Shanghai Tour 4 - Inner City

Embark on a terrific journey through Shanghai’s city centre—a blend of serene parks and sacred architecture as we explore the heart of the city.

Total distance: 4.9 km (47.7 km personally) | Total Hours : 3 Hours (Light Biking, Heavy Touring)

Main Destinations

1. Jing'an Temple (静安寺)

2. People's Square (人民广场)

3. Shanghai Museum (上海博物馆)

4. The periphery of People's Square

5. People's Park (人民公园)

Map:

Map of Shanghai Tour 4 Destinations

Main Blog:

On May 1st, Bike in Shanghai embarked on its fourth city ride, featuring iconic stops like Jing’an Temple and the vibrant surroundings of People’s Square.

1. Jing'an Temple (静安寺)

A splendid grandeur in the heart of Jing’an District—a Buddhist temple with roots in ancient China, standing gracefully amid the city’s modern bustle.

After an hour-long bike ride, I arrived at Jing’an Temple, where crowds spilled across the gates—buzzing with energy both inside and out.

I parked my bike and circled the temple’s exterior, heading toward the entrance where a long line of visitors stretched out before me. The outer walls were etched with traditional Chinese characters—each one a piece of history. If you're curious, try decoding them yourself: start from the top and read left to right.

Here’s a bit of trivia: the origins of this temple trace back to the Wu Kingdom during the Three Kingdoms period of ancient China. It was relocated during the Song Dynasty, rebuilt in the Qing Dynasty, and the version we see today was reconstructed in 1983.

From what I recall, entry cost 50 RMB and required scanning a QR code via WeChat, China’s ubiquitous social media platform. Just beyond the gates lay a central square, anchored by a bell tower and flanked by candle-lighting stations—though you’ll need to purchase the candles before making your offering.

The north, south, east, and west wings house the temple’s main halls—each containing dedicated rooms with altars honoring the Buddha and various Bodhisattvas. The way the buildings are laid out makes you feel like you’ve just arrived somewhere completely fresh and unfamiliar.

Just outside Jing'an Temple, a bustling commercial street unfolds—lined with glittering jewelry shops and anchored by the upscale Jiuguang Department Store (久光百货). While lively and modern, this setting lends the temple an air of commercialism that can feel at odds with its spiritual roots.

2. People's Square (人民广场)

Nestled in the very heart of Shanghai, directly across from the city’s government building, lies a spacious and tranquil urban park. Its open layout and peaceful atmosphere offer a refreshing contrast to the surrounding bustle, making it a perfect spot to pause, reflect, or simply enjoy the rhythm of the city from a quieter vantage point.

After pedaling roughly 4.5 kilometers, I arrived at a spot I’ve visited countless times before. This time, though, it was the afternoon—and the atmosphere felt noticeably different. The park, usually bustling with early risers and morning joggers, was surprisingly quiet. The usual hum of activity had given way to a calm stillness, making it feel like a familiar place seen through a new lens.

The park features a network of wide, inviting paths, many of which are gently shaded by the leafy canopy overhead. On either side of these walkways runs a long, elevated edge—perfectly usable as a seat if you need a quick rest. Still, the wooden chairs scattered throughout the park offer a more comfortable and cleaner option. They’re thoughtfully placed to catch both sun and shade, making them ideal for people-watching, journaling, or simply soaking in the calm.

Standing at the center of the park, you're enveloped by the unmistakable skyline of Shanghai. Towering high-rises stretch in every direction—sleek, modern, and iconic. It’s a striking contrast: the serenity of nature framed by the bold architecture that defines the city. Here, you feel both grounded and elevated, caught between leafy paths and the pulse of a metropolis.

As I made my way toward the Shanghai City Government building, something unexpected caught my eye—a circular set of stairs descending into a shallow basin, with a map of Shanghai etched at the bottom. It’s designed to be a water fountain, a visual centerpiece meant to ripple with motion and light. But on this visit, it stood still and dry, quietly waiting to come alive again. Even without the water, the map offered a striking reminder of the city’s vastness and complexity, laid out beneath my feet.

Curious to get a closer look, I walked toward the government buildings to snap a few detailed photos. Their imposing architecture stood in sharp contrast to the park’s tranquility—grand, symmetrical, and unmistakably official. From this vantage point, the blend of civic power and urban calm felt especially vivid.

3. Shanghai Museum (上海博物馆)

Situated in the heart of People’s Square, this museum houses thousands of ancient artifacts and cultural relics, each telling a story from China’s rich and layered history.

Its architecture is just as striking as its collection—a picturesque round dome perched atop a square base, symbolizing the harmony between heaven and earth. The building itself feels like an artifact, blending tradition with modernity in the middle of Shanghai’s urban sprawl.

Unfortunately, the museum was closed that day. Since I still had some distance to cover, I decided to walk around the exterior. I wasn’t the only one—several others had shown up, only to discover the gates shut as well.

4. The Periphery of People's Square

Wander through the vibrant heart of Shanghai’s political center, where the grandeur of People’s Square is surrounded by a constellation of smaller gems waiting to be discovered.

On this particular trip, nearly all the destinations—except for Jing’an Temple—were conveniently clustered around the People’s Square area. While the main itinerary focused on a few key spots, there were plenty of other intriguing places to explore nearby. These didn’t make the official list of highlights, but they added unexpected charm and texture to the journey.

Just across the road from People’s Square, on the left-hand side of the government building, stands the striking Shanghai Grand Theatre. Renowned for its world-class musicals and dramatic performances, the venue is a cultural landmark in the heart of the city. Unfortunately, it was closed on the day of my visit—but even from the outside, its modern architecture and artistic presence left a lasting impression.

The Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s demographic and economic evolution as a rising megacity. Its exhibits provide a concise overview of the policies that have shaped Shanghai over the years, highlighting their profound impact on the local community. From sprawling infrastructure projects to

sustainable development initiatives, the hall captures the spirit of a city constantly reinventing itself.

The Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall is located just across the road from People’s Square. If you head toward the government building, you’ll find it on your right-hand side, near Exit 3 of the People’s Square metro station. It’s an easy and scenic walk, especially if you’re already exploring the heart of the city.

Since all these destinations were conveniently clustered together, I decided to wander over to another spot that caught my eye—the People’s Square Underpass. It wasn’t part of my original plan, but its unexpected charm made it a worthwhile detour.

Even though the underpass simply takes you across Renmin Avenue, its appearance evokes a nostalgic glimpse into Shanghai’s past. The plain white walls and tiled floor, paired with the modest red lettering, give off a distinctly 1990s vibe—quietly charming in its simplicity. It’s a subtle reminder of the city’s earlier days, tucked beneath the bustle of modern development.

The passage stands at just 190 cm tall at its center. As I walked through, the top of my head nearly grazed the ceiling—an unexpectedly snug fit. If you're on the taller side, be sure to mind your head as you pass through this low-slung tunnel.

5. People's Park (人民公园)

A large, peaceful, and shady park sits gracefully on the northern side of Shanghai's government building, standing out as a model for urban green spaces across Shanghai. Its serene atmosphere and thoughtful design make it a quiet retreat amid the city’s vibrant pulse—a place where locals and visitors alike can pause, breathe, and soak in a slower rhythm.

Getting here was simple enough—just a short three-minute walk around the government building. By the time I arrived, the sky had already begun to dim, casting a soft twilight over the park. As expected during the less sunny hours of dawn and dusk, the space was quickly filling with people. Locals strolled leisurely, couples found quiet corners, and the gentle hum of city life settled into a slower rhythm beneath the trees.

People’s Park is well-connected, with several exits from the People’s Square metro station leading directly into its leafy interior. It’s a surprisingly convenient way to slip into the calm of the park straight from the bustle of the subway—perfect for travelers arriving by rail and looking for a quick escape into green space.

Tucked into parks across Shanghai, this iconic playground design once symbolized the golden age of urban recreation. Decades ago, it buzzed with laughter and energy—now, it quietly lingers in the background, a nostalgic relic of its former glory. Though still scattered throughout the city, these structures have lost their sparkle. Today, they resemble the decaying ruins of a bygone era, whispering stories of popularity long past.

Just across the road stands the Shanghai Moore Memorial Church, a striking landmark built in 1887 by a Hungarian architect. With its Gothic spires and timeworn charm, it now rises proudly across from People’s Square—a quiet testament to the city’s layered history and enduring spirit.

Once again, I stumbled upon one of those charming little squares where elderly residents gather to dance in the morning light. There’s something quietly beautiful about the way they move—graceful, deliberate, and full of life. Watching them, I couldn’t help but wonder: were these parks designed with them in mind? The shaded paths, the open plazas, the gentle music drifting through the air—it all feels like a tribute to longevity, community, and the joy of movement at any age.

As I wandered deeper into the park, I stumbled upon something truly unexpected—a gathering spot where elderly locals come in search of companionship. It was a scene both tender and fascinating: handwritten profiles clipped to umbrellas, quiet conversations unfolding beneath the trees, and hopeful glances exchanged over park benches. This matchmaking ritual isn’t new—it’s a long-standing tradition here, woven into the rhythm of the park like morning tai chi or afternoon chess. In a city racing toward the future, this quiet corner reminds us that love, at any age, still finds a way.

As I ventured deeper into People’s Park, I stumbled upon yet another unexpected gem—a modest, old-fashioned workout area tucked quietly among the trees. With its faded pull-up bars and weathered benches, it felt like a throwback to simpler times. No sleek machines or polished signage—just the essentials, quietly inviting anyone willing to break a sweat. It’s the kind of place that speaks to the park’s enduring charm: practical, unpretentious, and deeply rooted in community life.

Despite the worn-out equipment, many elderly men were still working out with impressive vigor—pulling, stretching, and lifting with quiet determination. Watching them, I was reminded that strength isn’t reserved for the young. These men embodied resilience, proving that vitality can thrive well into later years, especially when nurtured by community and routine.

This marks the end of our 4th Shanghai tour, and I hope you all enjoy it as much as we did. As always, stay tuned for our bimonthly trip updates!