🚇 Mastering Shanghai Metro: Complete Guide for Tourists

Shanghai's metro system is one of the world's largest and most efficient. With **20 lines** covering **800+ km**, it's your best friend for getting around! 🌟

🎫 Getting Started

Metro Card or Mobile Payment?

**Option 1: 💳 Shanghai Public Transportation Card**

• 🏪 Buy at any metro station ticket office
• 💰 ¥20 deposit + your chosen top-up amount
• ♻️ **Refundable** when you leave Shanghai
• 🎯 Works on metro, buses, ferries, AND taxis!
• ✅ **Best for:** Tourists staying 3+ days

**Option 2: 📱 Mobile Payment (Modern Way!)**

• Use Alipay or WeChat Pay metro apps
• Scan QR code directly at entry/exit gates
• No physical card needed - just your phone!
• Requires Chinese bank account or international card setup
• ✅ **Best for:** Tech-savvy travelers with setup time

**Option 3: 🎟️ Single Journey Tickets**

• Buy from machines at every station
• 💵 ¥3-10 depending on distance traveled
• English interface available on machines
• Good for occasional use or first day
• ✅ **Best for:** Short stays or testing the system

🗺️ How to Navigate Like a Local

Reading the Metro Map 📍

• ✅ Lines numbered **1-20** (each with unique color)
• 📢 Stations announced in **Chinese** and **English**
• 🔄 Transfer stations marked with interchange symbols
• ⏰ First/last train times displayed at every station
• 📱 Download the official **Shanghai Metro app** for real-time updates!

🌟 Key Lines for Tourists

**Line 2 (Green Line)** 🟢

• Connects Pudong Airport → City Center → Hongqiao Airport
• Passes: Lujiazui (Financial District), People's Square, Nanjing Road
• **Most important line for tourists!**

**Line 1 (Red Line)** 🔴

• North-South corridor through city center
• Connects major shopping areas and attractions
• Railway station access

**Line 10 (Purple Line)** 🟣

• Yu Garden, Nanjing Road, Hongqiao Airport
• Great for cultural attractions

**Line 12 (Dark Green)** 🟢

• Jing'an Temple, French Concession neighborhoods
• Trendy dining and shopping districts

📍 Major Tourist Stations

1️⃣ **People's Square (人民广场)** - Lines 1, 2, 8

🎯 **Central transportation hub**

• People's Park - morning tai chi sessions
• Shanghai Museum (FREE admission!)
• Shopping malls underground
• Easy transfers to anywhere in the city

2️⃣ **Lujiazui (陆家嘴)** - Line 2

🏙️ **Financial District & Skyscrapers**

• Shanghai Tower (632m - tallest in China!)
• Oriental Pearl Tower (iconic pink sphere)
• Pudong riverside promenade
• Modern shopping centers

3️⃣ **East Nanjing Road (南京东路)** - Lines 2, 10

🛍️ **Shopping Paradise**

• Famous pedestrian shopping street
• 10-minute walk to The Bund
• Department stores and restaurants
• Tourist-friendly area

4️⃣ **Xintiandi (新天地)** - Lines 10, 13

🍷 **Trendy Dining & Nightlife**

• Restored traditional Shikumen houses
• International restaurants and bars
• Historical CCP meeting site
• Weekend shopping and brunch spot

5️⃣ **Jing'an Temple (静安寺)** - Lines 2, 7

🏯 **Culture Meets Commerce**

• Active Buddhist temple (worth visiting!)
• Massive shopping malls (Jing'an Kerry Centre)
• Central business district
• Easy access to French Concession

💡 Pro Tips for Metro Masters

⚠️ Rush Hour Survival Guide

• **Peak times:** 7-9 AM, 5-7 PM (EXTREMELY crowded!)
• Expect pushing - it's normal, don't take it personally
• Wait for next train if too full to board safely
• **Tip:** Travel off-peak if possible for comfort
• Keep valuables close and secure

🚶 Station Navigation Secrets

• Follow bilingual signs (English + Chinese)
• **"站内换乘"** = Transfer within station
• **"出口"** = Exit (check exit numbers!)
• Some stations have 20+ exits - plan ahead
• Use elevator/escalator maps at major stations

🙏 Metro Etiquette (Follow These!)

• ✅ Let passengers EXIT before boarding
• ✅ Stand right on escalators (walk left)
• ✅ Keep voices down - locals prefer quiet
• ❌ NO eating or drinking (strictly enforced)
• ❌ NO smoking (heavy fines!)
• 🚺 Give priority seats to elderly/pregnant/disabled

💰 Money-Saving Hacks

• Journeys under **6 km** = cheapest fare (¥3)
• No tourist day/weekly passes available
• Transportation card offers **small discount** (~10%)
• Choose hotel near metro to save daily costs
• Walk short distances to save money

⏰ Operating Hours & Timing

| First Train | Last Train | Peak Hours |

|-------------|-----------|------------|

| ~5:30 AM | ~11:00 PM | 7-9 AM, 5-7 PM |

⚠️ **Important Notes:**

• Check specific line schedules (vary slightly)
• Allow **extra time** for last train connections
• Stations close **30 minutes** after last train
• Weekend schedules sometimes differ
• Holiday schedules posted in advance

♿ Safety & Accessibility

✅ **Very Safe System**

• Heavy security presence at all stations
• CCTV cameras throughout
• Emergency call buttons on platforms
• Well-lit and clean stations

🦽 **Accessibility Features:**

• Elevators at most major stations (look for ♿ symbol)
• Audio announcements for visually impaired
• Wide gates for wheelchairs/strollers
• Tactile paving for guidance
• **Note:** Not all old stations fully accessible

🔒 **Security Checks:**

• Bag screening at busy stations (especially downtown)
• Random ID checks (keep passport handy!)
• Metal detectors during special events
• Prohibited items: Large luggage, flammable items

✈️ Airport Connections

🛫 Pudong International Airport (PVG)

**Option 1:** Line 2 to city center (Jinke Road station)

• ⏱️ Time: 45-60 minutes
• 💰 Cost: ~¥7-10
• 🎯 Cheapest option!

**Option 2:** Maglev + Metro combo

• 🚄 Maglev to Longyang Road (7 min, 431 km/h!)
• Transfer to Line 2
• ⏱️ Total: ~30-40 minutes
• 💰 Cost: ¥50 + metro fare
• 🎯 **Fastest + Experience!**

🛬 Hongqiao Airport (SHA)

**Lines 2 or 10** directly to city center

• ⏱️ Time: 30-40 minutes
• 💰 Cost: ~¥5-8
• 🎯 More convenient location
• Separate terminals: Terminal 1 (Line 10), Terminal 2 (Lines 2, 10)

📱 Useful Apps & Tools

**Shanghai Metro Official App** 🌟

• Real-time train arrival times
• Route planning with time estimates
• Station facility information
• Service announcements
• Available in English!

**Amap / Baidu Maps**

• Integrated metro navigation
• Walking directions to exits
• Real-time delays and updates

**Explore Shanghai**

• Tourist-focused features
• Attraction integration
• Offline metro map

🗣️ Common Phrases (Super Helpful!)

| Chinese | Pinyin | English |

|---------|--------|---------|

| 地铁 | dìtiě | Metro/Subway |

| 出口 | chūkǒu | Exit |

| 换乘 | huànchéng | Transfer |

| 站 | zhàn | Station |

| 票 | piào | Ticket |

| 入口 | rùkǒu | Entrance |

| 洗手间 | xǐshǒujiān | Restroom |

**Pro tip:** Screenshot this table and save it! 📸

🎯 Quick Reference Guide

✅ **DO:**

• Download offline metro map
• Check last train times before going out
• Keep small bills for ticket machines
• Stand clear of closing doors
• Plan transfers with 10-min buffer time

❌ **DON'T:**

• Bring large luggage during rush hour
• Block doors or aisles
• Eat, drink, or smoke
• Forget to check which direction you're going
• Rely solely on English (learn key stations in Chinese!)

🌟 Final Pro Tips

1. **Always get transportation card** - saves time and hassle

2. **Keep phone charged** - you'll use maps constantly

3. **Learn key station names** in Chinese characters

4. **Screenshot important locations** before leaving hotel

5. **Update metro app regularly** for latest maps

6. **Allow extra time** - stations are HUGE with long walks

7. **Exit strategy** - know which exit before arriving

8. **Peak avoidance** - seriously, avoid 8-9 AM & 5-7 PM if possible!

The Shanghai Metro is clean, efficient, and incredibly comprehensive. Master it in your first day, and you'll navigate the city like a local!

**Happy Travels! 🚇✨**