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!