How to Take Shanghai Metro

Metro system is more or less different from place to place. Here is a detailed guidance on how to take Shanghai metro, mainly including ten steps:
 A Shanghai metro station usually has two or more entrances and exits, each of which has a clear sign with both Chinese and English descriptions on it, including the station name, entrance/exit number and the metro line number.

Usually, there is a well-marked signpost within 200 - 500 meters (220 - 550 yards) of the station. Follow it, you will easily find an entrance. 
 If you are able to use Shanghai Metro DADUHUI App directly or via Alipay or Wechat, you don't need to buy the ticket and just scan the QR code to pass the ticket gate. 

However, if you need to buy the ticket, you can follow the guide signs to find the ticket office or self-service ticket machines to buy a ticket. 

Read more: Shanghai Metro Ticket

Step 1: Entering the Station

Step 2: Buying Subway Tickets

 The next step is to go through the security check. Remember not to bring in any flammable, explosive, toxic, radioactive, corrosive, sharp or other dangerous items that may endanger the safety of you and other passengers. If you bring water or beverages, the security personnel may check it independently or ask you to open and take a sip during the inspection to prove their safety.
 Keep your transportation QR code or ticket handy and follow the direction signs to the ticket gates just ahead of the security check. Each gate is fitted with two indicator lights. Green light means the gate is in service, and the screen on it shows "please use the ticket" in Chinese, while the red light means the machine is temporarily out of service. 

"Right Hand Principle" is adopted when entering the ticket gate – align the transportation QR code with the scanning area of the gate or hold the ticket in your right hand and put it slightly above the round intelligent card reader on the panel of the gate controller. After brief verification, the gate opens. You can then pass through the gate.

Suppose any malfunction occurs in this process, you can turn to the on-site staff for help.

Step 4: Passing Through the Ticket Gate

Step 5: Going Down to the Platform

 After passing through the ticket gate, you need to take the elevator downstairs or walk down the stairs to the metro train platform on the lower floor. The accessible lift is also available at most metro stations for passengers with mobility issues；to ensure a smooth metro ride, passengers who need it better familiarize with its location in advance.
 Follow the guide signs to find the coming direction of your train and wait orderly in line. Make sure that you are standing within the safety line. You can also check the arrival time of the next train that is displayed on the screen at the platform. Generally speaking, the trains arrive every 2-4 minutes during peak hours in downtown areas, and a little less frequently during off-peak hours and in the suburbs. 

Accessible Lift

Step 6: Waiting for the Train

 When the train arrives, wait for it to completely stop and the doors open wide. You'd better let the fellow passengers get off first before you board. You'll notice the door lights flashing and hear repeated beeps right before the train door closes. If you can't get on in time, just stay behind the safety line for the next train.
 During your trip in the train, there are both electronic displays and voice announcements that inform you of the upcoming station. The duration of the train's stay at the station varies depending on the passenger flow, usually only about 30-40 seconds. Therefore, you'd better take your belongings and prepare to get off in advance, especially when traveling during holiday rushes.

Step 7: Getting on the Train

Step 8: Getting off the Train

 

Step 9: Exiting the Ticket Gate

After getting off the train, you need to go up to the station hall, decide which exit to take and then pass through the ticket gate again to complete your exit check. The “Right Hand Principle” also applies here, just as it does when you enter the gate. 

 For Metro DADUHUI App and other App users: open your travel QR code ahead of time and scan it to exit.

 For transportation card users: hold your card against the card reader, the screen of the gate will show the trip cost and your remaining balance as you exit.

 For users holding paper tickets, which include the single-journey ticket and souvenir ticket: insert the ticket into the slot on the front of the gate to exit after the ticket is verified.
 By following the guide signs, you can easily get out of the station. For passengers' convenience, there are maps in the station showing information of nearby roads, landmark buildings, bus routes, etc.
 1. Guide Signs: You can find many guide signs in and around the Shanghai subway stations. The signs in white show the way to enter a station, buy tickets, and take the train, while the signs in yellow show the way to exit the station.

On the Metro

 

2. Metro Line Transfer: If you plan to transfer at a certain station, remember not to exit the ticket gate. Just follow the guide signs to reach the platform of the connecting line. However, there are exceptions. Suppose you need to transfer at Shanghai Railway Station, West Nanjing Road Station, Changqing Road Station, Caoyang Road Station, or Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2 Station, you have to exit the station first, and then re-enter the station of the connecting line.

3. Safety: Be cautious of the gap between the train and the platform to avoid stepping into it or tripping. If you accidentally drop your phone or any other item into the gap, do not attempt to reach in yourself – immediately seek assistance from the station staff.

4. Luggage: There are mainly two types of ticket gates – tripod gate and flap gat. Passengers with luggage exceeding 30 kilograms (66.14 pounds) in weight, 0.2 cubic meters (0.26 cubic yards) in volume, or 1.7 meters (66.93 inches) in length should use flap gates.

5. Single-trip Time Limit: A single metro trip should be finished within four hours. Otherwise, you'll need to go to the service center and pay additional fare, only after which you will be allowed to exit the station.

6. One full-ticket adult passenger can take two children shorter than 1.3 meters (4.26 feet) for free.