Guide to Shanghai Metro: Map, Tickets, Stations & Hours

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Shanghai Metro

Master Shanghai metro system! Check my guide to maps, fares, stations & schedules. Everything you need for easy subway travel in Shanghai 👇

Shanghai Metro Map 2026

Shanghai Metro Map

Source from Wikipedia

As one of the world's largest subway networks, Shanghai Metro covers pretty much everywhere you'd want to go in the city.

With over 800 kilometers of track and more than 500 stations as of mid 2024, it handles a mind-boggling 10 million rides on an average weekday.

It's clean, fast, and super cheap, with fares between 3-10 yuan (from about 0.4 USD) depending on how far you're going.

While it can get pretty packed during rush hours (avoid 7-10 AM and 5-8 PM if you can!), it's still your best bet for zipping around the city.

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List of Shanghai Metro Lines & Stations

List of Shanghai Metro Lines & Stations

Shanghai Subway Line 14 Yuyuan Station (from ArchDaily)

Shanghai metro system has 20 lines as of 2024, each marked with its own distinct color on maps and signs( 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18). The network includes Lines 1-18, plus the Pujiang and Jinshan lines. Most lines in central Shanghai run underground, while suburban sections often run on elevated tracks.

Major Lines You'll Use Most

  • Line 1 (Red) - The main north-south artery running through downtown Shanghai. Key stops: People's Square (shopping/museums), Xintiandi (entertainment), South Shaanxi Road (French Concession).
  • Line 2 (Green) - The crucial east-west line connecting both airports. Must-visit stops: Nanjing Road East (shopping/Bund), Lujiazui (skyscrapers), Jing'an Temple.
  • Line 4 (Purple) - Circles the city center, perfect for reaching different parts of downtown without transferring through busy central stations.

Major Shanghai Metro Stations

  • People's Square is our busiest station - it's where Lines 1, 2, and 8 meet. Think of it as Shanghai's Times Square! From here, you can visit People's Park, the Shanghai Museum, and tons of shopping malls.
  • Xujiahui (Lines 1, 9, and 11) is another major hub. It's surrounded by huge shopping malls and electronics markets. If you're looking for gadgets or want to experience modern Shanghai, this is your stop.
  • For culture lovers, get off at Yuyuan Garden station (Line 10) to see Old Shanghai, or Jing'an Temple (Lines 2/7) for one of the city's most famous temples surrounded by luxury malls.
  • Take Line 2 to Lujiazui. This is where you'll find the Shanghai Tower, Oriental Pearl Tower, and the World Financial Center - basically, all those buildings you see in Shanghai postcards!
  • Pro tip: If you're heading to Shanghai Disneyland, take Line 11 to the Disney Resort station. It's a direct ride and the stations are even decorated with Disney themes!
🎁 Want to visit Shanghai? Search Cheap flights to Shanghai below! Or you can also choose to use China High-Speed Train.

How to Use Shanghai Metro

As someone who rides it daily, I'll share all the details you need to know about taking Shanghai Metro, from entering the station to reaching your destination.

How to Use Shanghai Metro

Source from Wikipedia

Entering Metro Station

When you first spot the red and white metro logo, you're at the right place! Each station has multiple entrances marked with letters and numbers. Don't worry about getting lost - there are clear signs in both Chinese and English everywhere. If you're carrying heavy bags, look for the elevator signs - most stations have them near the main entrance.

Security Check

Everyone goes through security - it's quick and painless! Put your bags through the X-ray machine (just like at the airport but faster), and walk through the security gate. Keep your water bottle handy as they might want to check it. The security staff are friendly, and some even speak basic English. There's a luggage size limit (about the size of a regular suitcase).

How to Use Shanghai Metro

Source from ENGLISH.GOV.CN

Getting Metro Ticket

Here's where many visitors get confused. For Mobile Payment Users, the easiest way is using Alipay (支付宝). Just open your Alipay app, find the "Metro" icon on the homepage, link your payment card, and you'll get a QR code to scan at the gates. Another great option is the official Shanghai Metro DADUHUI (大都会) App - it works the same way, generating a QR code for you to scan at the turnstiles.

If you prefer physical tickets, you have two options. You can buy them from the ticket office counter (售票处) where staff can help you, or use the self-service ticket machines. The machines have an English option, and here's how they work: First, select your destination station on the touch screen map. The machine will show you the fare. Choose how many tickets you want (up to 9 at once), then pay with cash or card. The machines accept both notes and coins, and they give change.

If you need help, there's always station staff around, and many at major stations speak some English.

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Getting to the Platform

After security, you'll reach the ticket gates. If you're using Alipay, just scan your QR code. For physical tickets, insert them into the slot (don't forget to take it out!). Follow the colored signs to your platform - each line has its own color, making it super easy to navigate. The electronic boards show waiting times and train directions in both Chinese and English.

How to Use Shanghai Metro

Source from Wikipedia

Waiting and Boarding

Stand behind the yellow safety line and wait in the marked queues. Trains come every 2-3 minutes during busy times and 5-7 minutes in quieter periods. When the train arrives, let people get off first (it's a strict rule here!), then hop on. Inside, you'll find priority seats marked in orange - these are for elderly, pregnant women, or people who need them more than you do.

How to Use Shanghai Metro

Source from Wikimedia Commons

During Your Ride

The screens inside the train show the next station in Chinese and English, and there are announcements too. Keep an eye on the station count - it's easy to get caught up in your phone and miss your stop! The trains are super clean and usually have great air conditioning (a blessing in Shanghai summers!).

Time to Exit

When you reach your station, head to the exit gates. Use your ticket or scan your QR code again. Now comes the tricky part - choosing the right exit! Each station has multiple exits (some big stations have over 20!). Look at the exit guides - they list nearby landmarks for each exit. Pro tip: if you're meeting friends, always specify which exit number you'll use.

Shanghai Metro Tips

  • Avoid rush hours (7:30-9:30 AM and 5:00-7:00 PM) if you can. The metro runs from about 5:30 AM to 11:00 PM.
  • Most stations have clean bathrooms and convenience stores.
  • Lost something? Each station has a lost and found office. Need help? Look for staff in blue uniforms

Shanghai Metro Transfer Guide

Shanghai Metro Transfer Guide

Source from NYUAD Design

Let me tell you about changing lines on Shanghai Metro - it's something I do every day! Most transfers are pretty simple: when you get off your train, just follow the colored signs to your next line. You don't need to swipe your ticket or QR code again. Take People's Square for example - you can switch between Lines 1, 2, and 8 by just following the signs through the underground passages.

Regular transfers

The most common type where you follow connecting corridors to change lines. Like at People's Square or Century Avenue, you'll walk through underground passages following clear signs. These can take 5-15 minutes depending on the station.

Same-platform transfers

The most convenient type! At stations like Hongqiao Railway Station (Lines 2/10) and Yili Road (Lines 2/13), you can just get off your train and wait on the same platform for your connecting line. No walking required - just make sure you're heading in the right direction!

Virtual transfers

These require you to exit one station and enter another, even though they share the same name. Examples include Shanghai Railway Station (between Lines 1 and 3/4) and South Shaanxi Road (Lines 1/10 to Line 12). You'll need a new ticket unless you're using Alipay or a transport card.


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How to Pay for Shanghai Metro: Ticket, Metro Card & QR Code

Most Shanghai locals now use their phones to ride the metro - it's super convenient! You've got some main options:

How to Pay for Shanghai Metro: Ticket, Metro Card & QR Code

a) Single Journey Tickets

Where to Buy:

    • Automated Machines (available at every station).
    • Service Counters (staffed, ideal for complex routes or assistance).

If you're just taking one or two rides, single journey tickets might be your best bet. Every station has ticket machines with English options. Here's how they work:

The screen shows a map of the metro system. Just tap where you want to go, and it'll show you the fare (usually between 3-10 yuan depending on distance). You can pay with cash (the machines accept 1, 5, 10, and 20 yuan notes) or cards. Some machines even accept international credit cards now - look for the Visa/Mastercard logos!

Pro tip: Keep your ticket flat (no bending!)—it’s a magnetic card you’ll need to insert at exits.

b) Shanghai Pass

This handy prepaid card is your ticket to easy travel in Shanghai—use it on subways, buses, taxis, ferries, and even the high-speed Maglev train. But it’s not just for transport! You can also pay for top attractions (like the Oriental Pearl Tower and Huangpu River cruises), shop at convenience stores, and dine at select restaurants. The card can be picked up right at Pudong or Hongqiao Airport. No registration needed—just top up and go!

4.6/5
27 reviews
4/5
Easy to order on Trip.com and to pick up at the airport.
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5/5
Easy to use. Reload 100 yuan enough for my 7 days trip. You can claim back the balance below 100 yuan without being charged.
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5/5
When using public transportation, using a card tag is more convenient than scanning a QR code.
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5/5
They found it without any problems, came and picked it up, and even gave me a magnet as a gift)
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5/5
The counter at Pudong International Airport was easy to understand and the correspondence was polite, and I charged 80 yuan because I boarded linear one way. I was able to charge without any problems with the help of the counter staff. The stress on the ticket vending machine is gone, and the remaining money can be seen when touching at the ticket gate.
review picture
How to Pay for Shanghai Metro: Ticket, Metro Card & QR Code

Source from viajeroslowcosteros

c) Mobile Payments

  • Alipay Digital Metro Card

The easiest way to ride Shanghai Metro is using Alipay's digital transport card, especially for international visitors.

Just download Alipay, go to the "Transport" section on the homepage, and select "Transport. Shanghai." You will find many transport options: metro, bus, bike taxi.

Link your international credit card to top up, and you'll get a QR code to scan at station gates. The same code works for entering and exiting.

How to Pay for Shanghai Metro: Ticket, Metro Card & QR Code
  • Metro大都会 (Metro Man) App:
    1. Download the app (English available).
    2. Link Alipay, WeChat Pay(not recommend), or a foreign card (Visa/MasterCard supported).
    3. Generate a QR code and scan it at turnstiles.

👉 Pro Tip for Foreigners: Some machines don’t accept foreign cards. Use service counters or mobile apps for payments.

Shanghai Metro Ticket Price

How to Pay for Shanghai Metro: Ticket, Metro Card & QR Code

Shanghai’s metro system follows a distance-based fare structure.

Standard Metro Ticket Cost

Distance

Fare (¥)

Example Route

0–6 km

¥3

People’s Square to East Nanjing Road

6–16 km

¥4

Hongqiao Railway Station to Lujiazui

Beyond 16 km

¥1 per 10 km

Pudong Airport to downtown (~¥7)

Children (under 1.3m)

Free (with an adult, max two children)

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Discounts & Special Passes

Pass Type

Price (¥)

Details

1-Day Tourist Pass

¥18

Unlimited rides for 24 hours

3-Day Tourist Pass

¥45

Unlimited rides for 72 hours

Maglev Combo Pass

¥55

Single Maglev ride + 24-hour metro access

Maglev Round-trip Combo Pass

¥85

Round-trip Maglev + 24-hour metro access

Public Transport Card

10% discount after ¥70 in a calendar month.

Free Transfers

Between metro lines/buses within 30 minutes of exiting

Shanghai Metro Hours & Schedule

How to Get to Shanghai Attractions by Metro

Source from Wikipedia

Most lines run from 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM, but schedules vary by line and day.

General Metro Hours

  • Weekdays: 5:30 AM – 11:30 PM (varies by line).
  • Weekends/Holidays: Some lines extend service (e.g., Lines 1, 2, 10 until midnight).

Airport Metro Hours

  • Pudong Airport (Line 2/Maglev):
    • Maglev: 6:45 AM – 9:40 PM from Longyang Road.
    • Line 2: 5:28 AM – 10:30 PM.
  • Hongqiao Airport (Line 2/10):
    • Line 2: 5:28 AM – 10:30 PM.
    • Line 10: 5:25 AM – 10:30 PM.
🎁 Search Cheap flights to Shanghai | China High-Speed Train | Best hotels in Shanghai | Get fast Data in China!

Key Lines & Schedules

Line

Operating Hours

Key Stops

Line 1

5:30 AM – 11:50 PM

People’s Square, Shanghai Railway Station

Line 2

5:28 AM – 10:30 PM

Hongqiao Airport, Lujiazui, Pudong Airport

Line 10

5:25 AM – 10:30 PM

Yuyuan Garden, Xintiandi, Hongqiao Railway Station

Line 11

5:25 AM – 10:00 PM

Disney Resort, Longhua Temple

Line 17

5:40 AM – 10:30 PM

Zhujiajiao Water Town (20-min walk from station)

Note: Use the Shanghai Metro Guide App for real-time updates and offline maps

How to Get to Shanghai Attractions by Metro (Disney/Yu Garden etc.)

How to Get to Shanghai Attractions by Metro

1. How to Get to Yu Garden (Yuyuan Garden) by Metro

Yu Garden, a classical Chinese garden in central Shanghai, is easily accessible by metro. Here’s how:

Line 10: Yuyuan Garden Station (豫园站), Exit 1 or 3.

Step

Action

Details

1

Take Line 10

Head towards Yuyuan Garden Station.

2

Exit the Station

Use Exit 1 or 3—both lead directly to the Yu Garden area.

3

Walk to Yu Garden

From Exit 1: Walk 5 minutes south along Henan South Road (河南南路).

From Exit 3: Walk 3 minutes east along Fuyou Road (福佑路).

👉 Pro Tip: Combine your visit with a stroll through the nearby Chenghuang Temple (City God Temple) and the bustling Yuyuan Bazaar for souvenirs and snacks!

How to Get to Shanghai Attractions by Metro

2. How to Get to Shanghai Disneyland by Metro

Shanghai Disneyland, the magical kingdom in Pudong, is conveniently connected by metro. Here’s your route:

Line 11: Disney Resort Station (迪士尼站).

Step

Action

Details

1

Take Line 11

Board Line 11 (brown line) heading towards Disney Resort.

2

Arrive at Disney Resort Station

The station is just a 5-minute walk from the park entrance.

3

Follow Signs

Exit the station and follow the clearly marked signs to Shanghai Disneyland.

  • First Train to Disney: Line 11 starts running at 5:25 AM, so you can arrive early for rope drop!
  • Last Train from Disney: The last train departs at 10:00 PM, perfect for catching the fireworks show.
Shanghai Disney Reviews
4.7/5
43333 reviews
4/5
We bought regular tickets and had time to ride Zootopia, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Tron, explore a ship, shoot water from cannons, visit the labyrinth from Alice in Wonderland, watch Mickey's parade, visit Iron Man and the laser tag shooters, enjoy the evening show, and ride the carousel with horses. We didn't like the Zootopia area; my child and I didn't understand the hype at all. It was boring, the only good thing was the fans while you were waiting in line. We didn't see any single-person lines anywhere, although there were three empty seats on our boat in Pirates. Also, while you're waiting in line on Tron, you can see that sometimes empty seats fly by. During Mickey's parade, the road is closed and you can't get from one part of the park to the other, so we watched it twice and noticed that some of the characters change. The queues for the pirates ride in the app were supposed to be 90 minutes long, but we actually finished in 60 minutes, including the ride itself. The evening show certainly won't leave you indifferent.
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5/5
This is top-notch; not visiting Disneyland in China would be a crime. The baby cried, but we were so happy.
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5/5
A must-see, I don't know if we were lucky or not, but we didn't encounter any long lines, everything else was great.
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4/5
I took the hotel shuttle and left at 7 am, arriving at 7:30 am, but the ticket check line was ridiculously long. So I had to walk quite a distance, wait for about 15 minutes, and then enter. You must bring your passport when entering. The food inside Disneyland was expensive and not very good, so it is better to eat outside and re-enter. The rides were generally good!!! They were really well-made!!!!! Also, I went to a burger place and just bought something without looking at the Chinese text, and the green "monster burger" turned out to be mushrooms, not meat… The red one was mala flavor.
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5/5
Zootopia is so much fun!
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3. How to Get to Other Popular Attractions by Metro

How to Get to Shanghai Attractions by Metro

The Bund (Waitan)

  • Nearest Station: East Nanjing Road Station (Line 2/10), Exit 7.
  • Directions: Walk 10 minutes east along Nanjing Road to reach the Bund.
The Bund Reviews
4.8/5
6246 reviews
5/5
Very enjoyable. I thought it was a bit hard to tell with the listing and peoples reviews. We originally rushed as we believed the last boat was at 8pm. Luckily there were some after that too. It rained a bit but was still nice. You can pay 100 yuan to upgrade to a more fancy room in the 2nd floor but it didn’t appeal to us. We chose to pay 50 yuan and upgraded on the 3rd floor were there is a private outdoor section. I would definitely recommend the upgrade as I imagine it would be very busy and a struggle to get good pictures otherwise especially if it was a nicer day.
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4/5
Beautiful embankment!
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5/5
Traveling with family brings more joy than any gift. There's no rush; we can stroll at our own pace. Dad stops to admire the flowers and birds along the way, Mom browses the shops for fresh fruit, and the children chase butterflies across the lawn. The family walks slowly, stopping for a group photo, sitting down to share a slice of chilled watermelon, and chatting about everyday things. These leisurely days feel so much closer than when we're all busy; every moment, when looked back upon, is warm and comforting.
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4/5
"I visited The Bund at night. There were a lot of people, but the view was amazing. The night scenery was much more impressive than during the day.
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5/5
Everything was spectacular! I recommend it to anyone who wants to experience Shanghai from a different perspective!
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How to Get to Shanghai Attractions by Metro

Oriental Pearl Tower (Lujiazui)

  • Nearest Station: Lujiazui Station (Line 2), Exit 1.
  • Directions: Walk 5 minutes to the tower.
Oriental Pearl Tower Reviews
4.7/5
11763 reviews
5/5
Very cool view from above.
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5/5
Wonderful experience ... Nice buffet and quite a queue so avoid holidays and weekends
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5/5
Excellent tour! A must-see for everyone!
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5/5
It's very exciting, beautiful, and atmospheric. You can see the main skyscrapers and the entire Bud Embankment, with its unusual architecture. The only downside is the lack of food, hot tea, and coffee.
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5/5
Of course, it looks impressive. That glass floor on one of the levels is mesmerizing. But overall, it's not worth the money. On the way back down, we were led through a bunch of stalls and strange attractions before being taken down in the elevator. Overall, it's just a beautiful view from the tower, nothing more.
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How to Get to Shanghai Attractions by Metro

Shanghai Museum (People’s Square)

  • Nearest Station: People’s Square Station (Line 1/2/8), Exit 1.
  • Directions: Walk 5 minutes to the museum.
Shanghai Museum Reviews
4.6/5
3081 reviews
5/5
I love traveling, I love the feeling of freedom on the road. No need to play a predetermined role, no need to deal with mundane affairs; you are simply yourself, a traveler wandering the road, stopping and starting as you please. You can spend an afternoon gazing at a tranquil lake, or hike up a mountain path until you reach the summit, feel the breeze, and watch the clouds drift by. All your worries are left far behind, and your body is filled with renewed energy. This feeling of starting anew is a gift you can never obtain by staying at home.
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5/5
The small fishing village is relatively undeveloped. The guesthouse is right by the pier, and you can see fishing boats floating on the sea just by opening the window. In the morning, I went out to sea with the captain to fish. The wind carried the salty smell of the sea, and the shrimp and crabs we caught were still lively and jumping around. We found a restaurant on the shore to cook them, and the processing fee was only ten yuan. The steamed shrimp were sweet and had their original flavor intact. In the afternoon, I sat on the stone steps of the pier peeling oranges and watching the fishermen mend their nets. They spoke slowly and leisurely. At night, I lay in bed listening to the waves lapping against the shore, the gentle murmur like a lullaby. After staying for three days, even my tense nerves relaxed. It was so much more comfortable than staying in a luxury sea-view hotel.
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5/5
Taking a long-distance overnight bus trip offers a unique experience. The bus is quiet; most people are asleep, with only the headlights illuminating the road ahead. I lean against the window, looking out at the scattered lights of distant villages. A cool breeze blows in through the window cracks. You can think about anything, or nothing at all, just watching the scenery recede in the darkness. This kind of time alone is something you rarely find. It's on these night buses that I've come to understand so many worries.
review picture
5/5
The love of travel is the love of that feeling of rediscovering yourself. In our daily lives, we play many roles, but on the road, you only need to be yourself: wake up early to watch the sunrise, sleep in until noon if you want to, and go find whatever you want to eat—without having to cater to anyone else's preferences. Leave all social obligations and rules behind, and completely follow your heart. This trip is like a massage for your soul, leaving you feeling incredibly relaxed.
review picture
5/5
The exhibition at the Shanghai Museum left a very strong impression. The exhibit is well-thought-out and presented in a modern format—the combination of history, visuals, and interactive elements makes the visit truly engaging. I especially appreciated how the topic of ancient culture is explored through modern technology—the information is easily digestible while maintaining depth and respect for the historical context. The space is conveniently organized; there's no sense of chaos; everything is logical and consistent. It's suitable for both those already interested in Chinese history and those just beginning to explore the culture. Overall, a very high-quality and memorable event, definitely worth attending.
review picture

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TASTE OF CHINA 中国味: Shanghai Immersive Dining Experience

TASTE OF CHINA 中国味: Shanghai Immersive Dining Experience

About TASTE OF CHINA 中国味

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TASTE OF CHINA 中国味 - Address

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Location
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Address: No. [LG1-03], Basement 1, No. 215, Jiangxi Middle Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
Telephone:021-1234567
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What to Prepare for a Trip to China?

  • Visa & Entry Tips China’s ​240-hour visa-free transit policy now covers ​54 countries, incl. the US, UK, Canada, and Brazil, allowing up to 10 days during layovers. Learn more about China Entry Tips to land in China easily.
  • Getting Connected VPNs are vital for accessing Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, etc in China. Set one up before arriving. China eSIMs are the easiest option for data and bypassing restrictions. Pocket Wi-Fi devices work best for group but are pricier and require pickup/return.
  • Money Exchange & Tax Refunds Exchange money in China banks (better rates than airports). ATMs accept foreign cards, but notify your bank first. For tax refunds, spend over ¥500 at stores with a "Tax-Free" sign. Keep receipts and get forms stamped at customs before departure.

Must-Have Apps in China

  • China Payment Apps Forget cash. Chinese use ​Alipay (I like it better) or ​WeChat Pay to pay for everything in China. Scan a QR code at noodle stalls, metros, even temples. Link your foreign Visa/Mastercard before landing.
  • China Map Apps Amap (Gaode Map) & Baidu Map (limited English) is what locals use, with real-time navigation, metro/bus routes, and traffic updates. Apple Maps does a good job too if you're already an IOS user.
  • China Transport Apps Street taxis are cheap, but drivers rarely speak English. Use China Taxi App like ​DiDi (China’s Uber)—set your destination in English, pay by Alipay.
  • China Travel Apps 15+ China trips taught me: Use Trip.com. It's the best English app for booking China trains/flights/hotels + finds Trip.com deals.
  • China Dating Apps Locals use ​Tantan (China’s Tinder) and ​Momo. WeChat’s “People Nearby” works too, but expect language barriers unless your Mandarin’s decent.
  • China Food App Use Meituan (also helps find nearby restaurants) or Ele.me for food delivery—both have English mode. No English menu in restaurants? Scan the QR with Alipay's translator.

FAQs about Shanghai Metro

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Bethy

Bethy

Trip.com Travel Expert

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Hey there! I’m Bethy (Huang Lan, 黄澜) – a travel enthusiast and content creator for Trip.com. I live as a digital nomad, mostly based in China, and I’ve also lived in awesome places across Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe. I love traveling all over the world, sharing useful travel tips and guides for fellow wanderlusters. When I’m not on the road, I’m a huge cat lover and play guitar for fun~

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Shanghai Metro