With the first line opened from the Central Station to the southern suburbs, Shanghai Metro, one of the youngest underground railways systems worldwide, was put into service in 1995. Nowadays, it replaced the public bus system to be the most frequently used in Shanghai. Shanghai Metro boasts the most rapid development throughout the world. By the end of 2007, the metro network in Shanghai had reached a total length of 227km, with 161 stations and 8 lines in all. Three more lines are still under construction and the whole network will play a more important role in the 41st World Expo, which will be taking place in Shanghai in the year 2010.

It is universally acknowledged that Metro is convenient and less time-consuming for both local citizens and tourists. It is spotlessly clean inside the Metro station and medium-sized supermarkets, groceries and bookstores are all available. The 8 lines in operation can take you to every major tourist’s attraction and commercial area, such as the Bund, Nanjing Road, and Huaihai Road etc. Electronic ticketing has been introduced and a single journey ticket, valid for two hours, can be bought from a ticket booth or at a ticket dispenser. Tickets are designed in different colors and can serve as a special souvenir.