The Shanghai Metro Survival Guide: Map, Riding, Tickets & Attractions

Want to travel to Shanghai but worried that taking the subway might be a hurdle? Don’t be afraid!

If you’re wondering how to ride the Shanghai Metro for the first time, how to buy tickets, or what attractions each line and station has to offer, this guide will provide the answers.

Bilingual Shanghai Metro Map

(Source from Wikipedia)

As one of the world's largest metro systems, the Shanghai Metro is an urban rail transit network serving the Shanghai metropolitan area. Its first line, Shanghai Metro Line 1, opened in 1993. Today, the system operates 21 lines, with 416.6 kilometers of new lines under construction, and a total of 517 stations in operation.

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How to Take Shanghai Metro

(Source from Unsplash)

If it's your first time in China, taking the subway might seem overwhelming—but there is no need to worry! This guide will make your metro ride smooth and easy.

Entering the Station

Multiple subway entrances may lead to the same station, so it doesn’t matter which one you use. Once inside, you’ll find yourself in the same station area.

Buying a Ticket

• Ticket vending machines are available in every station. If you’re unsure how to use them, ask station staff for help.
• Alternatively, you can use a Metro QR Code (generated via apps like Metro大都会 or Alipay) to scan and enter.
• Important: Your entry and exit methods must match—if you enter with a QR code, you must exit with the same code (not a ticket or metro card).

Passing Through the Gates

• Your bags will go through a security check before entry.
• After security, follow the signs to your desired metro line (some stations serve multiple lines—even up to 4—so check carefully!).
• Scan your QR code/ticket at the gate to enter.

Waiting for the Train

• Head to the platform as directed. Screens will display train arrival times.
• Double-check:
• • The direction of the train (matches your destination).
  • The line number (some stations have multiple lines—don’t board the wrong one!).

Boarding the Train

• Let passengers exit first before boarding.
• During rush hours (weekdays 8–10 AM & 6–8 PM), trains can get extremely crowded. If needed, wait for the next one patiently.

Exiting the Station

• At your destination, follow exit signs.
• Look for green indicator lights above the gates—they show the correct exit direction.
• Use the same method to exit as you did to enter (e.g., QR code → QR code).

Language is no barrier. Shanghai Metro has bilingual (Chinese/English) signs, and staff can assist if needed.

Shanghai Metro Fares & Tourist Passes

Important Notes

1. Child Policies:
2. • Children ≤1.3m: Free (with paying adult)
2. Pass Activation:
3. • 1-Day/3-Day Passes: Activate at first entry (not calendar day).
   • Maglev Combo: Valid only for Pudong Airport ↔ Longyang Rd (1 ride).
3. Exclusions:
4. • Tourist passes do not cover: Maglev, Airport Express, Pujiang APM, or intercity trains.

How to Buy Shanghai Metro Tickets: 6 Options Explained

Single Journey Tickets

You can buy tickets at the self-service machines in any station (English interface available). Simply select "Single Journey Ticket," tap your destination station on the interactive map, and pay with cash (fares range from ¥1-15) or via WeChat/Alipay.

The machines only accept coins, ¥5, or ¥10 bills—be sure to carry small change.

Mobile Payments (Alipay/WeChat Pay)

To use Shanghai Metro's QR code system, you'll need either a Chinese SIM card or an international mobile account with activated payment (foreign cards can be linked via Alipay's TourCard). But the limit is that QR code works for 1 person only.

Steps:

• Open Alipay → "Transport" → "Shanghai Metro"
• Scan QR at turnstile (green arrow = entry; red = exit)

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Metro Da Du Hui App

The Metro Da Du Hui app has functions including real-time train arrivals, efficient route planning, and integrated QR code payments.

To get started, simply download the app, register using your passport, and top up your balance through WeChat or Alipay.

Shanghai Public Transportation Card

If you plan to try different transportation options like buses, taxis, or ferries, then a transportation card would be an excellent choice.

Cost: ¥20 deposit (refundable) + top-up

Where to Buy:

• Service counters at major stations (People's Sq, Pudong Airport)
• Convenience stores (FamilyMart, Lawson)

1-Day Travel Pass (24-Hour Ticket)

Price: ¥18

Coverage: Unlimited rides within 24h of first use

Only sold at transfer stations like Century Ave

3-Day Pass (72-Hour Ticket)

Price: ¥45

Where to Buy:

• Airport terminals (Pudong T1/T2, Hongqiao T2)
• Major hotels (ask concierge)

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Shanghai Metro General Operating Hours (Major Lines)

For precise planning, especially for early morning departures or late-night returns, always consult the official Shanghai Metro website or app ("Metro Da Du Hui") and enter your specific origin, destination, and travel date/time. This table provides a general overview for initial planning.

The Guide to Shanghai Metro's Top Attractions & How to Reach Them

1. People's Square Station (Lines 1, 2, 8)

Attractions:

• Shanghai Museum: China’s finest ancient art collection.
• Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street: Shopping mecca (exit toward Nanjing East Rd).
• Urban Planning Exhibition Center: See Shanghai’s futuristic city models.

How to Get There:

• Exit Gate 1 for the museum; Gate 3 leads directly to Nanjing Road.

2. Lujiazui Station (Line 2)

Attractions:

• Oriental Pearl Tower (¥160): Iconic sphere with glass-floor observatories.
• Shanghai Tower (¥180): World’s 2nd-tallest building (exit toward Silver City Rd).
• Bund Sightseeing Tunnel (¥50): Quirky light-show ride to the Bund.
  How to Get There:
• Take Exit 3 for the Pearl Tower; follow signs to Shanghai Tower (5-min walk).

3. East Nanjing Road Station (Lines 2, 10)

Attractions:

• The Bund: Colonial-era waterfront (10-min walk from exit).
• Huangpu River Cruise (¥120): Board at Shiliupu Pier (15-min walk).
  How to Get There:
• Exit Gate 7 and walk straight toward the river.

4. Disney Resort Station (Line 11)

Attraction:

• Shanghai Disneyland (¥475): Mickey in China!
  How to Get There:
• The station drops you at the park entrance—just follow the crowds!

5. Yuyuan Garden Station (Line 10)

Attractions:

• Yuyuan Garden (¥40): Ming-dynasty classical garden.
• Chenghuangmiao (Old Street): Souvenirs & soup dumplings.
  How to Get There:
• Take Exit 1 or *3*; the garden is a 5-min signed walk.

Shanghai Restaurant Recommendation

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TASTE OF CHINA - Opening Hours

Operating Hours: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Two Daily Seatings:

• Lunch Banquet: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
• Dinner Banquet: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

(Costume and styling experience is recommended 2 hours prior to seating)

TASTE OF CHINA - Address

No.LG1-03, Zone E, 215 Middle Jiangxi Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai

Shanghai Hotels Recommondation