People's Square - The peoples on New Year's Eve on square in Strasbourg.
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People's Square

4.6
·491k reviews·, China

Shanghai's bustling central square, famous for its weekend marriage market and proximity to the Shanghai Museum.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekend afternoons

Marriage market is in full swing

CrowdHigh
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People's Square - The peoples on New Year's Eve on square in Strasbourg.

People's Square

Best Time

Weekend afternoons

Marriage market is in full swing

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Shanghai's bustling central square, famous for its weekend marriage market and proximity to the Shanghai Museum.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"A fascinating cultural spectacle where parents 'advertise' their children for marriage on weekends."

Vertical photo
TIP

Observe the Marriage Market Respectfully

Watch the unique 'marriage market' with curiosity, but avoid intrusive photography.

Explore the Shanghai Museum

Allocate at least 2-3 hours to fully appreciate the vast collections. Free entry! :ticket:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Marriage Market

The Marriage Market

Central area of People's Square

Parents showcase resumes of their unmarried children, seeking ideal partners. A unique cultural spectacle!

Shanghai Museum

Shanghai Museum

North side of People's Square

Explore ancient Chinese art and artifacts. A must-visit for history buffs and art lovers.

People's Park

People's Park

Adjacent to People's Square

A green oasis for locals to relax, exercise, and socialize. Perfect for a leisurely stroll.

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Planning Your Visit

Understand the Marriage Market

People's Square hosts a unique 'marriage market' on weekends where parents advertise their children for marriage. It's a fascinating cultural insight, but be respectful and mindful when observing.

Best for People-Watching

This bustling square is a hub for local life. Come ready to observe street performers, families, and the vibrant energy of Shanghai. It's a great spot for a relaxed afternoon.

Best Times

When
Weekend afternoons
Why
Marriage market is in full swing
Crowd
High
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

LINK IN BIO 🗽 #welcometotimessquare #timessquare #takeovertimessquare #takeovertimessquare #timessquaretakeover #timessquaretakeover #timessquaretakeover #timessquaretakeover #takeovertimessquare #takeovertimessquare @Teté
@welcometotimessquare
3.3K likes • 95.1K views

Observe the Marriage Market Respectfully

Watch the unique 'marriage market' with curiosity, but avoid intrusive photography. Instagram+1

Explore the Shanghai Museum

Allocate at least 2-3 hours to fully appreciate the vast collections. Free entry! :ticket:

People's square #Guiyang #Guizhou #ChinaChicks
@chinabikers
2.3K likes • 78.4K views
Un Tinder analógico. Mercado de matrimonios en People’s Square - Shanghai
dieegoalvareez
77 likes • 3.5K views

Enjoy Local Street Food

Sample delicious snacks from vendors around the square. Look for what locals are queuing for! :street_food:

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the square and surrounding areas. :athletic_shoe:

Welcome to Shanghai’s real-life dating app - except it’s your parents swiping for you. Every weekend, in People’s Park, mums and dads gather with handwritten resumes of their kids, trying to find them the perfect match. Love? Optional. Job, height, apartment? Mandatory. #china #shanghai #culture #marriagemarket #marriage #market #dating #viral #travel
nextstopnathan
40 likes • 2.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Observe the Marriage Market Respectfully

Watch the unique 'marriage market' with curiosity, but avoid intrusive photography. Instagram+1

Explore the Shanghai Museum

Allocate at least 2-3 hours to fully appreciate the vast collections. Free entry! :ticket:

Enjoy Local Street Food

Sample delicious snacks from vendors around the square. Look for what locals are queuing for! :street_food:

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the square and surrounding areas. :athletic_shoe:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

People's Square is a vibrant hub offering a unique cultural experience, particularly the weekend marriage market, and access to significant attractions like the Shanghai Museum. Visitors appreciate the lively atmosphere and the opportunity to observe local life, though it can get very crowded. Some find the marriage market a bit overwhelming or ethically questionable.

What People Like

Unique marriage market
Shanghai Museum
Vibrant atmosphere

What People Dislike

Crowded on weekends
Intrusive photography

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

People's Square is easily accessible via the Shanghai Metro. Take Line 1, 2, or 8 to People's Square Station. It's a major transportation hub, making it convenient from most parts of the city. Reddit

Yes, People's Square is generally very safe for tourists. It's a public space with a constant presence of people and police. However, as with any crowded area, be mindful of your belongings. Reddit

The square itself is best explored on foot. For getting to and from the square, the metro is highly recommended. Taxis are also available, but traffic can be heavy. Reddit

Yes, there are several underground parking garages around People's Square, but they can be expensive and fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Reddit

Depending on your destination, yes! Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is a short walk away. The Bund is also accessible with a longer walk or a short metro ride. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, People's Square itself is a public space and entry is free. However, attractions within or around the square, like the Shanghai Museum, may have their own admission fees or require booking. Reddit

People's Square is open 24/7 as it's a public park and plaza. However, individual attractions within the square, such as the Shanghai Museum, have specific operating hours. Reddit

The 'marriage market' is a spontaneous gathering within the park, and there is no entrance fee to observe it. Instagram+1

The Shanghai Museum offers free admission, but you may need to book a time slot in advance, especially during peak seasons. Check their official website for the latest information. :ticket:

While there aren't official guided tours specifically for the square itself, many private tour operators offer Shanghai city tours that include People's Square as a stop. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the vibrant atmosphere of the marriage market on weekends,Instagram+1 the grand architecture of the Shanghai Museum, and the lively street performers. The park offers great candid shots of local life. Reddit

It's best to be discreet and respectful. While observing is fine, avoid intrusive close-ups or flash photography without permission. Many creators advise being mindful of privacy. Instagram+1

Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for the square and surrounding buildings. Weekends offer the most dynamic scenes for candid shots. Reddit

Drone usage is generally restricted in major public areas in Shanghai, including People's Square, due to security regulations. It's best to avoid bringing drones. :noentrysign:

A versatile zoom lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for capturing both wide scenes and candid moments. A prime lens (like a 50mm) is good for low-light and portraits. :camerawithflash:

🍽️ 🍴 Food & Dining

You'll find numerous street food vendors around the square offering local snacks. For sit-down meals, explore the underground malls or nearby streets for a variety of Chinese cuisines. Reddit

Look for Jianbing (savory crepes), various skewers, and sweet pastries. Many travelers recommend trying whatever looks popular with locals. Reddit

Yes, many restaurants offer vegetarian dishes. Look for 'su cai' (vegetarian dishes) on menus. Some smaller eateries might have limited options, but larger restaurants are usually accommodating. Reddit

Street food can range from ¥5-¥20. Casual restaurants might cost ¥30-¥80 per person, while more upscale dining options are also available. Reddit

Absolutely! The underground shopping complexes and surrounding streets host a wide array of international restaurants, from Western fast food to Japanese and Korean eateries. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

People's Square offers a mix of activities that can appeal to families. The Shanghai Museum has exhibits that can engage older children interested in history and art. The open space of the square and the adjacent People's Park are great for kids to run around and burn off energy. Reddit

While the marriage market might be a bit abstract for younger children, the general atmosphere of the square with street performers and local families can be entertaining. Consider packing snacks and drinks, as food options can be busy. The metro access makes it easy to get to and from the square without much hassle. Reddit

🚶 Solo Travelers & Culture Enthusiasts

For solo travelers and those keen on cultural immersion, People's Square is a prime destination. The marriage market offers a unique anthropological experience, providing insights into Chinese societal norms. Instagram+1 The Shanghai Museum is a treasure trove for art and history lovers, offering hours of exploration. Reddit

This area is also excellent for people-watching and soaking in the local vibe. Grab a coffee at a nearby cafe or sample street food while observing the daily life unfold. The central location and excellent metro connectivity make it easy to navigate and explore other parts of Shanghai from here. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Unique 'Marriage Market'

Every weekend, People's Square transforms into a fascinating, albeit unconventional, 'marriage market.' Parents gather with handwritten resumes detailing their unmarried children's age, height, education, job, and income, hoping to find a suitable match for them. This tradition highlights the societal pressures and cultural norms surrounding marriage in China. It's a unique spectacle that draws curious onlookers and offers a glimpse into a different aspect of local life. Instagram+1

While it might seem unusual to Western eyes, it's a deeply ingrained practice for many families. Travelers are encouraged to observe with respect and avoid being intrusive. The resumes often include details like 'good health,' 'stable job,' and 'owns an apartment,' reflecting the practical considerations parents prioritize. Instagram

This phenomenon is a significant draw for visitors interested in cultural anthropology and social dynamics. It's a living example of how traditions adapt and persist in modern urban environments. Remember to be a respectful observer and capture the essence of this unique cultural practice without causing discomfort. TikTok

Exploring People's Square and Its Surroundings

People's Square is Shanghai's central public space, a vast urban plaza that serves as a hub for locals and tourists alike. It's surrounded by significant cultural institutions and offers a vibrant snapshot of city life. The square itself is a popular spot for street performers, families enjoying the open space, and people engaging in various recreational activities. Reddit

Adjacent to the square is People's Park, a green lung in the heart of the city. It's a tranquil escape where you can see locals practicing tai chi, playing chess, or simply relaxing. The park is also where the famous marriage market takes place on weekends, adding another layer of cultural interest. Instagram+1

Key landmarks surrounding the square include the Shanghai Museum, renowned for its extensive collection of ancient Chinese art, and the Shanghai Grand Theatre. The area is also connected to extensive underground shopping malls, offering a modern contrast to the cultural sites. It's an ideal location for those seeking a blend of culture, local life, and urban energy. Reddit

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