Shanghai Transportation - FAQ 2
May 18th 2006 05:13
(Cont from last post)
- What if buses are more convenient for me?
Buses on the other hand can be a bit of a pain. There are over 150 bus/tram routes in Shanghai, as well as tour buses and coaches which are a better choice for those who only wish to sightsee in Shanghai. Some recommended metro tour routes that all depart from the new saddle shaped Shanghai Stadium include:
-Route 3 (Departs 8:30 – 13:30 from Shanghai Stadium, stops at People’s Square, Oriental Pearl, Jin Mao Tower, Jin Bridge, Hua Sha Cultural Park etc terminating at Hua Sha Tourist City)
-Route 4 (Departs 7:00 – 15:00 from Shanghai Stadium, stops at Shanghai Zoo, Shanghai Polo Course, Qing Pu Water Garden, Zhu Jia Jiao; terminates at Da Guan Gardens)
-Route 7 (7:30 – 14:30 from Shanghai Stadium, stops at Long Hua War Memorial Park, Residence of Song Qing Ling, Shanghai Library, Shanghai History Museum, Residence of Sun Zhong Shan, terminates back at Shanghai Stadium)
Ordinary bus rides are economic as they usually cost 1to 1.5Yuan for non air conditioned buses and 2 Yuan for a/c ones. As with the metro, it can get pretty crowded at rush hour.
-But I’m spoilt and I wanna drive!
Applying for a driver’s license in China with a foreign license is a tedious process and this is generally not recommended. Traffic in Shanghai is quite disorderly compared to western standards and this disparity places the average western driver at a significant disadvantage, not to mention the possibility of driving on the wrong side of the road (in China it is on the right). Traffic laws are often ignored and getting past the horde of bicycles that stampede through the city each morning and afternoon is extremely daunting. However if you do find yourself in the possession of a car and valid license, there are many highways linking Shanghai to other cities in the region, including Nanjing, Suzhou, Hangzhou, etc.
] It only takes 2 hours to reach Shanghai from Hangzhou, known to be one of the most beautiful places in China.
-What should I watch out for?
Thieves and pickpockets – These are usually active on crowded buses, metro lines and particularly long distance trains/coaches. They use a range of techniques including cutting a slit on the victim’s bag and taking the contents, switching the victim’s laptop/digital device in its carry case with a few heavy magazines while the victim is asleep, old fashioned pick pocketing, etc. Beware little kids who ask you for money!
]The best way to prevent this is to stay awake at all times, even on long distance coach trips, but if that’s not possible it’s advisable to travel with a friend who can watch the bags while the other one sleeps. If that’s also difficult, then keep everything as inconspicuous as possible and never flaunt any valuables. Important documents like passport, plane tickets and cash should be on person at all times, the recommended way to carry them is in a small flat cloth bag with a string suspended around the neck, covered beneath your clothing. Never put your wallet or digital camera in your back pocket.
Sexual harassment – This happens a lot on crowded metro lines and buses. Should this ever happen to you, move away and don't let it affect you. It's easier than you imagine. I used to carry a safety pin in my pocket to give the perp a vicous jab should such occasions arise.
Cons and rip-offs – This happens everywhere, and as long as you're not easily tempted or susceptible to suspicious claims, everything should be fine. Remember to plan ahead and know what you're getting into, especially with tours, shows and purchases. Never believe what you see on posters and word of mouth no matter how attractive the offer or bargain might be, as alot of tourists, especially young people, fall into the bargain trap and end up being ripped off majorly for bad quality goods.
Hope you have a safe trip in Shanghai!
Next up: Yu Yuan and the Chen Huang Temple
- What if buses are more convenient for me?
Buses on the other hand can be a bit of a pain. There are over 150 bus/tram routes in Shanghai, as well as tour buses and coaches which are a better choice for those who only wish to sightsee in Shanghai. Some recommended metro tour routes that all depart from the new saddle shaped Shanghai Stadium include:
-Route 3 (Departs 8:30 – 13:30 from Shanghai Stadium, stops at People’s Square, Oriental Pearl, Jin Mao Tower, Jin Bridge, Hua Sha Cultural Park etc terminating at Hua Sha Tourist City)
-Route 7 (7:30 – 14:30 from Shanghai Stadium, stops at Long Hua War Memorial Park, Residence of Song Qing Ling, Shanghai Library, Shanghai History Museum, Residence of Sun Zhong Shan, terminates back at Shanghai Stadium)
Bus rampage on the streets
Ordinary bus rides are economic as they usually cost 1to 1.5Yuan for non air conditioned buses and 2 Yuan for a/c ones. As with the metro, it can get pretty crowded at rush hour.
Want a seat?
-But I’m spoilt and I wanna drive!
Applying for a driver’s license in China with a foreign license is a tedious process and this is generally not recommended. Traffic in Shanghai is quite disorderly compared to western standards and this disparity places the average western driver at a significant disadvantage, not to mention the possibility of driving on the wrong side of the road (in China it is on the right). Traffic laws are often ignored and getting past the horde of bicycles that stampede through the city each morning and afternoon is extremely daunting. However if you do find yourself in the possession of a car and valid license, there are many highways linking Shanghai to other cities in the region, including Nanjing, Suzhou, Hangzhou, etc.
A corner of Suzhou
Tranquil Hangzhou
-What should I watch out for?
Thieves and pickpockets – These are usually active on crowded buses, metro lines and particularly long distance trains/coaches. They use a range of techniques including cutting a slit on the victim’s bag and taking the contents, switching the victim’s laptop/digital device in its carry case with a few heavy magazines while the victim is asleep, old fashioned pick pocketing, etc. Beware little kids who ask you for money!
Oliver Twist?
The best way to steal?
Sexual harassment – This happens a lot on crowded metro lines and buses. Should this ever happen to you, move away and don't let it affect you. It's easier than you imagine. I used to carry a safety pin in my pocket to give the perp a vicous jab should such occasions arise.
Cons and rip-offs – This happens everywhere, and as long as you're not easily tempted or susceptible to suspicious claims, everything should be fine. Remember to plan ahead and know what you're getting into, especially with tours, shows and purchases. Never believe what you see on posters and word of mouth no matter how attractive the offer or bargain might be, as alot of tourists, especially young people, fall into the bargain trap and end up being ripped off majorly for bad quality goods.
Hope you have a safe trip in Shanghai!
Next up: Yu Yuan and the Chen Huang Temple
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