stunning light displays, perfect for an adventurous experience. For thrill-seekers, the Shanghai International Circuit provides an adrenaline-pumping motor racing experience. Alternatively, the Tropical Storm Water Park is a fantastic spot for family fun and adventure with exhilarating water rides.

Nightlife

The nightlife in People's Square is vibrant, with cultural gems like the Shanghai Grand Theatre and Lyceum Theatre, both a short stroll away. For a romantic evening, enjoy a performance at the Yifu Theater. Each venue offers a fantastic atmosphere for family entertainment and unforgettable experiences.

Find the best attractions near People's Square

Whether you're seeking cultural experiences, family-friendly activities, or vibrant city life, People's Square in Shanghai has something for everyone. Explore the lively square and its surroundings, including modern towers and local events. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of this iconic downtown hub, which is a perfect starting point for your adventures in the city.

  • The Bund: The Bund is a picturesque esplanade offering a stunning view of Shanghai's skyline. With its mix of family-friendly areas and romantic spots, it's perfect for leisurely strolls along the Huangpu River, surrounded by historical architecture and vibrant outdoor vibes.
  • Yu Garden: A serene private garden steeped in history, Yu Garden features classical Chinese landscaping, intricate rockeries, and beautiful pavilions. The rich art and cultural atmosphere make it an ideal place to explore traditional Chinese heritage and tranquility.
  • Oriental Pearl Tower: This iconic modern tower boasts breathtaking city views from its observation decks. With its futuristic design and entertainment options, it embodies the dynamic spirit of Shanghai, providing a thrilling experience high above the bustling city.

Best time to go to People's Square

Visitor numbers around People's Square is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit People's Square is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January42.3°F (5.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February44.2°F (6.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March50.7°F (10.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
April59.2°F (15.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
May68.5°F (20.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June75.0°F (23.9°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
July82.0°F (27.8°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
August82.8°F (28.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September75.7°F (24.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October67.1°F (19.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
November58.1°F (14.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
December45.9°F (7.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for People's Square

To save money during your visit to People's Square in Shanghai, take advantage of the free entry to the square and nearby attractions like The Bund and Nanjing Road. Plan your trip between December and February for lower accommodation costs, avoiding the more expensive months of April and October to November. Book your stay on a Saturday for the best rates. Use Expedia to compare hotel prices and find eco-friendly options, and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities to score additional savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around People's Square are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April and October to November, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around People's Square is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around People's Square is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool offers you the flexibility to set your budget and choose your ideal location, among other preferences. You can easily sort your results to display hotels from the most affordable to the more expensive options, allowing you to find the best deals first. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodations that you can book with ease.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel reservation at People’s Square with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.