How To Get Around Shanghai
Navigating Shanghai's Public Transport Is Easier Than It Looks
Apr 18, 2009
Getting around Shanghai is surprisingly easy for the Western visitor. Road signs are in both Chinese and English, as are the signs for the stations of the city's impressive and ever-expanding subway system. At the time of writing – April 2009 – the city is criss-crossed by eight subway lines, and the aim is to double that by the opening of the Shanghai Expo in May 2010.
Shanghai's Subway System
Non-Chinese speakers should have little trouble navigating the metro. Each station displays maps of the system, with stations listed in both Chinese script and English. On board the trains upcoming stops are announced in both languages. Although finding the correct exit in some of the larger stations can be a challenge. At People’s Square in the heart of the city it is not unusual to come out at a different exit at each visit.
Shanghai’s Transport Card
For those staying a few days or longer in Shanghai, it is worthwhile getting a transport card. They can be bought at metro stations and some convenience stores, and are valid for travel on the subway, most buses and in taxis. The fare is automatically deducted from the card as it is swiped over the sensor at the entrance to metro stations and by the door on buses.
The buyer pays a 20 yuan (US$3) deposit, then any amount (usually 80 yuan (US$12) to start with) to cover the cost of travel. The card can be topped up when necessary.
Buses in Shanghai
Buses are much more of a challenge for non-Chinese speakers to use than the trains. Routes are plentiful – over a thousand in 2008 – but bus-stop signs and destinations are only in Chinese characters. It’s an option to be used by the adventurous and those with plenty of time on their hands.
Taxis in Shanghai
Taxis in Shanghai are plentiful, reasonably priced and straightforward. Few taxi-drivers speak English so it is a good idea to have the address of your destination written out in Chinese characters to show to the driver.
Ferries in Shanghai
Ferries cross the Huangpu river which divides old Shanghai to the west and the gleaming science-fiction skyline of Pudong to the east.
Riding Bicycles in Shanghai
Many people ride bicycles in Shanghai. Given the sometimes scary nature of Shanghai’s traffic however it is an option reserved for the brave. Bike shops are plentiful, and some hostels, such as the Captain Hostel on Fuzhou Road, rent bikes.
Exploring Shanghai On Foot
While Shanghai as a whole is too big to explore by walking, it is possible to discover individual districts on foot, turning down intriguing alleyways and stopping to browse when the fancy hits. The leafy streets of the French Concession and the winding alleys of the Old Town are prime candidates for strolling. Road signs throughout the city are in both English and Chinese. No matter how pretty the surroundings, however, pedestrians should always beware of the traffic. A green light does not necessarily mean that it is safe to cross the road.
Shanghai may be big and noisy and crowded, but visitors can rest assured that they are unlikely to get hopelessly lost.
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