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Renmin Square - Indian Chief Travel
CHINA  |  Shanghai, China Travel Guide
Thursday, March 28, 2024
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Renmin Square

Renmin Square

Today, Renmin (People’s) Square is in the heart of Shanghai, with the municipal offices, the Urban Planning Center, the Shanghai Museum, the Grand Theater, the Shanghai Art Museum and the new Museum of Contemporary Art all located in or around it. First built in 1862, the square was originally used as a racetrack by the Shanghai Jockey Club and was a central focus of colonial life. Known as the Ascot of the East, it was the place to be seen, and when the racing season was over, it was used for training and polo matches. In 1941, Japanese occupation brought the closure of the race track and the square was used to detain Allied nationals. When the Communists ascended to power in 1949 the racetrack was obliterated and during the Cultural Revolution the square was used as a propaganda point and for the humiliating self-criticism of anyone who didn’t conform. In the 1990s, the municipal government buildings were moved here and the square underwent reconstruction, to emerge as the focal point of the city.

Shanghai Museum, Renmin Square. The Shanghai Museum sits on the southern side of Renmin Square and is another of Shanghai’s architectural masterpieces. Designed by one of Shanghai’s leading architects, Xing Tonghe, and completed in 1996, the shape of this US$50 million structure is based on a traditional bronze vessel. With four floors and over 120,000 exhibits, the museum houses some of the finest artifacts in China, meaning you’ll need plenty of time to explore. Bronzes are the museum’s pride and joy, but there are also exquisite examples of ancient calligraphy, ceramics, sculpture, jade, coins, furniture and minority handicrafts on show. It’s well laid-out and all the exhibits are clearly labeled in English, but if you require more information there are audio guides available (¥40 plus ¥400 or your passport as deposit). The museum also has three temporary exhibition halls, a tearoom and an excellent bookshop and provides free bag storage if you want to take the weight off your shoulders.

Shanghai Urban Planning Center, at 100 Renmin Dadao, Renmin Square. Town planning museums don’t usually rank high on visitors’ itineraries, but you should make an exception for this fine display. The eye-catching futuristic building contains an exhibition that traces the skyline of Shanghai throughout the centuries. The highlight is an enormous model depicting central Shanghai in 2020. At 6,400 square feet, it’s said to be the largest of its kind in the world. The model presents existing architectural favorites such as the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Customs House on the Bund, as well as planned additions to the city’s already spectacular skyline. Don’t miss the clock that sits above the entrance to the center, counting down the days until the Shanghai World Expo in 2010. If you want a drink or snack, there are a few cafés in a mock 1930s street below the museum.

Last updated December 14, 2007
Posted in   China  |  Shanghai
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