Chionggirl in Shanghai

(Written earlier, but wasn't able to publish on Blogspot)

Hi Peoplez!

I am finally in Shanghai! Have been here for about a week, haven't really got time to get online cos of work, and also because of the Great Firewall of China. I will try to write something about my life here whenever I can, however, from the way I see it, it seems pretty remotely possible. But I will try, nonetheless :)

Ok, this post is about taking the public transport in Shanghai. Since my arrival, I have been commuting across the city in cabs/taxi/出租车. Even though it is relatively cheap (no peak hour surcharge, unlike in Singapore, hmph!), I thought it'd be wise to start using the public transportation system to blend in with the local community, and also to get myself familiar with the roads.

My first venture into public transport happened yesterday, as I attempted to take the bus + train into Huaihai Lu, the Orchard Road of Shanghai. Unfortunately, even with all the homework done online, I didn't manage to find my bus stop because it shifted and I can't locate the replacement bus stop. As a result, I got lost taking an alternative route, and ended up taking a cab to my next public pitstop, Renmin Guangchang 人民广场station.

The train services was really easy, it's pretty much similar to Singapore's MRT station, so you will have no problem navigating your way around. However, do take note that to purchase your ticket, you check your route on the machine, find out the fare to travel to your destination, then go back to the main menu, go to the payment route to pay the fare.

Anyway, this post is about the public transportation, so here are some helpful links to help you navigate around Shanghai:

A Basic Tutorial of Shanghai Bus Services (English) - stumbled upon this website while googling for bus services, very good information telling how to you read bus signs in Shanghai
http://msittig.wubi.org/bus/talk/

English language Bus line information - It's pretty helpful for English speaking newbies in town. But do be aware that it does not give you updates on changes in bus stops.
http://catchyourbus.com/search/node/112

Localised version of the above in Chinese Language - this website shows the stops along the lines and the map at each stop. Very useful:
http://www.84000.com.cn/busline.aspx?categoryID=37&Div=Menu37

Shanghai Metro Map (English)
http://www.exploreshanghai.com/metro/

Same of the above, Chinese Language:
http://www.shmetro.com/zbdt/overall.jpg

Shanghai Public Transportation Card (literal translation by me :d) - I am using cash now, may get this card later.
http://www.sptcc.com/home.php

Shanghai Transportation card - I haven't used it, I will be using cash at the moment.
http://www.sptcc.com/home.php

I would advise that you document each station/stop that you will be passing through between your starting point and ending point, and have a map with you, so that you will know where you are going. I tried to ask the locals, and it seemed like everyone is 'new in town'. Oh well...

By the way, most of the bus services here charges a flat rate of 1 YUAN／元 for non air-conditioned buses and 2 YUAN/元 for air-conditioned services, which is relatively cheap. Train services are charged according to the distance.

I wasn't able to take pictures of where I've been because of the purchase I have in hand. I hope to do so when I am in a more window shopping mode later :)

That's all for now, talk later! :)