People's Park and Square
A vast urban oasis in Shanghai, famous for its weekend 'marriage market' and vibrant festival celebrations.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
See the unique marriage market
People's Park and Square
Best Time
See the unique marriage market
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast urban oasis in Shanghai, famous for its weekend 'marriage market' and vibrant festival celebrations.
"Experience the unique 'marriage market' and dazzling festivals at this expansive Shanghai landmark."
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:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
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
Central square
Experience vibrant music, dancing, and singing stages around the iconic Elephant Fountain during festive times.

Lanterns and Light Displays
Throughout the park
Marvel at dazzling lantern and lighting decorations, especially during countdown events and festivals.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand the 'Marriage Market'
Best Times for Events & Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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:
What was happening in People’s Park today?
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:
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
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
What People Dislike
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.
The park hosts various events, including festivals like the Myanmar Thingyan, countdowns with fireworks, music performances, and dance stages, especially around the Elephant Fountain.
Yes, fireworks displays are often part of special events and countdown celebrations held at the park.
Absolutely! The park offers great photo opportunities, from the central square and fountains to the lantern displays during festivals and the surrounding cityscape.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Fascinating 'Marriage Market'
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.
Festivals and Celebrations
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.
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit