By air
Shanghai is one of China's three major international hubs, along with Beijing and Hong Kong. Shanghai has two mayor airports: most international flights go through ultramodern Pudong Inernational Airport, 45 Km east of the city, wheras domestic routes operate out of the older Hongqiao International Airport, 15 Km west of the city center.
Both Pudong and Hongqiao have a departure tax of Y90 for international flights and Y50 for domestic. You pay before check- in by purchasing a coupon from booths; this coupon is collected at the entrance to the main departure hall.
If you're feeling sci-fi, consider taking the flashy MagLev train, which floats above its tracks at 430 kph, whipping you to the Longyang Lu subway station in just eight minutes, Though exciting, the trip isn't very practical. Unless you're staying ineastern Pudong, you'll need to transfer to the subway to get downtown. The MagLev runs between 7 AM and 9 PM and costs Y50 one-way, so if there's more than two of you it makes economic sense to take a cab and save the ride for another day.
By bike
Cycling is still the primary form of transportation for many Shanghai residents, despite the government's best efforts to discourage it by banning bikes on main roads. Shanghai's frenzied traffic is not for the faint of heat, though fortunately most secondary streets have wide, well-defined bike lanes. The pancake- flat city landscape means that gears just aren't necessary.
By bus
China has some fabulous luxury long-distance buses with air-conditioning and movies. Many intercity services depart more regularly than trains. However, buying tickets for them can be complicated if you don't speak Chinese-you may end up on one of the cramped old-style affairs, much like an old-fashioned school bus. Drivers don't usually speak English, either. Taking a train or an internal flight is often much easier.
Most of Shanghai's long-distance services leave from the monstrous Shanghai Long Distance bus station, across the square from the Shanghai Railway Station in Zhabei. You buy tickets in the massive circular ticket lobby; allow time for the walk to the departure gate.
By car
Highways connect Shanghai to neighboring cities such as Suzhou and Nanjing in the west, and Hangzhou in the south. However, due to government restrictions ,it's virtually impossible for nonresidents of China to drive. You can, however, hire a car and driver through your hotel's transportation service or through Hertz or Avis, both of which have several locations throughout the city..
By ferry
More than 20 ferry lines cross the Huangpu River between Pudong and Puxi. The most convenient ferry for tourists runs daily between the Bund in Puxi and Pudong's terminal just south of the Riverside Promenade. There are no seats, merely an enpty lower deck that welcomes the masses with their bikes and scooters. The per-persong fare is Y2 each way. The ferries leave the dock every 10 minutes, 24 hours a day.
By subway
Shanghai's quick and efficient subway system-called the Shanghai Metro-is an excellent way to get around town. The network is growing exponentially-at this writing, there are five lines open; four more are under construction, as are line extensions.
Line 1 runs north-south, crossing the Old French Concession, with a stop at the Shanghai Railway Station. It intersects with Line 2 at People's Square, a labyrinth of a station with 2 levels, 20exits, and lots of people. Line 2, which will eventually link Hongqiao International Airport with Pudong International Airport, is an east-west line that runs under Nanjing Lu along part of its length, and crosses to Pudong close to the Bund. You can transfer from it to the MagLev at Longyang Station in Pudong. Line 3 starts in north Shanghai and loops around the west of the city center; useful stops include Shanghai South Railway Station. Line 4 is a circle line that goes around Puxi and through Pudong, crossing the Huangpu River at two places- at thiswriting, its southwest segment was yet ot open. Line5 is a commuter spur line connecting southwest Shanghai to Line 1.
By taxi
Taxis are plentiful, easy to stop, and by far the most comfortable way to get around Shanghai, though increasing traffic means they're not always the fastest. Almost all are Volkswagen Santanas or Passats, and they come in a rainbow of colors, which reflect the company they work for. These include teal, green, yellow, red, dark blue, and white. All are metered.
By station
Shanghai is connected to many destinations in China by direct train. Trains to southern China, including Hong Kong, will eventually leave from the gleaming Shanghai South Railway Station in Xuihui. Trains to northern and western China leave from the older Shanghai Railway Station. Both stations have easy transfers to the sub way. The best train to catch to Beijing is the overnight express that leaves around 6 PM and arrives in Beijing the next morning. The express train for Hong Kong departs around noon and arrives at the Kowloon station 24 hours later.
 |
|
