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Shanghai is a very huge city and sometimes, commuting comes off as something to fear. However, the nervousness in getting around the metropolis may be alleviated by familiarizing oneself with the various modes of public transportation there.
Whether going for business trips or just relaxing tours, many people coming from all over the world really love to visit Shanghai. One of the most developed and economically successful cities in China, this impressive metropolis is a financial, entertainment, and modern cultural hub that pays attention to the needs of its every visitor.
But as the largest city in an already large country, many people think it is nothing but difficult to navigate through Shanghai without a car. Commuting around is constantly feared by people, thinking that it’s much easier to get lost than find a way to a destination.
Transporting around the city is as easy as buying an air ticket to Shanghai. All one has to do is to familiarize himself, as how s/he got accustomed to flight procedures. As a start, here are the different modes of transportation around this impeccable metropolis:
1. Subway
The subway is definitely the easiest, most convenient and most efficient mode of transportation that would get people around Shanghai. Operating from 5:30AM until midnight, the subway system is quite extensive for having 12 operational lines. Foreigners won’t have a hard time reading instructions because proving its global qualities, signs are written in Mandarin and English.
2. Taxi
As if in New York, taxis are abundant in the city of Shanghai. It is a good option especially for those who aren’t so much in a rush, or if there were too much baggage from a relentless shopping spree. These taxis are metered and drivers are usually honest, so passengers can forget about getting scammed. Tips aren’t required and fares are relatively cheaper compared to American cities. Furthermore, riding a taxi is like riding a tourist bus. One gets to see the real city up close from its windows. The only problem here though is that most drivers cannot speak even a bit of English. The best option then is to show them a name of a destination written in Chinese characters.
3. Bicycle
Foreigners can rent a bike for easy transportation. However, they should understand that Shanghai streets aren’t exactly a good place for cyclists. Sometimes, traffic can be too congested that drivers would most likely lose their patience when they come across cyclists. When parking a bike too, it is important to lock it safely as bicycle theft is common there. Helmets aren’t that much required, but for safety, it’s better to have one.
4. Buses
Getting around Shanghai in buses when you’re a foreigner can be totally confusing, especially for those who cannot read Chinese characters. This mode isn’t really recommended, but the experience is good enough if traveling with a local; or perhaps if guided by tour guides Shanghai tour packages providers provide.
5. Private car
As per the law states, it is illegal for tourists to rent a car in China. But for those who never want to let go of the luxury of having a private vehicle when touring, concierges of major hotel establishments in the city can offer arrangements for a private car with a driver. This is the easiest option, but definitely costly.
It is definitely scary to roam around a foreign place using public transportation, but that’s the easiest way to get to experience how life really is in that place. In the case of Shanghai, listed above are the modes of transportation one can easily use to get around.
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