People's Park and Square - an empty parking lot with a building in the background
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People's Park and Square

4.4
·78 reviews·Yangon, Myanmar (Burma)

A vast urban oasis in Shanghai, famous for its weekend 'marriage market' and vibrant festival celebrations.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends

See the unique marriage market

CrowdMedium
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People's Park and Square - an empty parking lot with a building in the background

People's Park and Square

Best Time

Weekends

See the unique marriage market

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vast urban oasis in Shanghai, famous for its weekend 'marriage market' and vibrant festival celebrations.

4.4
(78 reviews)

"Experience the unique 'marriage market' and dazzling festivals at this expansive Shanghai landmark."

Vertical photo
TIP

Observe the 'Marriage Market'

Watch parents discreetly share profiles and discuss potential matches. It's a fascinating cultural display. :eyes:

Check for Events

Look out for special events like fireworks or music festivals for a lively experience. :fireworks:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The 'Marriage Market'

The 'Marriage Market'

Designated areas within the park

Parents gather with detailed profiles of their unmarried children, seeking potential matches in a unique matchmaking tradition.

Elephant Fountain Spectacle

Elephant Fountain Spectacle

Central square

Experience vibrant music, dancing, and singing stages around the iconic Elephant Fountain during festive times.

Lanterns and Light Displays

Lanterns and Light Displays

Throughout the park

Marvel at dazzling lantern and lighting decorations, especially during countdown events and festivals.

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Planning Your Visit

Understand the 'Marriage Market'

Discover the unique 'marriage market' phenomenon where parents gather to find partners for their children. It's a fascinating cultural insight into matchmaking traditions.

Best Times for Events & Crowds

While generally spacious, the park gets packed during festivals like Thingyan and special events. Check local listings for fireworks or performances.

Best Times

When
Weekends
Why
See the unique marriage market
Crowd
Medium
When
Festival times
Why
Vibrant celebrations and fireworks
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

👀 There’s up to 20,000 remains under Washington Square Park… #nychistory #nycguide
@urbanistariel
159.9K likes • 2M views

Observe the 'Marriage Market'

Watch parents discreetly share profiles and discuss potential matches. It's a fascinating cultural display. :eyes:

Check for Events

Look out for special events like fireworks or music festivals for a lively experience. :fireworks:

reddit.com

What was happening in People’s Park today?

reddit.com

Shanghai : should I be staying by Jing'an Temple or is People's square a better location?

Enjoy the Open Space

The park is huge and great for a stroll, especially with views of Shwedagon Pagoda. :walking:

Food Vendors Galore

Grab snacks and drinks from numerous vendors, especially around event areas. :ice_cream:

reddit.com

Signs everywhere in the park

Tips

from all over the internet

Observe the 'Marriage Market'

Watch parents discreetly share profiles and discuss potential matches. It's a fascinating cultural display. :eyes:

Check for Events

Look out for special events like fireworks or music festivals for a lively experience. :fireworks:

Enjoy the Open Space

The park is huge and great for a stroll, especially with views of Shwedagon Pagoda. :walking:

Food Vendors Galore

Grab snacks and drinks from numerous vendors, especially around event areas. :ice_cream:

What Travellers Say

4.4
(78 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise People's Park and Square for its vast open spaces, vibrant atmosphere during festivals, and the unique cultural spectacle of the 'marriage market'. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists seeking entertainment and a glimpse into Shanghai's social fabric. Some find the park can get very crowded during events, and cleanliness can vary.

"This year’s Myanmar Thingyan festival is also the first to take place after being included in UNESCO’s World Intangible Cultural Heritage list."

Phyoe Tha

"I was there on 2025 Countdown. It has a big square. There were many lanterns and lightings decorations on display. The fountains were lighted up and everwhere there are vendors . Selling small eat and even a Beer Tent.
It was quite crowded but still had moving space and no fighting was seen. Old and young turn out for the countdown.
Soldiers are around but not many. Not to a frightening stage.
All activity happen around the Elephant Fountain. One side you had disco dance space and on the other side you had a singing stage. These were the places that is real pack. Myanmarese were all dancing to the music.
Firework was on display at midnight."

stephen francis

"Quite open space with shwedago view"

Kyaw Aung

What People Like

Unique marriage market
Vibrant festival atmosphere
Spacious open areas

What People Dislike

Can be very crowded
Varying cleanliness

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

People's Park and Square is easily accessible by public transport. The Shanghai Metro offers several stations nearby, including People's Square Station (Lines 1, 2, and 8), which is a major hub. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available throughout the city.

Yes, it's a very prominent landmark in Shanghai, often referred to as People's Square. It's a large, central public space that's hard to miss.

The park is quite large, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. You can explore on foot, and there are often maps available at entrances.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, People's Park and Square is a public space and entry is generally free. You can wander freely throughout the park.

The park is typically open 24 hours a day, though specific attractions within the park or surrounding buildings may have their own operating hours.

Generally, there are no strict restrictions, but it's advisable to avoid large, bulky items. Standard rules against littering and disruptive behavior apply.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The 'marriage market' is a unique weekend phenomenon where parents gather to find potential spouses for their unmarried children. They often display detailed profiles and engage in discussions with other parents. Reddit

The park hosts various events, including festivals like the Myanmar Thingyan, countdowns with fireworks, music performances, and dance stages, especially around the Elephant Fountain. Reddit

Yes, fireworks displays are often part of special events and countdown celebrations held at the park. Reddit

Absolutely! The park offers great photo opportunities, from the central square and fountains to the lantern displays during festivals and the surrounding cityscape. Reddit

Yes, public restrooms are available throughout the park, though their cleanliness can vary. It's always a good idea to carry hand sanitizer.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are numerous food vendors within the park selling snacks and drinks, especially during events. The surrounding area also boasts a wide array of restaurants, from local eateries to international cuisine.

Yes, the vendors within the park typically offer affordable snacks and beverages. For more substantial meals, exploring the nearby streets will reveal many budget-friendly options.

While the park itself might have more general snacks, the areas surrounding People's Square are renowned for offering a vast selection of authentic Shanghainese and other regional Chinese cuisines.

📸 📸 Photography

The Elephant Fountain area, the central square with its vast open space, and the illuminated lanterns during festive periods are prime photography spots. Views of the surrounding skyscrapers also make for great shots. Reddit

Golden hour (shortly after sunrise and before sunset) offers beautiful lighting. For vibrant, festive shots, consider visiting during evening events when the lanterns and fountains are lit up. Reddit

While observing is encouraged, it's respectful to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals or their profiles. Many people are open to it, but discretion is advised.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

People's Park offers a large, open space for children to run around and play. While there aren't specific playgrounds, the sheer size of the park provides ample room for exploration. During festivals, the vibrant atmosphere, music, and lights can be very engaging for younger visitors. Reddit

Keep an eye out for food vendors selling snacks that kids might enjoy. It's also a good place for a leisurely stroll, and if you're lucky, you might catch a public performance or event that can entertain the whole family. Remember to bring water and snacks, as well as comfortable shoes for everyone.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, People's Park and Square is a treasure trove. The Elephant Fountain is a classic subject, especially when illuminated. During festivals, the lanterns and light displays offer incredible opportunities for vibrant night photography. Reddit

The vastness of the square itself provides opportunities for capturing cityscapes and architectural details of the surrounding buildings. Consider visiting during the golden hour for soft, flattering light. If you're there on a weekend, the 'marriage market' offers unique cultural portraiture opportunities, though always be mindful and respectful of privacy. Reddit+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Fascinating 'Marriage Market'

One of the most talked-about aspects of People's Park is the unique 'marriage market' that takes place on weekends. Here, parents gather with umbrellas displaying detailed profiles of their unmarried sons and daughters, seeking suitable partners. This tradition reflects a cultural emphasis on family and marriage, with parents actively involved in their children's matchmaking process. It's a fascinating spectacle to observe, offering a glimpse into traditional Chinese courtship practices. Reddit

Visitors often describe it as a surreal yet intriguing experience. While the parents are the primary participants, the atmosphere is generally calm and orderly, with discussions and exchanges of information happening discreetly. It's a testament to the enduring influence of family ties and societal expectations in modern China. Remember to be respectful and mindful if you choose to observe this unique cultural phenomenon. Reddit

Festivals and Celebrations

People's Park and Square is a major hub for public celebrations and festivals in Shanghai. It's particularly known for hosting vibrant events like the Myanmar Thingyan festival, which has gained international recognition. During these times, the park transforms into a lively venue with music, dancing, and often spectacular fireworks displays at midnight. Reddit

The Elephant Fountain area becomes a focal point for entertainment, featuring stages for live music and dance performances. The park is often adorned with dazzling lanterns and light decorations, creating a magical ambiance, especially in the evenings. If you're visiting during a festival, expect large crowds, but also an unforgettable experience filled with energy and local culture. Reddit

Beyond major festivals, the park frequently hosts other events, from public gatherings to seasonal decorations. Checking local event listings before your visit can help you catch a special occasion and experience the park at its most dynamic. Reddit

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