Century Square

Century Square

Century Square is a national AA-level tourist attraction.

The guide overlooks the entire square, which is symmetrically laid out, backed by the scenic and lush Century Park, facing the crystal-clear Science and Technology City to the east, and adjacent to the majestic and towering New District Administrative Center to the west. It is like a pearl inlaid at the end of Century Avenue. It is profound and solemn, smooth and graceful, exuding vibrant vitality and a sense of the times.

The point of interest is located on the south side of Century Avenue and is the largest open-air square in Shanghai, as well as the only sculpture landscape square themed around time. It blends classical and modern landscaping techniques, combining the essence of both Eastern and Western cultures. It cleverly and harmoniously connects the famous Century Avenue and Century Park, running seamlessly through Pudong.

The entrance to the square is a large landscape sculpture called "Light of the East," designed in the shape of a sundial. It uses 24 tons of channel steel to construct a platform of over 400 square meters, with more than 6,000 meters of stainless steel tubing. Facing Century Avenue, it highlights the cross-century time theme and is a perfect combination of sculptural artistry and modern high-tech architectural language, truly breathtaking. The entire square roughly encompasses three themes. The first theme is in the rectangular center of the square, where dark red and blue stones are used for the flooring, setting a natural tone with extensive use of hard lines. Around eight 5-meter-high stone pillars, cubes and rectangular stone tables and benches are scattered horizontally and vertically. On both sides of the square, 50-meter-wide poplar forests and lawns are arranged in depth, while in the distance, the 13-meter-high "Triumphal Arch Eight Pillars" echo each other. The entire square features clear, natural, and simple lines, maintaining solemnity amidst minimalism. At a glance, it feels vast and weighty, deep and far-reaching. Taking a rest here, you can sense a grand and uplifting atmosphere. After passing the flower-paved "Century Square" flower bed, you reach the second theme, which is a sunken square composed of squares and circles. Surrounded by a circular plaza pool, two 180-degree glass-domed subway stations are delicate and translucent, resembling two lotus leaves, while four glass observation towers stand gracefully like lotus flowers emerging from the water. The surrounding aerial walkway is elegant and pleasant, making it a natural spot for resting and taking photos. You might want to stroll here with a few friends. This part of the square emphasizes a modern theme—the extensive use of glass and stainless steel, along with the adjacent transparent glass curtain wall of the Science and Technology Museum, gives the square a particularly avant-garde feel, like a crystal palace crafted with high technology, shining brilliantly.

The third part is actually a footbridge leading to Century Park. It not only cleverly forms an overpass with the road below but also uses the undulating terrain of the bridge deck to create layered landscapes. Here, you’ll find small bridges, flowing water, stone paths, red maples, and green pines, fully utilizing the landscaping techniques of classical Chinese gardens while perfectly integrating modern styles. The 128 stone pillar lamps lining both sides lead all the way to the Gate of the Century, making you feel a surge of ambition as if walking into the new century. Paired with 16 glass observation wells that connect to the lower level, the humanized design is harmonious and unified with the previous two themes.

Friends, if you visit Century Park, take a moment to linger and appreciate Century Square, because its essence cannot be described with just the word “beautiful.”

Suggested Duration

3 hours

Admission Fee

Free

Opening Hours

General shops operate from 9 AM to 5 PM. Most weekend markets usually open around 10 AM and close around 4 PM.

Location

No. 2002, Century Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai