People's Park in Shanghai is a lively urban paradise right in the city center, close to Nanjing Road. Originally established in 1952 on the site of a former horse racing track, it serves as a popular area for relaxation, cultural activities, and social gatherings. With its lush gardens, picturesque paths, and serene ponds, it offers a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle.
A standout feature of the park is the "Marriage Market," which takes place every weekend. Parents come together to search for potential matches for their children, showcasing personal information on handwritten sheets. This age-old tradition attracts both locals and tourists, providing insight into Chinese culture.
Additionally, People's Park is home to the Shanghai Museum of Contemporary Art, along with various restaurants and tea houses, making it a must-visit spot that combines history, nature, and local traditions in the vibrant city of Shanghai.
People's Square Park in Shanghai has always fascinated me, mainly because of the song 我在人民广场吃炸鸡 (“I’m Eating Fried Chicken in People’s Square”) by the artist 阿肆 (A Si). The song evokes a sense of urban solitude, set against this iconic square. I wanted to visit the place that inspired these lyrics and discover its connection to the song. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to find the fried chicken stall.
I arrived around 7 PM and saw a few people walking and jogging on the paths. The park's vastness amazed me, filled with tranquil corners and shaded pathways perfect for reflection.
For anyone familiar with 我在人民广场吃炸鸡, visiting this park feels like stepping into the song itself. It's where the city's busyness meets rare moments of calm—a truly memorable and significant experience.
This lovely park is right across from the History Museum, making it a great place for a stroll away from the city's hustle. You can observe the 'CV's' that parents display, essentially marketing their children to find a partner—a fascinating tradition to see. The park itself is well-maintained, featuring a charming koi pond.
While there may not be much to do, this park serves as a peaceful getaway! You can find people playing games on tables, visit the MOCA (art museum), or wander through the underground mall at the southern end. Mostly, however, it’s filled with trees and paths for leisurely strolls. Plenty of seating areas are available too. Traversing from the south to the north part takes time due to limited crossing points. I recommend visiting on a sunny day, especially during the weekends when the marriage market is organized. However, as a tourist, I wouldn’t prioritize visiting in winter.
This expansive park in the city center offers visitors a serene retreat from the loud traffic. Beautiful flowers and abundant greenery fill the area, allowing visitors to embrace nature's beauty and enjoy tranquility. The park is decorated with a vibrant array of flowers and plants, and it includes an eatery, a cafe, and a flower shop.
During my visit, the weather was particularly sunny, which meant fewer visitors, many of whom sought shade under the trees or in cafes. Since this park is conveniently located near our hotel, we passed by it several times daily and loved our morning walks there. It’s peaceful, and the air is fresh.
