One Day in Shanghai: People’s Square, Old Streets, and Shanghai’s Creative Side

Shanghai has more to offer than its famous skyline, luxury shopping malls, and historic waterfront. Head a little further into the city, and you’ll find old industrial buildings turned into art spaces, quiet streets filled with literary history, a park where locals gather every day, and neighborhoods that reveal a completely different side of Shanghai.

This one-day itinerary takes you from the busy heart of the city at People’s Square to the creative spaces of Old Millfun and M50, then into Hongkou, where Duolun Road, Sweet Love Road, and Lu Xun Park offer a mix of old Shanghai architecture, literary stories, and everyday local life.

It’s a good route if you want to see a less obvious side of Shanghai without spending the entire day in museums or shopping malls. You’ll get a little history, a little art, some interesting streets to explore, and a chance to see how locals use the city.

One thing to know before you start: these places are spread across several parts of Shanghai. The route works best if you use the metro or taxis between the main areas rather than trying to walk everywhere.

1. People’s Square (人民廣場)

Estimated visiting time: 45 minutes–1 hour

People’s Square is one of the best places to begin exploring central Shanghai. Sitting in the middle of the city, it’s surrounded by major roads, shopping areas, museums, and some of Shanghai’s most recognizable public buildings.

At first glance, it might seem like little more than a large city square. Spend a little time here, though, and you’ll see that it plays an important role in everyday Shanghai life. Locals come to walk around the gardens, meet friends, exercise, and take a break from the surrounding traffic. On some days, you may also come across people dancing, practicing activities, or simply chatting on the benches.

The square is also a useful starting point because several major attractions are nearby. Shanghai Museum, Shanghai Grand Theatre, and the shopping streets around Nanjing Road are all within reach, depending on which direction you want to explore.

You don’t need to spend half a day here. Walk through the landscaped areas, take a look at the surrounding architecture, and enjoy the contrast between the open public space and the busy city around it.

If you’re interested in museums, you could spend much longer in this part of Shanghai. Otherwise, treat People’s Square as a short introduction to the city before moving on to somewhere with a very different atmosphere.

2. Old Millfun (老場坊)

Estimated visiting time: 45 minutes–1.5 hours

Old Millfun, also known as the 1933 Old Millfun, is one of Shanghai’s more unusual architectural landmarks. Unlike the city’s traditional gardens or colonial-era streets, this place is all about industrial design, concrete structures, and unexpected angles.

The building was originally constructed as a slaughterhouse in the 1930s. Its distinctive design includes curved walkways, bridges, staircases, and geometric concrete details that make it look almost like a maze. Even if you’re not particularly interested in architecture, it’s the kind of place that makes you stop and look around.

As you explore, pay attention to how the walkways connect different parts of the building. The design is full of unusual perspectives, and it’s easy to find interesting spots for photographs without needing to search too hard.

Today, Old Millfun has been adapted for commercial, creative, and event uses. Depending on the day, you may find cafés, businesses, exhibitions, or other activities inside, although not every space is necessarily open to the public.

The atmosphere is quite different from Shanghai’s busy shopping districts. It feels more like an architectural discovery, where the building itself is the main attraction.

3. Duolun Road Cultural Street (多倫路)

Estimated visiting time: 45 minutes–1 hour

Duolun Road is a small historic street in Hongkou with a literary and cultural background that makes it feel very different from central Shanghai.

During the early twentieth century, this area was closely associated with Chinese writers and intellectuals. Several important figures in modern Chinese literature, including Lu Xun, were connected with this part of the city. Today, the street preserves some of that atmosphere through its historic buildings, cultural landmarks, galleries, and small shops.

The road isn’t especially long, which makes it easy to explore on foot. Take your time looking at the older façades and the mix of architectural styles. You may also come across statues and other details connected with the area’s literary history.

Duolun Road isn’t a place where you need to rush from one major attraction to another. The appeal is in the street itself: the buildings, the quieter atmosphere, and the feeling of stepping away from Shanghai’s more commercial areas.

It can be especially enjoyable if you like photography or want to discover neighborhoods that don’t feel quite as polished or crowded as the city’s major tourist districts.

4. Sweet Love Road (甜愛路)

Estimated visiting time: 20–40 minutes

Sweet Love Road is one of Shanghai’s more unusual little streets. Its Chinese name, Tian'ai Lu, literally means “Sweet Love Road,” and the name has made it a popular spot for couples and visitors looking for something a little different.

The street is relatively short, so don’t expect a major sightseeing attraction with lots of things to do. Instead, the fun is in the small details. Look out for decorative features, romantic messages, and the street’s distinctive signs. It’s a pleasant place for a short stroll and a few photographs, particularly if you’re already exploring the surrounding Hongkou neighborhood.

Compared with Shanghai’s better-known attractions, Sweet Love Road feels more local and low-key. You can walk through without committing much time, then continue to the nearby park or historic streets.

It’s also a good example of how a small neighborhood feature can become a destination in its own right. The street itself is simple, but its name and romantic theme give it a character that visitors tend to remember.

5. Lu Xun Park (魯迅公園)

Estimated visiting time: 45 minutes–1.5 hours

After wandering through the historic streets, Lu Xun Park is a good place to slow down and see a more everyday side of Shanghai.

The park was formerly known as Hongkou Park and was later renamed after Lu Xun, one of modern China’s most influential writers. Lu Xun spent important parts of his later life in Shanghai, and the surrounding neighborhood has a strong connection with his legacy.

Inside the park, you’ll find tree-lined paths, open spaces, water features, and places to sit and relax. Depending on when you visit, you may see locals practicing tai chi, dancing, exercising, playing games, or chatting with friends. These ordinary scenes are often just as interesting as the formal attractions.

The park also contains Lu Xun’s tomb and the Lu Xun Memorial Hall, which offer more context about his life and work. If you’re interested in Chinese literature or modern Chinese history, it’s worth allowing extra time to explore them. Check opening hours for the memorial facilities separately, as they may differ from the park’s access hours.

If you simply want a break from the city, you can keep things simple: walk around the grounds, find a quiet bench, and watch the park go about its daily routine.

6. M50 Creative Park (M50創意園)

Estimated visiting time: 1–2 hours

M50 Creative Park is one of Shanghai’s best-known destinations for contemporary art. Located in a former industrial area, it has developed into a creative district with galleries, studios, exhibition spaces, and art-related businesses.

The contrast between the old factory buildings and the contemporary artwork is part of the appeal. You might walk past a weathered industrial façade, turn into a gallery, and find yourself looking at modern paintings, photography, sculpture, or experimental installations.

Unlike a conventional art museum, M50 is made up of different spaces with their own programs and opening arrangements. Some galleries may have exhibitions running, while others may be closed or open only at certain times. That makes the visit feel a little more like exploring an art neighborhood than following a fixed museum route.

Even if you don’t have a deep interest in contemporary art, it’s an interesting place to see how Shanghai has repurposed industrial buildings for creative work. You can browse exhibitions, look for small design shops, and enjoy the mix of old architecture and new ideas.

If you do enjoy art, allow more time than you think you’ll need. It’s easy to spend an hour or two moving between galleries, especially if there are several exhibitions that catch your attention.

Your One-Day Shanghai Itinerary

This itinerary covers several different parts of the city, so transport matters. The order below starts in central Shanghai, continues to Old Millfun, then explores the three Hongkou stops together before finishing at M50.

The schedule is fairly full. If you want to spend more time in the park, visit a museum, or explore several art galleries, consider skipping one of the shorter stops.

9:00–10:00 AM — People’s Square

Begin your day at People’s Square. Walk through the public gardens, admire the surrounding buildings, and get a feel for the center of Shanghai.

10:00–10:30 AM — Travel to Old Millfun

Take a taxi or use public transport to reach Old Millfun. Allow some extra time for the journey and for finding the correct entrance.

10:30–11:45 AM — Old Millfun

Explore the building’s industrial architecture, staircases, bridges, and unusual interior spaces. If there’s an exhibition or café you want to visit, use this time to stop there.

11:45 AM–12:30 PM — Travel and Lunch

Head toward Hongkou and find somewhere for lunch along the way or near Duolun Road. A simple meal is best if you want to keep the afternoon relaxed.

12:30–1:15 PM — Duolun Road

Walk along the historic street, take photographs of the buildings, and look for cultural landmarks connected with Shanghai’s literary history.

1:15–1:45 PM — Sweet Love Road

Continue to Sweet Love Road for a short stroll and a few photographs. It’s a compact stop, so there’s no need to rush, but you probably won’t need a full hour here.

1:45–3:00 PM — Lu Xun Park

Spend some time walking through the park and observing local life. If you’re interested in Lu Xun’s life and work, visit the memorial facilities if they’re open.

3:00–3:45 PM — Travel to M50 Creative Park

Take a taxi or public transport to M50. The journey time will depend on traffic and your chosen route, so leave some flexibility in the schedule.

3:45–5:30 PM — M50 Creative Park

Browse the galleries and exhibition spaces, look at the industrial architecture, and stop wherever something catches your attention.

After 5:30 PM — Dinner or an Evening Out

Finish with dinner near M50 or head elsewhere in Shanghai. If you want a more lively evening, you can return toward central Shanghai for restaurants, shopping, or drinks.

Want a More Relaxed Day?

Trying to visit all six places can work, but you’ll need to keep moving. If you’d rather spend less time in taxis and more time exploring, these two alternatives may suit you better.

Option 1: Historic Streets and Local Life

• People’s Square
• Duolun Road
• Sweet Love Road
• Lu Xun Park

This is the better choice if you enjoy historic neighborhoods, literature, photography, and seeing how locals spend their free time. You can explore the three Hongkou stops at a relaxed pace, have a longer lunch, or visit the Lu Xun Memorial Hall if it fits your interests.

Option 2: Architecture and Contemporary Art

• People’s Square
• Old Millfun
• M50 Creative Park

Choose this route if you’re interested in architecture, design, photography, and contemporary art. You’ll spend less time moving between neighborhoods and more time exploring the buildings and creative spaces themselves.

A Few Things That Will Make Your Shanghai Day Easier

1. Group nearby places together.
Duolun Road, Sweet Love Road, and Lu Xun Park are close to one another, so explore them as one walking route. People’s Square, Old Millfun, and M50 are separate stops that require more planning for transport.

2. Check opening hours for galleries and memorials.
M50’s galleries can have different opening arrangements, and facilities such as the Lu Xun Memorial Hall may follow their own schedules. Check ahead if there’s a particular exhibition or museum you want to see.

3. Don’t underestimate travel time.
Shanghai is a large city, and the stops in this itinerary are spread across different districts. Metro journeys may involve station walks and transfers, while taxis can be affected by traffic. Keep some buffer time between major areas.

4. Bring comfortable shoes.
You’ll be walking through public squares, old streets, parks, and industrial buildings. Even if you use taxis between districts, it’s still a walking-heavy day.

5. Save Chinese names on your phone.
Keep these names ready for navigation: 人民廣場、老場坊、多倫路、甜愛路、魯迅公園、M50創意園. This is especially useful when searching in local map apps or showing a destination to a driver.

6. Be flexible with M50.
If contemporary art is your main interest, spend longer there and shorten another stop. If you’re more interested in local neighborhoods, give yourself more time around Duolun Road and Lu Xun Park.

7. Plan lunch around your route.
You’ll have more flexibility if you eat near Hongkou rather than returning to central Shanghai. Keep lunch simple if you want to fit all six stops into one day.

Final Thoughts

This route reveals a side of Shanghai that’s easy to miss if you stick to the Bund, Nanjing Road, and the city’s famous skyscrapers.

People’s Square gives you a glimpse of the city center, Old Millfun shows how an industrial building can become an architectural attraction, and M50 brings you into Shanghai’s contemporary art scene. In Hongkou, Duolun Road, Sweet Love Road, and Lu Xun Park offer a slower experience built around history, literature, and ordinary local life.

You don’t have to be an architecture enthusiast or an art expert to enjoy these places. The fun comes from seeing how different each part of Shanghai can feel, even within the same city.

Start early, allow time for transport, and don’t worry if you decide to skip a stop along the way. A day spent exploring a few of these places properly will be more rewarding than rushing through all six.