Mastering Shanghai Metro: Complete Guide for Tourists

# 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

- ¥20 deposit + top-up amount

- Refundable when leaving

- Works on metro, buses, ferries, taxis

**Option 2: Mobile Payment**

- Use Alipay or WeChat Pay metro apps

- Scan QR code at gates

- No physical card needed

- Requires Chinese bank account or international card setup

**Option 3: Single Journey Tickets**

- Buy from machines at stations

- ¥3-10 depending on distance

- English interface available

- Good for occasional use

## How to Navigate

### Reading the Metro Map

- Lines numbered 1-20 (different colors)

- Stations announced in Chinese and English

- Transfer stations marked with interchange symbols

- First/last train times displayed at stations

### Key Lines for Tourists

- **Line 2** - Pudong Airport to Hongqiao, passes Lujiazui, People's Square, Nanjing Road

- **Line 1** - North-South corridor, connects major shopping areas

- **Line 10** - Yu Garden, Nanjing Road, Hongqiao Airport

- **Line 12** - Jing'an Temple, French Concession areas

## Major Tourist Stations

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

- Central hub

- Access to People's Park, Shanghai Museum

2. **Lujiazui (陆家嘴)** - Line 2

- Financial district

- Shanghai Tower, Oriental Pearl Tower

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

- Famous shopping street

- Walking distance to The Bund

4. **Xintiandi (新天地)** - Lines 10, 13

- Trendy dining and nightlife

- Historical shikumen architecture

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

- Shopping malls, temple

- Central business area

## Pro Tips

### Rush Hour Survival

- Peak times: 7-9 AM, 5-7 PM

- Extremely crowded - expect pushing

- Consider traveling off-peak if possible

- Wait for next train if too full

### Station Navigation

- Follow signs in English and Chinese

- "站内换乘" = Transfer within station

- "出口" = Exit

- Count exits - some stations have 20+ exits!

### Etiquette

- Let passengers exit before boarding

- Stand on right side of escalators (walk on left)

- Keep voices down

- No eating or drinking

- Give priority seats to elderly/pregnant/disabled

### Money-Saving

- Journeys under 6 km are cheapest (¥3)

- No daily/weekly passes for tourists

- Transportation card offers small discount

- Consider location when choosing hotel

## Operating Hours

- First train: ~5:30 AM

- Last train: ~11:00 PM

- Check specific line schedules

- Allow extra time for last train

## Safety & Accessibility

- Very safe, heavy security presence

- Elevators at most major stations

- Strollers and luggage allowed

- Security checks at busy stations

- Emergency call buttons on platforms

## Airport Connections

### Pudong Airport (PVG)

- Line 2 to city center (45-60 min)

- Maglev train to Longyang Road, then metro (30 min total)

### Hongqiao Airport (SHA)

- Line 2 or Line 10 (30-40 min to city center)

## Useful Apps

- **Shanghai Metro Official App** - Real-time schedules

- **Explore Shanghai** - Route planning

- **Amap** - Integrated metro navigation

## Common Phrases

- 地铁 (dìtiě) - Metro

- 出口 (chūkǒu) - Exit

- 换乘 (huànchéng) - Transfer

- 站 (zhàn) - Station

The Shanghai Metro is clean, efficient, and covers almost everywhere you'd want to go. Master it, and you'll explore Shanghai like a pro!

**Happy Travels! 🚇**