People's Square

What we know today as People's Square began as, of all things, a horse racing track. When the Communist Party came into power in 1949, it sought to rid China of all perceived forms of Western decadence, like gambling. What eventually emerged in its place is now the heart of Shanghai's downtown.

In addition to being the seat of Shanghai's municipal government, some of the city's most popular attractions are all clustered here as well, like the Shanghai Museum, the Grand Theatre and the Urban Planning Exhibition Hall. There is also People's Park, where, in addition to great opportunities for people watching, you'll find the Shanghai History Museum.

Lining the perimeter of the Square is a host of hotels, restaurants and shopping malls.