Dear readers,
Due to blogger.com accessiblity by me, I have to set up my own web site at www.q2hoo.com. It is my personal blog to everything I know about Shanghai. So you could go there for more updates about Sanghai.
Welcome you there.
Askhoo
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Train Ticket Booking Office to Increase
Shanghai will plan to increase the number of ticket outlets in the city.
Currently there are 189 ticket booking office around the city. But as 2010 World Expo is coming, Shanghai is expected to service more than triple traffic by train. So the rail authority in shanghai decided to open more outlets to the public to buy tickets conveniently.
However the number of tickets sold at Shanghai Railway Station and Shanghai South Railway Station will be reduced by half. But railway ticket booking offices have a service charge of 5 yuan (US$0.73) on every sold ticket.
What are train ticket outlets? Click here to view photo
Currently there are 189 ticket booking office around the city. But as 2010 World Expo is coming, Shanghai is expected to service more than triple traffic by train. So the rail authority in shanghai decided to open more outlets to the public to buy tickets conveniently.
However the number of tickets sold at Shanghai Railway Station and Shanghai South Railway Station will be reduced by half. But railway ticket booking offices have a service charge of 5 yuan (US$0.73) on every sold ticket.
What are train ticket outlets? Click here to view photo
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Foreigners Overstay in Shanghai
The Shanghai Exit-Entry Administration had found more than 1,000 foreigners who had illegally entered Shanghai, were working illegally in the city, or had overstayed their visas from January to April in 2009.
More than 900 foreigners received warnings, while around 40 were put into custody for overstaying. And further they will be sent back.
More than 900 foreigners received warnings, while around 40 were put into custody for overstaying. And further they will be sent back.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Donghai Bridge with Photos
Donghai Bridge is also called East China Sea Bridge.
It starts from LuChao Harbor of Nanhui District, Shanghai, and ends at Little Yangshan island in Zhejiang Province.
The bridge is total 32.5km long. It links inland of Shanghai to Shanghai Deep Water Port which is located at Little Yangshan island in Zhejiang Province.
Here are some photos of Donghai Bridge.
It starts from LuChao Harbor of Nanhui District, Shanghai, and ends at Little Yangshan island in Zhejiang Province.
The bridge is total 32.5km long. It links inland of Shanghai to Shanghai Deep Water Port which is located at Little Yangshan island in Zhejiang Province.
Here are some photos of Donghai Bridge.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Nelly -- One Day Tour in Shanghai How
Just got an email from Nelly, one of my friend, is planning to visit China in the coming June from US. And she plan to stay Shanghai for just one day then to Chengdu. So she asked me to set up an one-day tour in Shanghai.
Hmm, it is a bit of challenge as Shanghai is a gigantic city. I need to figure out for a while, and show best Shanghai highlights or attractions to her.
Hmm, it is a bit of challenge as Shanghai is a gigantic city. I need to figure out for a while, and show best Shanghai highlights or attractions to her.
Three Amazing Bridges in Shanghai
I n the past, Shanghai municipal government is leading to construct three amazing bridges in the Chinese history.
Three bridges are:
1. Donghai Bridge. (East China Sea Bridge)
2. Hangzhou Bay Bridge
3. Shanghai Yangtze Bridge
Recently I just visited back from Dnoghai Bridge, and it is stunning.
Three bridges are:
1. Donghai Bridge. (East China Sea Bridge)
2. Hangzhou Bay Bridge
3. Shanghai Yangtze Bridge
Recently I just visited back from Dnoghai Bridge, and it is stunning.
Introduction to Jing'an Temple
Jing'an Temple is a Buddhist temple located in Jing'an District of Shanghai. It was built in 247 A.D. , and was relocated to its current place in 1216 during the Song Dynasty of Chinese history. Its most recent renovation was in late 2008.
Jing'an Temple is the oldest Buddist temple in Shanghai.
Jing'an Temple is a great place in the city to experience the fusion of ancient and contemporary China. And two major shopping malls neighbor the temple to become the famous commercial hub of Shanghai. It is a temple to separate peace & tranquility from modern city vibration.
A three-day fair will be held at Jing'an Temple every year around April 8th of Chinese Lunar Year (About May of Solar Year). The fair is widely celebrated and many Buddist pilgrims and their ceremonies make the temple a great place to visit during the period.
Jing'an Temple Address:
1686 Nanjing Rooad (West), Jing'an District
Hours: 7:30am to 17:00pm
Jing'an Temple is easily accessed by Metro Line No. 2. And several bus lines stop by too.
Here is a photo of Jing'an Temple.
Jing'an Temple is the oldest Buddist temple in Shanghai.
Jing'an Temple is a great place in the city to experience the fusion of ancient and contemporary China. And two major shopping malls neighbor the temple to become the famous commercial hub of Shanghai. It is a temple to separate peace & tranquility from modern city vibration.
A three-day fair will be held at Jing'an Temple every year around April 8th of Chinese Lunar Year (About May of Solar Year). The fair is widely celebrated and many Buddist pilgrims and their ceremonies make the temple a great place to visit during the period.
Jing'an Temple Address:
1686 Nanjing Rooad (West), Jing'an District
Hours: 7:30am to 17:00pm
Jing'an Temple is easily accessed by Metro Line No. 2. And several bus lines stop by too.
Here is a photo of Jing'an Temple.
Top Attractions in Shanghai
Top and Best Attractions in Shanghai
1. The Bund
2. Nanjing Road -- Shopping & Leisure Street
3. Jing'an Temple
4. Oritental Pearl TV Tower
5. People's Square
6. Yu Garden & Yu Tourist Mart
7. Xin Tian Di -- Night Life
8. Xu Jia Hui -- Shopping Center in Xuhui Area
1. The Bund
2. Nanjing Road -- Shopping & Leisure Street
3. Jing'an Temple
4. Oritental Pearl TV Tower
5. People's Square
6. Yu Garden & Yu Tourist Mart
7. Xin Tian Di -- Night Life
8. Xu Jia Hui -- Shopping Center in Xuhui Area
Saturday, May 9, 2009
The Bund in Shanghai
The Bund is a street of old colonial-era buildings and the first attraction for many visitors or travellers.
The Bund runs along the west bank of the Huangpu River, where the Puxi Area is seated, and the opposite side is a cluster of Pudong's skyscrapers. That gives you a strong contrast between modern life in Pudong and the past in the Bund.
At the Bund, specially at night, there are excellent views of Pudong's high-rise from the perennially packed promenade.
Eastern Nanjing Road, the main and popular shopping center of Shanghai, heads west from the Bund's centerpoint.
The Bund lining the Huangpu River once was the major financial hub of the Far East. It is considered the city's symbol since the 1920s. It is often referred to as "the museum of buildings", as many different styles of European buildings can be found here, and building heights are restricted.
Here are some photos of the Bund
Now the Bund is under renovation and what the future Bund will be, click here to view
The Bund runs along the west bank of the Huangpu River, where the Puxi Area is seated, and the opposite side is a cluster of Pudong's skyscrapers. That gives you a strong contrast between modern life in Pudong and the past in the Bund.
At the Bund, specially at night, there are excellent views of Pudong's high-rise from the perennially packed promenade.
Eastern Nanjing Road, the main and popular shopping center of Shanghai, heads west from the Bund's centerpoint.
The Bund lining the Huangpu River once was the major financial hub of the Far East. It is considered the city's symbol since the 1920s. It is often referred to as "the museum of buildings", as many different styles of European buildings can be found here, and building heights are restricted.
Here are some photos of the Bund
Now the Bund is under renovation and what the future Bund will be, click here to view
Friday, May 8, 2009
Bund scenic walk under reconstruction
Shanghai's future Bund promenade, a 5 billion yuan (US$733 million) project that will remove the traffic-choked highway and replace it with a pedestrian-friendly riverfront, will be in place as early as October 2009.
The current sightseeing areas along the Bund are being closed to make way for construction.
When the future Bund promenade is finished, before the 2010 Shanghai World Expo, the nearly two-kilometer riverside strip from the Suzhou Creek to Xinkaihe Road - the current site of Shiliupu Dock - will be turned into a pedestrian-only promenade featuring restaurants and other tourist attractions.
A square near Fuzhou Road , designed to provide a venue for major celebrations, will be built on the Bund and provide a prime vantage point for viewing the entire waterfront skyline.
In addition, a square at the Yan'an Road end of the riverfront will feature a display of Bund history.
Read more about "The Bund", please click here.
Here is photo for renovated Bund in the coming days. Click image itself to view large photo.
The current sightseeing areas along the Bund are being closed to make way for construction.
When the future Bund promenade is finished, before the 2010 Shanghai World Expo, the nearly two-kilometer riverside strip from the Suzhou Creek to Xinkaihe Road - the current site of Shiliupu Dock - will be turned into a pedestrian-only promenade featuring restaurants and other tourist attractions.
A square near Fuzhou Road , designed to provide a venue for major celebrations, will be built on the Bund and provide a prime vantage point for viewing the entire waterfront skyline.
In addition, a square at the Yan'an Road end of the riverfront will feature a display of Bund history.
Read more about "The Bund", please click here.
Here is photo for renovated Bund in the coming days. Click image itself to view large photo.
Shanghai Qiangsheng Taxi with Photos
Here are photos of Shanghai Qiangsheng Taxi. They are now providing English service on the car via interphone.
Tips about Qiangsheng Cabs:
1. The painted color of cab: Yellow
2. Taxi Booking Hotline: 62580000 (Mainly in Chinese, but they do have bilingual operators)
3. Not all Qiangsheng cabs have interphone now. But Qiangsheng will get more and more till 2010, the year of Shanghai World Expo.
Tips about Qiangsheng Cabs:
1. The painted color of cab: Yellow
2. Taxi Booking Hotline: 62580000 (Mainly in Chinese, but they do have bilingual operators)
3. Not all Qiangsheng cabs have interphone now. But Qiangsheng will get more and more till 2010, the year of Shanghai World Expo.
Non-stop Flights from Shanghai to India
Airliner: India Airline
Flight No.: AI349
From Shanghai to Delhi then Bombay
Flight Time: Departure from Shanghai at 22pm local time, Arrival Delhi at 2am local time next day, then continue to fly till Bombay at 5:20am local time
Flight Schedule: Every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday
Travel time from Shanghai to Delhi: Around 6 hours, and nine hours to Bombay
Airliner: China Eastern Airline
Flight No.: MU563
From Shanghai to Delhi
Flight Time: Departure from Shanghai at 22:20pm local time, Arrival Delhi at 2:50am Local time next day
Flight Schedule: Every Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday
Travel time from Shanghai to Delhi: Around 6 hours
Airliner: Jet Airways (India)
Flight No.: 9W210
From San Francisco to Bombay via Shanghai
Flight Time: Departure from Shanghai at 3:30am local time, Arrival Bombay at 8:20am local time
Flight Schedule: Daily
Each flight has pros and cons.
Flights of India Airline and China Eastern Airline are good for departure time from Shanghai. Passengers could take subway and Maglev train to Pudong International Airport. Of course, passengers could take taxi or airport shuttle bus as well. However, the arrival time in India is not good as departure.
Flight of Jet Airways are good for arrival time in Bombay, India. But if you leave from Shanghai, you are better to get to Pudong Internationaql Airport before Shanghai Metro, Maglev or Airport Shuttle Bus end the service. And you will wait at Pudong International Airport for hours till flight departure time. Of course, Shanghai taxi service has a late night operation, and you could hire taxi driver to avoid waiting in the airport, but the price will be charged way above the regular hours.
Read more related articles:
Shanghai Taxi Fare Charge
Shanghai Taxi Available in English
Shanghai Maglev Train Schedule
Flight No.: AI349
From Shanghai to Delhi then Bombay
Flight Time: Departure from Shanghai at 22pm local time, Arrival Delhi at 2am local time next day, then continue to fly till Bombay at 5:20am local time
Flight Schedule: Every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday
Travel time from Shanghai to Delhi: Around 6 hours, and nine hours to Bombay
Airliner: China Eastern Airline
Flight No.: MU563
From Shanghai to Delhi
Flight Time: Departure from Shanghai at 22:20pm local time, Arrival Delhi at 2:50am Local time next day
Flight Schedule: Every Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday
Travel time from Shanghai to Delhi: Around 6 hours
Airliner: Jet Airways (India)
Flight No.: 9W210
From San Francisco to Bombay via Shanghai
Flight Time: Departure from Shanghai at 3:30am local time, Arrival Bombay at 8:20am local time
Flight Schedule: Daily
Each flight has pros and cons.
Flights of India Airline and China Eastern Airline are good for departure time from Shanghai. Passengers could take subway and Maglev train to Pudong International Airport. Of course, passengers could take taxi or airport shuttle bus as well. However, the arrival time in India is not good as departure.
Flight of Jet Airways are good for arrival time in Bombay, India. But if you leave from Shanghai, you are better to get to Pudong Internationaql Airport before Shanghai Metro, Maglev or Airport Shuttle Bus end the service. And you will wait at Pudong International Airport for hours till flight departure time. Of course, Shanghai taxi service has a late night operation, and you could hire taxi driver to avoid waiting in the airport, but the price will be charged way above the regular hours.
Read more related articles:
Shanghai Taxi Fare Charge
Shanghai Taxi Available in English
Shanghai Maglev Train Schedule
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Swine Flu - No influence for outgoing passengers at Pudong International Airport
Passengers leaving from Pudong International Airport won't be affected by swine flu checks. They should arrive at the airport about two hours ahead of takeoff for international flights as ususal.
Swine flu checks so far only focus on incoming flights or ships from overseas and do not affect outbound trips.
Swine flu checks so far only focus on incoming flights or ships from overseas and do not affect outbound trips.
Lu Pu Bridge Observation Deck - the best place to overlook Shanghai 2010 Expo
The observation deck on the Lu Pu bridge was officially open to the public from 1st May. Today I went there to experience the best view point of Shanghai 2010 Expo.
Lu Pu Bridge is the southest bridge over the HuangPu River connecting the PuXi and PuDong. It is also the longest steel arch bridge in the world.
Get there: currently only the entrance at Lu Ban Road on the Pu Xi side(west side of the Huangpu river) is open. So I took Metro Line 4 and got off at Lu Ban Road station and walked about 10 minutes to get there.
Price: At the ticket office, I was told that May is the pilot month for the observation deck. So special price 38RMB is charged for admission. But after 1st June, full price 80RMB will be charged for entrance.
The deck: There are two observation decks on different levels. The first level is the same height with the road for cars and I had to take the lift to get there. Then I walked the staircase to get on the top observation deck.
The view: It was not an easy walk and took me about 10 minutes to get on the top. The view was absolutely stunning although Shanghai 2010 Expo is still under construction. The square shaped observation deck offers the 360 degree best view of Shanghai.
Note: Different from other observatory in the skyscrapers in Shanghai, Lu Pu Bridge Observation deck provides the unique point to viewboth west and east side of the city. It does needs some energy to get on the top, and make sure you don't have vertigo or any fitness difficulties.
Lu Pu Bridge is the southest bridge over the HuangPu River connecting the PuXi and PuDong. It is also the longest steel arch bridge in the world.
Get there: currently only the entrance at Lu Ban Road on the Pu Xi side(west side of the Huangpu river) is open. So I took Metro Line 4 and got off at Lu Ban Road station and walked about 10 minutes to get there.
Price: At the ticket office, I was told that May is the pilot month for the observation deck. So special price 38RMB is charged for admission. But after 1st June, full price 80RMB will be charged for entrance.
The deck: There are two observation decks on different levels. The first level is the same height with the road for cars and I had to take the lift to get there. Then I walked the staircase to get on the top observation deck.
The view: It was not an easy walk and took me about 10 minutes to get on the top. The view was absolutely stunning although Shanghai 2010 Expo is still under construction. The square shaped observation deck offers the 360 degree best view of Shanghai.
Note: Different from other observatory in the skyscrapers in Shanghai, Lu Pu Bridge Observation deck provides the unique point to viewboth west and east side of the city. It does needs some energy to get on the top, and make sure you don't have vertigo or any fitness difficulties.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Shanghai Taxi Available in English
Shanghai Qiangsheng Group launched a new service for English-speaking passengers on May 1, 2009.
English-speaking operators will be available via interphone in each of its 7,000 cabs in the city.
Passengers or travellers can talk directly to English operators when there is difficulty communicating with the taxi driver of Qiangsheng.
Good news.
What are Shanghai Qiangsheng Cabs? Please click here to view photos.
English-speaking operators will be available via interphone in each of its 7,000 cabs in the city.
Passengers or travellers can talk directly to English operators when there is difficulty communicating with the taxi driver of Qiangsheng.
Good news.
What are Shanghai Qiangsheng Cabs? Please click here to view photos.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Shanghai Dazhong Cab with Photo
Shanghai Dazhong Taxi Company is one of the best taxi company in Shanghai.
You could book taxi service through company hotline service.
Dazhong Tax Service Hotline: 96822 (English service available)
Here is a photo of Dazhong Taxi:
You could book taxi service through company hotline service.
Dazhong Tax Service Hotline: 96822 (English service available)
Here is a photo of Dazhong Taxi:
Shanghai Taxi Fare Charge
Daytime Operation Hour: (5am to 23pm)
Route Distance from 0 to 3km: 11 RMB
Route Distance from 3 to 10km: 2.1RMB per km plus first 11RMB for first 3km.
Route Distance above 10km: 3.2RMB per km plus first 1okm taxi fare.
Late Night Operation Hour: (23pm to 5am next day)
Route Distance from 0 to 3km: 14 RMB
Route Distance from 3 to 10km: 2.7RMB per km plus first 14RMB for first 3km.
Route Distance above 10km: 4.1RMB per km plus first 1okm taxi fare.
However, as a traveller, you don't need to worry about fee calculation by the above complex system. It all will be done by meter. Ususally, you just need to know total fee from your starting point to destination. Within city, if taxi driver charge you over 200RMB, you may need to be aware about any overcharge incurred.
Read more about Shanghai Taxi, please click "Get around Shanghai by Taxi"
Route Distance from 0 to 3km: 11 RMB
Route Distance from 3 to 10km: 2.1RMB per km plus first 11RMB for first 3km.
Route Distance above 10km: 3.2RMB per km plus first 1okm taxi fare.
Late Night Operation Hour: (23pm to 5am next day)
Route Distance from 0 to 3km: 14 RMB
Route Distance from 3 to 10km: 2.7RMB per km plus first 14RMB for first 3km.
Route Distance above 10km: 4.1RMB per km plus first 1okm taxi fare.
However, as a traveller, you don't need to worry about fee calculation by the above complex system. It all will be done by meter. Ususally, you just need to know total fee from your starting point to destination. Within city, if taxi driver charge you over 200RMB, you may need to be aware about any overcharge incurred.
Read more about Shanghai Taxi, please click "Get around Shanghai by Taxi"
Shanghai Metro Line No. 1 Operation Hour (2009 Edition)
From XinZhuang Station to Fujin Road Station
First Train: 5:30am
Last Train: 22:32pm
From Fujin Road Station to XinZhuang Station
First Train: 5:40am
Last Train: 22:30pm
First Train: 5:30am
Last Train: 22:32pm
From Fujin Road Station to XinZhuang Station
First Train: 5:40am
Last Train: 22:30pm
How to get to Shanghai Long Distance Central Bus Station from Pudong International Airport?
Choice A: Maglev Train + Shanghai Metro
1. Take Shanghai Maglev Train at Pudong international airport. (Click here to view train schedule)
2. Get off at Longyang Road Maglev Train Station.
3. Transfer to Shanghai Metro Line No. 2 at Longyang Road Metro Station. (Click here to view Metro Line No. 2 time schedule). And take Metro going westbound to Songhong Road Station.
Tips: From Longyang Road Maglev Train Station to Longyang Road Metro Station, it is around 2 minutes walking distance.
4. Get off at People's Square Metro Station.
5. Transfer to Metro Station Line No. 1 (Click here to view Metro Line No. 1 time schedule). And take Metro gonig Northbound to Fujin Road Station.
6. Get off at Shanghai Railway Station.
7. Then follow road sign of underground to the Northern Square of Shanghai Railway Station.
Tips: Northen Square in Chinese = 北广场
Tips: When you get off at Metro Shanghai Railway Station, it may take around 10 minute walk to Northern Square.
8. Shanghai Long Distance Central Bus Station is located in the Northern Square of Shanghai Railway Station.
Still not found, you could ask local people by using this Chinese printout:
上海长途客运总站在哪里? (It means "where is Shanghai Long Distance Central Bus Station")
Pros & Cons of Choice A:
1. Travel time is more reliable and shorter than other ground transportation.
2. You need to transfer 2 times, and it may take some transfer time.
3. If you travel with light-loaded luggages, this choice is a better one.
Choice B: Taxi
You could take taxi at Pudong International Airport. The taxi fee is around 150RMB or even more. The actual fee will depend on traffic. If you take taxi in the late night, the extra charge will apply for late operation fee. (Click here to view detail about Shanghai Taxi Fare)
Time: Around one and half hour or more. The actual time will depend on traffic.
Distance: About 46km (29 miles or so).
Choice C: Airport Shuttle Bus No. 5
You could take airport shuttle bus No. 5 which is from Pudong International Airport to Shanghai Railway Station directly.
Price: about 20RMB
Time: Around one and half hour or more. The actual time will depend on traffic.
1. Take Shanghai Maglev Train at Pudong international airport. (Click here to view train schedule)
2. Get off at Longyang Road Maglev Train Station.
3. Transfer to Shanghai Metro Line No. 2 at Longyang Road Metro Station. (Click here to view Metro Line No. 2 time schedule). And take Metro going westbound to Songhong Road Station.
Tips: From Longyang Road Maglev Train Station to Longyang Road Metro Station, it is around 2 minutes walking distance.
4. Get off at People's Square Metro Station.
5. Transfer to Metro Station Line No. 1 (Click here to view Metro Line No. 1 time schedule). And take Metro gonig Northbound to Fujin Road Station.
6. Get off at Shanghai Railway Station.
7. Then follow road sign of underground to the Northern Square of Shanghai Railway Station.
Tips: Northen Square in Chinese = 北广场
Tips: When you get off at Metro Shanghai Railway Station, it may take around 10 minute walk to Northern Square.
8. Shanghai Long Distance Central Bus Station is located in the Northern Square of Shanghai Railway Station.
Still not found, you could ask local people by using this Chinese printout:
上海长途客运总站在哪里? (It means "where is Shanghai Long Distance Central Bus Station")
Pros & Cons of Choice A:
1. Travel time is more reliable and shorter than other ground transportation.
2. You need to transfer 2 times, and it may take some transfer time.
3. If you travel with light-loaded luggages, this choice is a better one.
Choice B: Taxi
You could take taxi at Pudong International Airport. The taxi fee is around 150RMB or even more. The actual fee will depend on traffic. If you take taxi in the late night, the extra charge will apply for late operation fee. (Click here to view detail about Shanghai Taxi Fare)
Time: Around one and half hour or more. The actual time will depend on traffic.
Distance: About 46km (29 miles or so).
Choice C: Airport Shuttle Bus No. 5
You could take airport shuttle bus No. 5 which is from Pudong International Airport to Shanghai Railway Station directly.
Price: about 20RMB
Time: Around one and half hour or more. The actual time will depend on traffic.
Where is Shanghai Long Distance Central Bus Station?
Shanghai Long Distance Central Bus Station is located in the northern square of Shanghai Railway Station.
It is very convenient to access Central Bus Station when you get off from trains, and transfer to other cities in the Yangtze delta area.
Address of Shanghai Long Distance Central Bus Station:
1662 Zhongxing Road, Zhabei District (crossing Hengfeng Bei Road)
Chinese name of Shanghai Long Distance Central Bus Station:
上海长途汽车客运总站
Photo of Shanghai Long Distance Central Bus Station
It is very convenient to access Central Bus Station when you get off from trains, and transfer to other cities in the Yangtze delta area.
Address of Shanghai Long Distance Central Bus Station:
1662 Zhongxing Road, Zhabei District (crossing Hengfeng Bei Road)
Chinese name of Shanghai Long Distance Central Bus Station:
上海长途汽车客运总站
Photo of Shanghai Long Distance Central Bus Station
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Bullet Trains from Shanghai to Yiwu
Yiwu (simplified Chinese: 义乌) is located in central Zhejiang Province near the central eastern coast of China.
The city is famous for its small commodity trade and vibrant free markets and is a regional tourist destination.
From Shanghai, there are several bullet trains to Yiwu.
Train No.: D5685
From Shanghai South Railway Station to Yiwu Railway Station
Departure Time: 7:20am
Arrival Time: 9:40am
Distance: 312km (About 194miles)
Price: 116RMB in First Class Soft Seat Coach, 97RMB in Second Class Soft Seat Coach
Train No.: D5689
From Shanghai South Railway Station to QuZhou (Final Stop)
Departure Time: 7:44am
Arrival Time at Yiwu: 10:05am
Distance: 312km (About 194miles)
Price: 116RMB in First Class Soft Seat Coach, 97RMB in Second Class Soft Seat Coach
Train No.: D5665
From Shanghai South Railway Station to JinHuang West Railway Station (Final Stop)
Departure Time: 13:12am
Arrival Time at Yiwu: 15:25am
Distance: 312km (About 194miles)
Price: 116RMB in First Class Soft Seat Coach, 97RMB in Second Class Soft Seat Coach
Train No.: D109/D112
From Shanghai South Railway Station to Changsha Railway Station (Final Stop)
Departure Time: 15:35am
Arrival Time at Yiwu: 17:41am
Distance: 312km (About 194miles)
Price: 116RMB in First Class Soft Seat Coach, 97RMB in Second Class Soft Seat Coach
What is Bullet Train or CRH in China? Please click here to view photos
The city is famous for its small commodity trade and vibrant free markets and is a regional tourist destination.
From Shanghai, there are several bullet trains to Yiwu.
Train No.: D5685
From Shanghai South Railway Station to Yiwu Railway Station
Departure Time: 7:20am
Arrival Time: 9:40am
Distance: 312km (About 194miles)
Price: 116RMB in First Class Soft Seat Coach, 97RMB in Second Class Soft Seat Coach
Train No.: D5689
From Shanghai South Railway Station to QuZhou (Final Stop)
Departure Time: 7:44am
Arrival Time at Yiwu: 10:05am
Distance: 312km (About 194miles)
Price: 116RMB in First Class Soft Seat Coach, 97RMB in Second Class Soft Seat Coach
Train No.: D5665
From Shanghai South Railway Station to JinHuang West Railway Station (Final Stop)
Departure Time: 13:12am
Arrival Time at Yiwu: 15:25am
Distance: 312km (About 194miles)
Price: 116RMB in First Class Soft Seat Coach, 97RMB in Second Class Soft Seat Coach
Train No.: D109/D112
From Shanghai South Railway Station to Changsha Railway Station (Final Stop)
Departure Time: 15:35am
Arrival Time at Yiwu: 17:41am
Distance: 312km (About 194miles)
Price: 116RMB in First Class Soft Seat Coach, 97RMB in Second Class Soft Seat Coach
What is Bullet Train or CRH in China? Please click here to view photos
McDonald's Meal Price in Shanghai (Part Two)
1. Lunch Meal (After 10am)
Premium Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Milkshake (Small Size)
Shake Shake Fries (Large Size)
Spicy Chicken McWings (2pcs)
Total: 32RMB
A La Carte Prices:
Big Mac: 14RMB
Spicy Chicken Filet Burger: 14.5RMB
Quarter Ponder Cucumber Vegetable Burger: 16RMB
Premium Grilled Chicken Sandwich: 14RMB
File-O-Fish: 13.50RMB
Mala Premium Grilled Chicken Sandwich: 14.50RMB
Spicy McWings (4pcs): 14RMB
Chicken McNuggets (5pcs): 6RMB
Enjoy
Tips: RMB = Chinese Yen 1 US$ = 6.82 RMB on 5/2/2009
For part one, please click here
Premium Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Milkshake (Small Size)
Shake Shake Fries (Large Size)
Spicy Chicken McWings (2pcs)
Total: 32RMB
A La Carte Prices:
Big Mac: 14RMB
Spicy Chicken Filet Burger: 14.5RMB
Quarter Ponder Cucumber Vegetable Burger: 16RMB
Premium Grilled Chicken Sandwich: 14RMB
File-O-Fish: 13.50RMB
Mala Premium Grilled Chicken Sandwich: 14.50RMB
Spicy McWings (4pcs): 14RMB
Chicken McNuggets (5pcs): 6RMB
Enjoy
Tips: RMB = Chinese Yen 1 US$ = 6.82 RMB on 5/2/2009
For part one, please click here
China Bullet Train - CRH with Photos
CRH -- Chinese Railway High-speed
Speed: 200 to 250km per hour
Speed: 350km per hour
However, currently most high-speed rails are operated in China with a speed of 200km per hour. Several lines are under construction with design speed of 300 or 350km per hour.
From Shanghai, there are many services provided by CRH:
1. CRH: Shanghai to Beijing
2. CRH: Shanghai to Hefei
3. CRH: Shanghai to Suzhou, Wuxi, and Nanjing
4. CRH: Shanghai to Hangzhou, Yiwu, and Jinhua
Speed: 200 to 250km per hour
Speed: 350km per hour
However, currently most high-speed rails are operated in China with a speed of 200km per hour. Several lines are under construction with design speed of 300 or 350km per hour.
From Shanghai, there are many services provided by CRH:
1. CRH: Shanghai to Beijing
2. CRH: Shanghai to Hefei
3. CRH: Shanghai to Suzhou, Wuxi, and Nanjing
4. CRH: Shanghai to Hangzhou, Yiwu, and Jinhua
CRH is designated as letter D plus several digits to differentiate services. For example, D5685 is CRH starting from Shanghai South Railway Station to Yiwu Railway Station, and it only takes 2 hours and 20 minutes from Shanghai to Yiwu.
Photos of CRH
Wanbang City Garden with Photos
Wanbang City Gardens is a huge multi-floor apartment complex in Shanghai seated opposite to the Longyang Road Metro station of Metro Line No. 2.
Many foreign expatriates live in this apartment complex as Longyang Road Station is a convenient transportation hub to access the city of Shanghai.
There are many stores (such as Lawson), laundry, real estate offices, ATMs and massage parlors inside or around the complex.
In the southern street of apartment complex, there are many Chinese restaurants to serve residents around this area.
Photo of Wanbang City Garden Complex:
Many foreign expatriates live in this apartment complex as Longyang Road Station is a convenient transportation hub to access the city of Shanghai.
There are many stores (such as Lawson), laundry, real estate offices, ATMs and massage parlors inside or around the complex.
In the southern street of apartment complex, there are many Chinese restaurants to serve residents around this area.
Photo of Wanbang City Garden Complex:
Photos of Interior Wanbang Apartment: (Reference only, and internal decoration varied from landlords)
Apartment Rent around Longyang Road Pudong Shanghai
Longyang Road Station of Metro Line No. 2 is one of the biggest Shanghai transportation hub in Pudong New Area.
Around there, we have Shanghai Maglev Train Station, Pudong Bus Hub, and Metro Line etc. It is a place to easily access downtown and Pudong international airport.
Longyang Road Station is just one stop away from Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park of Shanghai where there are many international companies, such as SAP Labs China, Satyam Shanghai, HP Shanghai, and Infosys R&D Shanghai etc.
Therefore, apartments around Longyang Road Station are highly rented by people who are working in Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park as a convenient in & out.
For example, Wanbang city garden is very popular among Indian engineers working in Zhangjiang Hi-Tech park.
So dependent on apartment, current rent rate around Longyang Road Station will be:
one bedroom: 1500 RMB per month (unfurnitured, 10 minutes walk from Metro Line No. 2 Station)
one bedroom in Wanbang City Garden: 2800 to 3500 RMB per month (furnitured, 5 minutes walk from Metro Line No. 2 Station)
For most engineers, they ususally share apartment together. For example, in Wanbang City Garden, rent of three bedrooms with two living rooms apartment is only asked around 4200 to 5000 RMB. So shared by three persons, it will be a good deal for everybody.
If you want to know more about Wanbang City Garden, please click here for its photos.
Around there, we have Shanghai Maglev Train Station, Pudong Bus Hub, and Metro Line etc. It is a place to easily access downtown and Pudong international airport.
Longyang Road Station is just one stop away from Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park of Shanghai where there are many international companies, such as SAP Labs China, Satyam Shanghai, HP Shanghai, and Infosys R&D Shanghai etc.
Therefore, apartments around Longyang Road Station are highly rented by people who are working in Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park as a convenient in & out.
For example, Wanbang city garden is very popular among Indian engineers working in Zhangjiang Hi-Tech park.
So dependent on apartment, current rent rate around Longyang Road Station will be:
one bedroom: 1500 RMB per month (unfurnitured, 10 minutes walk from Metro Line No. 2 Station)
one bedroom in Wanbang City Garden: 2800 to 3500 RMB per month (furnitured, 5 minutes walk from Metro Line No. 2 Station)
For most engineers, they ususally share apartment together. For example, in Wanbang City Garden, rent of three bedrooms with two living rooms apartment is only asked around 4200 to 5000 RMB. So shared by three persons, it will be a good deal for everybody.
If you want to know more about Wanbang City Garden, please click here for its photos.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Round Trip from Newzealand to Shanghai with Great Fare (End on 6/30/2009)
Travel from March 1, 2009 to June 30, 2009
Round Trip between Auckland and Shanghai
Air Fare: 5300RMB
Plus tax and surcharge: 1260RMB
Total: 6560RMB
Pacific Economy Class
Tips: 1 US$ = 1.75NZ$ 1 NZ$ = 3.89 RMB on May 2, 2009
Round Trip between Auckland and Shanghai
Air Fare: 5300RMB
Plus tax and surcharge: 1260RMB
Total: 6560RMB
Pacific Economy Class
Tips: 1 US$ = 1.75NZ$ 1 NZ$ = 3.89 RMB on May 2, 2009
Shanghai Metro A New Record High on April 30
It was just before May Day Holiday, a long weekend for Chinese.
On April 30, 2009, Shanghai Metro System is overloaded with a record high number of passengers, all the metro lines carrying more than 4.42 million passengers daily.
Passengers mainly are commuters, tourists, and bargain shoppers.
Each Metro Line traffic has been recorded as follows:
Metro Line No. 1: 1.30 million
Metro Line No. 2: 1.04 million
Metro Line No. 3: 0.55 million (New Record High)
Metro Line No. 4: 0.70 million (New Record High)
Metro Line No. 5: 0.13 million (New Record High)
Metro Line No. 6: 0.18 million (New Record High)
Metro Line No. 8: 0.37 million (New Record High)
Metro Line No. 9: 0.15 million (New Record High)
On April 30, 2009, Shanghai Metro System is overloaded with a record high number of passengers, all the metro lines carrying more than 4.42 million passengers daily.
Passengers mainly are commuters, tourists, and bargain shoppers.
Each Metro Line traffic has been recorded as follows:
Metro Line No. 1: 1.30 million
Metro Line No. 2: 1.04 million
Metro Line No. 3: 0.55 million (New Record High)
Metro Line No. 4: 0.70 million (New Record High)
Metro Line No. 5: 0.13 million (New Record High)
Metro Line No. 6: 0.18 million (New Record High)
Metro Line No. 8: 0.37 million (New Record High)
Metro Line No. 9: 0.15 million (New Record High)
Shanghai Metro Line No. 2 Operation Hour (2009 Edition)
From Songhong Road Station to Zhangjiang Hi-tech Park Station
First Train: 5:42am
Last Train: 22:53pm
From Zhangjiang Hi-tech Park Station to Songhong Road Station
First Train: 5:55am
Last Train: 22:30pm
First Train: 5:42am
Last Train: 22:53pm
From Zhangjiang Hi-tech Park Station to Songhong Road Station
First Train: 5:55am
Last Train: 22:30pm
Shanghai Booking Office for Train Tickets (Photo)
Here is photo of Shanghai Booking Office for Train Tickets which is around the city. Chinese is translated as "Booking Office for Train Tickets" where you could buy train ticket in advance.
McDonald's Meal Price in Shanghai (Part One)
1. Happy Meal
Entree
Hamburger Meal -- 16 RMB
CheeseBurger Meal -- 17RMB
Chicken McNuggets Meal (4pcs) -- 17.50RMB
Egg & Ham McPuff Meal -- 18.50RMB
Side Choice
Corn Cup (Small) or French Fries (Small)
Drink
Milk
Orange Juice (plus 1 RMB)
Hot Chocolate
Soft Drink (Small Size)
Ice Dew Mineralized Water
2. Breakfast Meal (Before 9:45am)
Sausang McMuffin with Egg
Premium Brewed Coffee (Large Size)
Hash BrownEgg & Ham McPuff
Total: 27 RMB
A La Carte Prices:
Sausang McMuffin: 10.5 RMB
Egg McMuffin: 11.5 RMB
Sausage McMuffin with Egg: 12.5 RMB
Egg Burger: 6.5 RMB
Sausang McMuffin with Egg: 11.5 RMB
Hotcakes: 10 RMB
Hotcakes with Sausage: 14 RMB
Big Breakfast: 15 RMB
Enjoy.
Tips: RMB = Chinese Yen 1 US$ = 6.82 RMB on 5/1/2009
For part two, please click here
Entree
Hamburger Meal -- 16 RMB
CheeseBurger Meal -- 17RMB
Chicken McNuggets Meal (4pcs) -- 17.50RMB
Egg & Ham McPuff Meal -- 18.50RMB
Side Choice
Corn Cup (Small) or French Fries (Small)
Drink
Milk
Orange Juice (plus 1 RMB)
Hot Chocolate
Soft Drink (Small Size)
Ice Dew Mineralized Water
2. Breakfast Meal (Before 9:45am)
Sausang McMuffin with Egg
Premium Brewed Coffee (Large Size)
Hash BrownEgg & Ham McPuff
Total: 27 RMB
A La Carte Prices:
Sausang McMuffin: 10.5 RMB
Egg McMuffin: 11.5 RMB
Sausage McMuffin with Egg: 12.5 RMB
Egg Burger: 6.5 RMB
Sausang McMuffin with Egg: 11.5 RMB
Hotcakes: 10 RMB
Hotcakes with Sausage: 14 RMB
Big Breakfast: 15 RMB
Enjoy.
Tips: RMB = Chinese Yen 1 US$ = 6.82 RMB on 5/1/2009
For part two, please click here
Shanghai Metro Map (2009 Edition)
Here is an updated edition of Shanghai Metro Map (Bilingual)
Click image for enlarged edition
Click image for enlarged edition
Shanghai Electricity Rate (2009 Edition)
Peak Time Rate: 0.617RMB per KW*Hour (KiloWatt per Hour)
Off-Peak Time Rate: 0.30 RMB per KW*Hour
Peak Time: From 6am to 22pm
Off-Peak Time: From 22pm to 6am next day
However, you may need to apply for time-of-use rate offered by Shanghai Municipal Electric Power Company. But for tenants, you should ask your landlord to help you get approval for time-of-use rate.
Off-Peak Time Rate: 0.30 RMB per KW*Hour
Peak Time: From 6am to 22pm
Off-Peak Time: From 22pm to 6am next day
However, you may need to apply for time-of-use rate offered by Shanghai Municipal Electric Power Company. But for tenants, you should ask your landlord to help you get approval for time-of-use rate.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Hotels nearby Shanghai Pudong International Airport
A. Ramada Pudong Airport Shanghai Hotel
Ramada Pudong Airport Shanghai Hotel is located next to Pudong International Airport and is rated as 4-star international hotel. It has 3.4km (2.11miles) to the Pudong Airport.
Address: No. 1100 Qihang Road, Pudong Airport, Shanghai
Tel. : 86-21-38494949
Regular Price: 780RMB to 2380 RMB per night.
B. Jin Jiang Inn Shanghai Pudong Airport
Jin Jiang Inn at Pudong Airport is a budget hotel in Shanghai. There are two inns owned by Jin Jiang Group nearby Pudong Airport.
Jin Jiang Inn Shanghai Pudong Airport 1
Address: No. 8 Qihang Road, Pudong Airport, Shanghai
Tel.: 86-21-68353568 (May not speak English)
Regular Price: 259RMB to 359RMB per night
Jin Jiang Inn Shanghai Pudong Airport 2
Address: No. 850 Pudong International Airport Road, Shanghai
Tel.: 86-21-68853886 (May not speak English)
Regular Price: 319RMB to 359RMB per night
Tips:
1. Don't take taxi to the hotel or inns. Taxi drivers would not be happy because they usually take more than 2 hours in the taxi waiting queue. And they like to drive for passengers going to city center.
2. Ramada hotel provides free shuttle pickup service, and passengers may check with hotel's reception desk at No. 9 exit of Shanghai Pudong Airport.
3. Jin Jiang Inn has free shuttle bus to and from airport, and you may need to check with inn for detail.
4. If you really need a taxi to drive you to hotel or inns nearby Shanghai Pudong Airport, you could negotiate with taxi driver for price, I beleive above 50RMB is acceptable for drivers based on longer waiting time in the taxi pool.
Ramada Pudong Airport Shanghai Hotel is located next to Pudong International Airport and is rated as 4-star international hotel. It has 3.4km (2.11miles) to the Pudong Airport.
Address: No. 1100 Qihang Road, Pudong Airport, Shanghai
Tel. : 86-21-38494949
Regular Price: 780RMB to 2380 RMB per night.
B. Jin Jiang Inn Shanghai Pudong Airport
Jin Jiang Inn at Pudong Airport is a budget hotel in Shanghai. There are two inns owned by Jin Jiang Group nearby Pudong Airport.
Jin Jiang Inn Shanghai Pudong Airport 1
Address: No. 8 Qihang Road, Pudong Airport, Shanghai
Tel.: 86-21-68353568 (May not speak English)
Regular Price: 259RMB to 359RMB per night
Jin Jiang Inn Shanghai Pudong Airport 2
Address: No. 850 Pudong International Airport Road, Shanghai
Tel.: 86-21-68853886 (May not speak English)
Regular Price: 319RMB to 359RMB per night
Tips:
1. Don't take taxi to the hotel or inns. Taxi drivers would not be happy because they usually take more than 2 hours in the taxi waiting queue. And they like to drive for passengers going to city center.
2. Ramada hotel provides free shuttle pickup service, and passengers may check with hotel's reception desk at No. 9 exit of Shanghai Pudong Airport.
3. Jin Jiang Inn has free shuttle bus to and from airport, and you may need to check with inn for detail.
4. If you really need a taxi to drive you to hotel or inns nearby Shanghai Pudong Airport, you could negotiate with taxi driver for price, I beleive above 50RMB is acceptable for drivers based on longer waiting time in the taxi pool.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
How to Get from Shanghai Hongqiao Airport to People's Square
Distance between Shanghai Hongqiao Airport and People's Square: 13km (about 8 miles)
Choice A: By Taxi
Taxi fare is about 45 RMB. (Regular operation hour, extra charge may apply during late night operation hour. About how to charge extra fee, please check here)
Time: About half hour (Will depend on traffic)
Notice: The negative thing about Hongqiao Airport is its taxi waiting queue. You may need to wait more than 30 minutes to get your taxi ride.
Choice B: By Bus
Bus No. 925A
From Hongqiao Airport to People's Square
Bus Fare 4 RMB
You also could take airport shuttle bus to downtown. However, you need a transfer to get People's Square.
Choice C: By Metro
Metro Line No.2 is planning to extend to Hongqiao Airport. And it is under construction now.
Now, you still need to have a taxi or bus to get Songhong Road Metro Station first. And from there, you take Metro Line No. 2 to get off in People's Square.
Choice A: By Taxi
Taxi fare is about 45 RMB. (Regular operation hour, extra charge may apply during late night operation hour. About how to charge extra fee, please check here)
Time: About half hour (Will depend on traffic)
Notice: The negative thing about Hongqiao Airport is its taxi waiting queue. You may need to wait more than 30 minutes to get your taxi ride.
Choice B: By Bus
Bus No. 925A
From Hongqiao Airport to People's Square
Bus Fare 4 RMB
You also could take airport shuttle bus to downtown. However, you need a transfer to get People's Square.
Choice C: By Metro
Metro Line No.2 is planning to extend to Hongqiao Airport. And it is under construction now.
Now, you still need to have a taxi or bus to get Songhong Road Metro Station first. And from there, you take Metro Line No. 2 to get off in People's Square.
Introduction to Shanghai Airport
There are two airports in Shanghai. One is Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and the other is Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA).
Pudong International Airport is located in the east of Shanghai, and it is about 30km (18.64 miles) away from the city center of People's Square. It mainly services to international flights and some domestic flights which link to the most southern cities of China.
Hongqiao Airport is located in the west side of Shanghai, and called Puxi. It is about 13km (about 8 miles) west of the downtown. It mainly services to domestic flights which can link to most cities in China. Hongqiao airport also functions as a standby airport for international flights, in case unexpected situations shut down Pudong airport.
The distance between two airports is more than 40km (24.85 miles). Travellers could reach to other airport by taxi and shuttle bus. If by Metro, travellers should transfer in the Songhong Road Station of Metro Line No. 2.
Pudong International Airport is located in the east of Shanghai, and it is about 30km (18.64 miles) away from the city center of People's Square. It mainly services to international flights and some domestic flights which link to the most southern cities of China.
Hongqiao Airport is located in the west side of Shanghai, and called Puxi. It is about 13km (about 8 miles) west of the downtown. It mainly services to domestic flights which can link to most cities in China. Hongqiao airport also functions as a standby airport for international flights, in case unexpected situations shut down Pudong airport.
The distance between two airports is more than 40km (24.85 miles). Travellers could reach to other airport by taxi and shuttle bus. If by Metro, travellers should transfer in the Songhong Road Station of Metro Line No. 2.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Shanghai's Metro Extends its Operation Hours on May Day Sales 2009
The big sales event in the Xujiahui commercial circle is scheduled for the coming Thursday. So instead of closing down around 11pm, the Metro Line No. 1 Xujiahui station will remain in operation until 12:10am on Friday in order to help more of the midnight shoppers get back home.
For the first time since Shanghai's Metro system went into operation in 1995, the closing hours for Metro Line 1 are being extended by about an hour May Day sales and a mammoth prize giveaway in the Xujiahui shopping malls.
Trains will run through the station at 15-minute intervals during the extra hour of service.
The closing hours of Metro Line No. 1 are being extended mainly because many people had trouble getting back home after being attracted to the Xujiahui shopping malls by deep discounts on holiday seasons when stores also stayed open until midnight. Those missing the last Metro train had to fight for taxis.
It is a good news for the midnight bargain shoppers in Shanghai.
For the first time since Shanghai's Metro system went into operation in 1995, the closing hours for Metro Line 1 are being extended by about an hour May Day sales and a mammoth prize giveaway in the Xujiahui shopping malls.
Trains will run through the station at 15-minute intervals during the extra hour of service.
The closing hours of Metro Line No. 1 are being extended mainly because many people had trouble getting back home after being attracted to the Xujiahui shopping malls by deep discounts on holiday seasons when stores also stayed open until midnight. Those missing the last Metro train had to fight for taxis.
It is a good news for the midnight bargain shoppers in Shanghai.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Travel by train from Shanghai
Travelling by train in China was perceived long distance and uncomfortable, crowded and full of migrant workers before. Those still exist today, but with the fast development of train services in China , you can have some fast and comfortable options.
Yangtze Delta economic zone, which includes Zhejiang province, Jiangsu Province and Shanghai , has the most advanced train network in China . (No doubt, it is also the most economically developed area in China !)
There are two train stations in Shanghai : Shanghai Railway Station and South Shanghai Railway Station. Trains going to North of Shanghai (such as Nanjing, Beijing etc ) usually depart from Shanghai Railway Station, while South bound trains such as Hangzhou, Ningbo, Yiwu etc) depart from South Shanghai Railway Station. But there are some exceptions, so do check each station before you buy the ticket.
The train stations are usually huge (you will be overwhelmed by the scale and crowds). So do allow yourself plenty of time to go through the process (security check, ticket check and a long walk to the train).
You can certainly buy the train tickets from the ticket office of each station. There are also authorised train ticket booking offices throughout Shanghai which will charge you 5RMB for each ticket sold as handling fee. (Click here to view train ticket booking offices by photo)
For example:
Shanghai – Hangzhou :
Single: 65RMB from Station Ticket Office but 70RMB from Ticket Booking Office
Return: 130RMB from Station Ticket Office but 140RMB from Ticket Booking Office
Usually you can buy return ticket while you are in Shanghai . However, return ticket for some short distance travel is not available in Shanghai . You can only purchase it after you arrive at your destination.
The price of the ticket is almost fixed regardless of being booked early or late, although government does increase the ticket price by 15% during Chinese New Year time to avoid big rush into the train. The price of return is just simply double the single, no discount at all. Normally, tickets are available 10 days prior to the departure date.
Each train service has a unique number starting with an English letter and followed by numbers or consisted of digits only. You can tell what kind of service it runs from this unique number.
D – Bullet train (latest train in China)
Z – Non-stop direct express train
T – Limited stop express train
K – Express train
N – Intercity rapid train
No letter, all digits: Local train
For example :
Z13 Beijing – Shanghai : non-stop express train from Shanghai to Beijing
T450 Shanghai – Nanjing : Express train with limited stops
K233 Shanghai – Yiwu: Express train from Shanghai to Yiwu
N580 Shanghai – Ningbo : Rapid train from Shanghai to Ningbo
D640 Shanghai Hangzhou : Bullet train from Shanghai to Hangzhou
Bullet express train offers first and second class, while the rest offer soft seat and hard seat two classes.
You can return or change the date of the ticket after your purchase. However return and any change have to be processed at the Shanghai Railway Station or South Shanghai Railway Station only. You can get 80% of original price back if you return and change the date once free of charge.
Yangtze Delta economic zone, which includes Zhejiang province, Jiangsu Province and Shanghai , has the most advanced train network in China . (No doubt, it is also the most economically developed area in China !)
There are two train stations in Shanghai : Shanghai Railway Station and South Shanghai Railway Station. Trains going to North of Shanghai (such as Nanjing, Beijing etc ) usually depart from Shanghai Railway Station, while South bound trains such as Hangzhou, Ningbo, Yiwu etc) depart from South Shanghai Railway Station. But there are some exceptions, so do check each station before you buy the ticket.
The train stations are usually huge (you will be overwhelmed by the scale and crowds). So do allow yourself plenty of time to go through the process (security check, ticket check and a long walk to the train).
You can certainly buy the train tickets from the ticket office of each station. There are also authorised train ticket booking offices throughout Shanghai which will charge you 5RMB for each ticket sold as handling fee. (Click here to view train ticket booking offices by photo)
For example:
Shanghai – Hangzhou :
Single: 65RMB from Station Ticket Office but 70RMB from Ticket Booking Office
Return: 130RMB from Station Ticket Office but 140RMB from Ticket Booking Office
Usually you can buy return ticket while you are in Shanghai . However, return ticket for some short distance travel is not available in Shanghai . You can only purchase it after you arrive at your destination.
The price of the ticket is almost fixed regardless of being booked early or late, although government does increase the ticket price by 15% during Chinese New Year time to avoid big rush into the train. The price of return is just simply double the single, no discount at all. Normally, tickets are available 10 days prior to the departure date.
Each train service has a unique number starting with an English letter and followed by numbers or consisted of digits only. You can tell what kind of service it runs from this unique number.
D – Bullet train (latest train in China)
Z – Non-stop direct express train
T – Limited stop express train
K – Express train
N – Intercity rapid train
No letter, all digits: Local train
For example :
Z13 Beijing – Shanghai : non-stop express train from Shanghai to Beijing
T450 Shanghai – Nanjing : Express train with limited stops
K233 Shanghai – Yiwu: Express train from Shanghai to Yiwu
N580 Shanghai – Ningbo : Rapid train from Shanghai to Ningbo
D640 Shanghai Hangzhou : Bullet train from Shanghai to Hangzhou
Bullet express train offers first and second class, while the rest offer soft seat and hard seat two classes.
You can return or change the date of the ticket after your purchase. However return and any change have to be processed at the Shanghai Railway Station or South Shanghai Railway Station only. You can get 80% of original price back if you return and change the date once free of charge.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Beauty, Luxury Car, 2009 Shanghai Auto Show
2009 Shanghai Auto Show takes the spotlight this weekend.
Here are beauty, car, 2009 Auto Show Shanghai.
Here are beauty, car, 2009 Auto Show Shanghai.
How to Get People's Square from Shanghai Pudong Airport -- From Susan Bole
Choice 1:
Take Shanghai Maglev Train to Longyang Road Metro Station, Transfer to Metro Line No. 2, and Get off from People's Square.
Price: 50RMB (Maglev Train Ticket Price) and 4RMB Metro Ticket Price. If you have a receipt or other proof of same day air ticket, you will get 20% discount of Maglev Train Charge.
Time: No more than 1 hour. If you are lucky and with light luggage, time will be 8 minutes on Maglev plus 25 minutes on Subway.
Choice 2:
Take Taxi from Shanghai Pudong Airport to People's Square.
Price: No more than 160RMB in regular case. Will depend on traffic and late night operation time. (Learn more about Shanghai Taxi Fee and click here )
Time: No more than one and half hour in regular case. However, will depend much on traffic.
Choice 3:
Take Shanghai Airport Bus Line No. 5, and get off from Middle Yan'an Road nearby People's Square.
Price: 18 RMB
Time: No more than one and half hour in regular case. However, will depend much on traffic.
Choice 4:
You could book hotel pickup service too. But price will vary from hotels. Some will charge 500RMB for service while other will charge 700RMB or even more.
Take Shanghai Maglev Train to Longyang Road Metro Station, Transfer to Metro Line No. 2, and Get off from People's Square.
Price: 50RMB (Maglev Train Ticket Price) and 4RMB Metro Ticket Price. If you have a receipt or other proof of same day air ticket, you will get 20% discount of Maglev Train Charge.
Time: No more than 1 hour. If you are lucky and with light luggage, time will be 8 minutes on Maglev plus 25 minutes on Subway.
Choice 2:
Take Taxi from Shanghai Pudong Airport to People's Square.
Price: No more than 160RMB in regular case. Will depend on traffic and late night operation time. (Learn more about Shanghai Taxi Fee and click here )
Time: No more than one and half hour in regular case. However, will depend much on traffic.
Choice 3:
Take Shanghai Airport Bus Line No. 5, and get off from Middle Yan'an Road nearby People's Square.
Price: 18 RMB
Time: No more than one and half hour in regular case. However, will depend much on traffic.
Choice 4:
You could book hotel pickup service too. But price will vary from hotels. Some will charge 500RMB for service while other will charge 700RMB or even more.
What People Said about Shanghai Maglev
1. Close call in making the flight from Shanghai to Melbourne. Lucky they have 430kmh maglev trains here!
2. On the Shanghai Maglev once again.
3. World Expo construction -> terrible 30-60 min traffic delays on the way to Pudong Airport. Go Maglev!
4. 430 km/hr maglev ride was sweet
5. boarding the maglev train. 430 kms/hr to shanghai airport. exciting.
6. Did the Maglev in Shanghai - fastest train on planet... Floats so no track noise or bounce. Beats plane travel!
7. Rode the maglev train at 431km/h between the airport and the city. Pretty cool!
8. So this is the view at 431KPH. That's right; the maglev goes so fast it bends space and time
9. It's kind of weird seeing farms, farmers, shoddy houses right next to the maglev station.
10. It was a cool ride. Worth it very much.
11. The maglev is a complete white elephant to be honest but it is a cool ride. I love trains and that thing is the best in the world.
12. The maglev is great if you're travelling with little to no luggage. If you are loaded down then it is not a good option.
13. Highly recommend going once just for the experience. Leaving HIGHWAY traffic behind in a flash is some experience. After the first ride you decide if/when you want to continue.
14. I use it whenever I can... and the extended hours to 9PM are very welcome! The only pain is trying to get your suitcase through the turnstile at the subway station before hand! Can only recommend it!
15. If you are like me and fly with little luggage then its the best way to get out of shanghai. Take the metro to longyang (from PuXi 5 RMB) then take the maglev to the airport (with ticket 50 RMB) . Total 55 RMB and about 1 hour .
16. Have to say that it was a cool experience 'flying' above the tracks and seeing the speedo tick over to 431km/h!!! It's well worthwhile, especially if you're on the metro line.
17. Its excellent, we use it all the time when travelling to and from the airport.
18. Took it yesterday...best 40 kuai (40 RMB) I spent! Goo goo goo jooob!
2. On the Shanghai Maglev once again.
3. World Expo construction -> terrible 30-60 min traffic delays on the way to Pudong Airport. Go Maglev!
4. 430 km/hr maglev ride was sweet
5. boarding the maglev train. 430 kms/hr to shanghai airport. exciting.
6. Did the Maglev in Shanghai - fastest train on planet... Floats so no track noise or bounce. Beats plane travel!
7. Rode the maglev train at 431km/h between the airport and the city. Pretty cool!
8. So this is the view at 431KPH. That's right; the maglev goes so fast it bends space and time
9. It's kind of weird seeing farms, farmers, shoddy houses right next to the maglev station.
10. It was a cool ride. Worth it very much.
11. The maglev is a complete white elephant to be honest but it is a cool ride. I love trains and that thing is the best in the world.
12. The maglev is great if you're travelling with little to no luggage. If you are loaded down then it is not a good option.
13. Highly recommend going once just for the experience. Leaving HIGHWAY traffic behind in a flash is some experience. After the first ride you decide if/when you want to continue.
14. I use it whenever I can... and the extended hours to 9PM are very welcome! The only pain is trying to get your suitcase through the turnstile at the subway station before hand! Can only recommend it!
15. If you are like me and fly with little luggage then its the best way to get out of shanghai. Take the metro to longyang (from PuXi 5 RMB) then take the maglev to the airport (with ticket 50 RMB) . Total 55 RMB and about 1 hour .
16. Have to say that it was a cool experience 'flying' above the tracks and seeing the speedo tick over to 431km/h!!! It's well worthwhile, especially if you're on the metro line.
17. Its excellent, we use it all the time when travelling to and from the airport.
18. Took it yesterday...best 40 kuai (40 RMB) I spent! Goo goo goo jooob!
When arriving to the Pudong Airport late night, how could I do?
Tips:
1. In the Pudong International Airport, the last maglev train service is 21:32pm.
2. In the Pudong International Airport, the regular Airport Bus service closes at 23:00pm. However, starting from 23:00pm till the time of the last flight arriving at the Pudong Airport, there is one more Airport Bus from Pudong International Airport to Hongqiao Airport. It will have serveral stops in the city center.
But if you miss the last service of maglev train or bus, then:
Choice A:
You still could have a chance for a taxi ride. But from Pudong International Airport to downtown of city, the price is expensive, especially late night operation hour.
Choice B:
You could stay in hotel nearby airport for one night, then go to city center next day.
Choice C:
You could ask hotel pickup service. Definitely it will cost much.
1. In the Pudong International Airport, the last maglev train service is 21:32pm.
2. In the Pudong International Airport, the regular Airport Bus service closes at 23:00pm. However, starting from 23:00pm till the time of the last flight arriving at the Pudong Airport, there is one more Airport Bus from Pudong International Airport to Hongqiao Airport. It will have serveral stops in the city center.
But if you miss the last service of maglev train or bus, then:
Choice A:
You still could have a chance for a taxi ride. But from Pudong International Airport to downtown of city, the price is expensive, especially late night operation hour.
Choice B:
You could stay in hotel nearby airport for one night, then go to city center next day.
Choice C:
You could ask hotel pickup service. Definitely it will cost much.
Introduction to Shanghai Maglev Train
The Shanghai Maglev Train is the first commercial high-speed maglev line in the world.
The line runs from Longyang Road Metro Station to Shanghai Pudong International Airport. It has 30km, roughly 18.64 miles.
The maglev train takes around 7 minutes from Longyang Road Metro Station to Shanghai Pudong Airport. The maximum speed of train is 431km/h (268 mph).
Longyang Road Metro Station is the conjuction between Metro Line No. 2 and Shanghai Maglev Train. It is a good choice to take Shanghai Maglev Train to Longyang Road Metro Station and then transit on Metro Line 2 directly to West Shanghai (Called Puxi).
The Shanghai Maglev project took ¥10 billion (US$1.33bn), it began to construct in March 2001 and took two and a half years to complete. The line is 30km (about 19.0 miles) track and has a further separate track leading to a maintenance facility.
Now, Shanghai government is planning to extend Shanghai Maglev Line to Hangzhou and even Beijing, but the plan is still under review and broad discussion.
How to Buy Train Ticket from Shanghai to Beijing
You could book train ticket in advanced. Or you could buy ticket when you take train.
You could not order train ticket online because Chinese Railway Stations don't have online service.
Tickets are always hot during Chinese holiday seasons, such as Chinese New Year, Labor's Day, National Holiday etc.
How to buy train ticket in Shanghai:
Choice 1: Go to Shanghai Railway Station directly, and buy from ticket booking office.
Choice 2: Go to any booking offices located in Shanghai, buy train ticket in advance, and with extra 5RMB service charge.
Choice 3: Go to ask for your travel agent in hotel or front desk, they may help you buy train ticket.
Choice 4: Call travel agent to buy train ticket & deliver to your home. However, service charge may apply.
You could not order train ticket online because Chinese Railway Stations don't have online service.
Tickets are always hot during Chinese holiday seasons, such as Chinese New Year, Labor's Day, National Holiday etc.
How to buy train ticket in Shanghai:
Choice 1: Go to Shanghai Railway Station directly, and buy from ticket booking office.
Choice 2: Go to any booking offices located in Shanghai, buy train ticket in advance, and with extra 5RMB service charge.
Choice 3: Go to ask for your travel agent in hotel or front desk, they may help you buy train ticket.
Choice 4: Call travel agent to buy train ticket & deliver to your home. However, service charge may apply.
Trains from Shanghai Railway Station to Beijing (2009 Edition)
There are several trains from Shanghai to Beijing every day.
1. From Shanghai Railway Station to Beijing South Railway Station
Train No.: D32 (Bullet Train)
Departure Time: 10:50am
Arrival Time: 20:32pm
Distance: 1463km, roughly 909 miles
Ticket Price: 544RMB for first class soft seat, and 453RMB for second class soft seat
2. From Shanghai Railway Station to Beijing Railway Station
Train No.: Z22 (Non-Stop Train)
Departure Time: 19:43pm
Arrival Time: 7:14am (Next Day)
Distance: 1463km, roughly 909 miles
Ticket Price: 499RMB for soft sleeper, and 283RMB for soft seat
3. From Shanghai Railway Station to Beijing Railway Station
Train No.: D314 (Bullet Train)
Departure Time: 21:41pm
Arrival Time: 7:40am
Distance: 1463km, roughly 909 miles
Ticket Price: 453RMB for first class soft seat, and 543RMB for second class soft seat
4. From Shanghai Railway Station to Beijing Railway Station
Train No.: D306 (Bullet Train)
Departure Time: 21:26pm
Arrival Time: 7:30am (Next Day)
Distance: 1463km, roughly 909 miles
Ticket Price: 453RMB for first class soft seat, and 543RMB for second class soft seat
5. From Shanghai Railway Station to Beijing Railway Station
Train No.: D302 (Bullet Train)
Departure Time: 21:31pm
Arrival Time: 7:35am (Next Day)
Distance: 1463km, roughly 909 miles
Ticket Price: 453RMB for first class soft seat, and 543RMB for second class soft seat
6. From Shanghai Railway Station to Beijing Railway Station
Train No.: T104 (Express Train)
Departure Time: 21:58pm
Arrival Time: 11:17am (Next Day)
Distance: 1463km, roughly 909 miles
Ticket Price: 179RMB for hard seat, 317RMB for hard sleeper and 499RMB for soft sleeper
7. From Shanghai Railway Station to Beijing Railway Station
Train No.: T110 (Express Train)
Departure Time: 22:04pm
Arrival Time: 11:23am (Next Day)
Distance: 1463km, roughly 909 miles
Ticket Price: 179RMB for hard seat, 317RMB for hard sleeper and 499RMB for soft sleeper
1. From Shanghai Railway Station to Beijing South Railway Station
Train No.: D32 (Bullet Train)
Departure Time: 10:50am
Arrival Time: 20:32pm
Distance: 1463km, roughly 909 miles
Ticket Price: 544RMB for first class soft seat, and 453RMB for second class soft seat
2. From Shanghai Railway Station to Beijing Railway Station
Train No.: Z22 (Non-Stop Train)
Departure Time: 19:43pm
Arrival Time: 7:14am (Next Day)
Distance: 1463km, roughly 909 miles
Ticket Price: 499RMB for soft sleeper, and 283RMB for soft seat
3. From Shanghai Railway Station to Beijing Railway Station
Train No.: D314 (Bullet Train)
Departure Time: 21:41pm
Arrival Time: 7:40am
Distance: 1463km, roughly 909 miles
Ticket Price: 453RMB for first class soft seat, and 543RMB for second class soft seat
4. From Shanghai Railway Station to Beijing Railway Station
Train No.: D306 (Bullet Train)
Departure Time: 21:26pm
Arrival Time: 7:30am (Next Day)
Distance: 1463km, roughly 909 miles
Ticket Price: 453RMB for first class soft seat, and 543RMB for second class soft seat
5. From Shanghai Railway Station to Beijing Railway Station
Train No.: D302 (Bullet Train)
Departure Time: 21:31pm
Arrival Time: 7:35am (Next Day)
Distance: 1463km, roughly 909 miles
Ticket Price: 453RMB for first class soft seat, and 543RMB for second class soft seat
6. From Shanghai Railway Station to Beijing Railway Station
Train No.: T104 (Express Train)
Departure Time: 21:58pm
Arrival Time: 11:17am (Next Day)
Distance: 1463km, roughly 909 miles
Ticket Price: 179RMB for hard seat, 317RMB for hard sleeper and 499RMB for soft sleeper
7. From Shanghai Railway Station to Beijing Railway Station
Train No.: T110 (Express Train)
Departure Time: 22:04pm
Arrival Time: 11:23am (Next Day)
Distance: 1463km, roughly 909 miles
Ticket Price: 179RMB for hard seat, 317RMB for hard sleeper and 499RMB for soft sleeper
Shanghai Maglev Train or Shanghai Transrapid Time Schedule (2009 Edition)
Shanghai Maglev Train Operation Hours
From: Longyang Road Metro Station
To: Shanghai Pudong Airport
Earliest Train: 6:45am
Last Train: 21:30pm
6:45am to 17:00 every 15 minutes
17:00pm to 21:00pm every 20 minutes
21:00pm to 21:30pm every 30 minutes
Max. Speed: 430km/h from 9:00am to 16:45pm
From: Shanghai Pudong Airport
To: Longyang Road Metro Station
Earliest Train: 7:02am
Last Train: 21:32pm
One Way Ticket Price: 40RMB (with same day air ticket)
One Way Ticket Price: 50RMB (regular price)
One Way Ticket Price: 100RMB (VIP only)
Round-trip Ticket: 80RMB
Round-trip Ticket: 160RMB (VIP only)
Longyang Road Metro Station will connect to Metro Line No. 2, and passengers could easily transit from here to downtown Shanghai.
Enjoy it, experience of high speed on land is fantastic. What people said about Shanghai Maglev experience and click here.
If you want to know more about Shanghai Maglev Train and click here.
From: Longyang Road Metro Station
To: Shanghai Pudong Airport
Earliest Train: 6:45am
Last Train: 21:30pm
6:45am to 17:00 every 15 minutes
17:00pm to 21:00pm every 20 minutes
21:00pm to 21:30pm every 30 minutes
Max. Speed: 430km/h from 9:00am to 16:45pm
From: Shanghai Pudong Airport
To: Longyang Road Metro Station
Earliest Train: 7:02am
Last Train: 21:32pm
One Way Ticket Price: 40RMB (with same day air ticket)
One Way Ticket Price: 50RMB (regular price)
One Way Ticket Price: 100RMB (VIP only)
Round-trip Ticket: 80RMB
Round-trip Ticket: 160RMB (VIP only)
Longyang Road Metro Station will connect to Metro Line No. 2, and passengers could easily transit from here to downtown Shanghai.
Enjoy it, experience of high speed on land is fantastic. What people said about Shanghai Maglev experience and click here.
If you want to know more about Shanghai Maglev Train and click here.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Shanghai Pudong Airport to Yiwu Non-Stop Bus Time Schedule
Bus Operator: Yiwu Hopeful Forward Company
From Shanghai Pudong Airport to Yiwu City (Daily Operation)
Departure: 1:10pm and 4:50pm
From Yiwu City to Shanghai Pudong Airport (Daily Operation)
Departure: 7:30am and 9:30am
Ticket Price: 180 RMB
Ticket Office: Pudong Airport Arrival Terminal Gate No. 6 & 7, and Gate No. 8 & 9
From Shanghai Pudong Airport to Yiwu City (Daily Operation)
Departure: 1:10pm and 4:50pm
From Yiwu City to Shanghai Pudong Airport (Daily Operation)
Departure: 7:30am and 9:30am
Ticket Price: 180 RMB
Ticket Office: Pudong Airport Arrival Terminal Gate No. 6 & 7, and Gate No. 8 & 9
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
How much to take a taxi from Shanghai pudong airport to Oriental Pearl TV Tower? -- From Julie Chen
Answer:
It will cost you about 120 to 160 RMB dependent on traffic.
It will take more than one hour from Shanghai pudong airport to Oriental Pearl TV Tower.
What is Shanghai Public Transportation Card?
Shanghai Public Transportation Card is a prepaid contact-less smart card with RFID enabled technology.
You should pay 20 RMB for the deposit of the card itself and you could buy and recharge it at most of the metro stations and convenience stores around the city.
There are five types of Shanghai Public Transportation Card avaible:
The card can be used to access different forms of public transportation in and around the Shanghai, such as the taxi, subway or light rail, bus, ferry etc.
If you will stay shanghai for a longer time, better to get one as it is convenient for your daily in and out.
Notice:
1. If you try to reload your card by machines at Metro stations, be aware there is possible for standard-sized cards only. However, some Metro stations are equipped with machines which are capable of taking different card size to recharge.
2. If a cardholder attempt to board whatever forms of public transportation without sufficient funds in the card, an overdraft will be allowed once and the fare is less than 10 RMB.
Read more on "Shanghai Public Transportation Card"
You should pay 20 RMB for the deposit of the card itself and you could buy and recharge it at most of the metro stations and convenience stores around the city.
There are five types of Shanghai Public Transportation Card avaible:
- Standard
- Memorial
- Mini
- Personalized
- Watch
The card can be used to access different forms of public transportation in and around the Shanghai, such as the taxi, subway or light rail, bus, ferry etc.
If you will stay shanghai for a longer time, better to get one as it is convenient for your daily in and out.
Notice:
1. If you try to reload your card by machines at Metro stations, be aware there is possible for standard-sized cards only. However, some Metro stations are equipped with machines which are capable of taking different card size to recharge.
2. If a cardholder attempt to board whatever forms of public transportation without sufficient funds in the card, an overdraft will be allowed once and the fare is less than 10 RMB.
Read more on "Shanghai Public Transportation Card"
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Transportation Expenses in Shanghai (2009 Edition)
Bus:
Most bus routes are charged in one price: 2 RMB. However some buses to satellite cities of Shanghai are higher (4 RMB to 20RMB) and their prices are dependent on distances you travel.
And some non-air-conditioned buses are 1 RMB, but they are less now.
Subway & Light rail:
Subway ticket price starts from 3 RMB, and up to 8 RMB dependent on distances you travel.
Taxi:
Taxi is paid by meters and starts 11RMB for first 3km and then 2.1RMB per km after that.
If you take the taxi from 11pm to 5am, night fare applied which 13RMB for the first 3km and 2.6RMB per km after that.
Ferry:
Ferry costs 2 RMB (with air-condition), and some are 50 cents or 1 RMB. Most ferries are used to crossing Huangpu river which has separated Shanghai into several districts.
Most bus routes are charged in one price: 2 RMB. However some buses to satellite cities of Shanghai are higher (4 RMB to 20RMB) and their prices are dependent on distances you travel.
And some non-air-conditioned buses are 1 RMB, but they are less now.
Subway & Light rail:
Subway ticket price starts from 3 RMB, and up to 8 RMB dependent on distances you travel.
Taxi:
Taxi is paid by meters and starts 11RMB for first 3km and then 2.1RMB per km after that.
If you take the taxi from 11pm to 5am, night fare applied which 13RMB for the first 3km and 2.6RMB per km after that.
Ferry:
Ferry costs 2 RMB (with air-condition), and some are 50 cents or 1 RMB. Most ferries are used to crossing Huangpu river which has separated Shanghai into several districts.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Daily Food Expenses in Shanghai (2009 Edition)
An ordinary "white collar" daily food expenses are as follows:
Breakfast:
choice A: 1 RMB's steam bread with meat stuff & 0.6 RMB's soybean milk at street food stall
choice B: 3 RMB's glutinous rice roll & 2 RMB's sour milk from local convinence store, such as Lawson, and C-Store etc.
Lunch:
choice A:10RMB to 30RMB for lunch special
choice B:Average 20RMB to 40RMB per person for dining in a restaurant shared with colleagues
Supper:
cook at home, generally 10 RMB/per person
However, food cost can vary significantly dependent on your life style. A meal at high-end restaurant may cost you like more than 1000RMB per person. Organic and imported foods always triple your food budget or even more.
Breakfast:
choice A: 1 RMB's steam bread with meat stuff & 0.6 RMB's soybean milk at street food stall
choice B: 3 RMB's glutinous rice roll & 2 RMB's sour milk from local convinence store, such as Lawson, and C-Store etc.
Lunch:
choice A:10RMB to 30RMB for lunch special
choice B:Average 20RMB to 40RMB per person for dining in a restaurant shared with colleagues
Supper:
cook at home, generally 10 RMB/per person
However, food cost can vary significantly dependent on your life style. A meal at high-end restaurant may cost you like more than 1000RMB per person. Organic and imported foods always triple your food budget or even more.
Get around Shanghai by Taxi
Taxi is another convenient way to get around Shanghai . Taxi is paid by meters and starts 11RMB for first 3km and then 2.1RMB per km after that. If you take the taxi 11pm – 5am, night fare applied which 13RMB for the first 3km and 2.6RMB per km after that.
You can pay the taxi fee by cash or public transportation card. Do ask for the receipt which is a printed out slip. It helps if you lost anything on the cab or you would like to complain if the driver overcharges you.
Usually you can get hold of a taxi in the street, but you will find it is extremely difficult to get a taxi during rush hours in the business area. So plan your trip earlier if you do need a taxi in the rush hour. I recommend you to book a taxi in advance by phone to secure one. It does charge 4RMB as the book fee if you book a taxi by phone. Usually they will ask your mobile number for contact.
There are four major and well known taxi companies in Shanghai . You can recognise them by the painted colour on the car.
Dazhong: Light green
Qiangshen: Yellow
Bashi: Green
Jinjiang: White
Major taxi booking hotline as below:
Shanghai Taxi Service Information Centre: 96965
Dazhong: 96822 (English service available)
Qiangshen: 62580000
Bashi: 96840
Jinjiang: 64648888
You can also text message to order a taxi via your mobile:
China Mobile : 555596965
China Unicom: 2196965
Below is the normal rate if you take a taxi from the airport to city centre for your reference.
From Pudong airport – city centre: about 150RMB
From Hongqiao airport – city centre: about 50RMB
You can pay the taxi fee by cash or public transportation card. Do ask for the receipt which is a printed out slip. It helps if you lost anything on the cab or you would like to complain if the driver overcharges you.
Usually you can get hold of a taxi in the street, but you will find it is extremely difficult to get a taxi during rush hours in the business area. So plan your trip earlier if you do need a taxi in the rush hour. I recommend you to book a taxi in advance by phone to secure one. It does charge 4RMB as the book fee if you book a taxi by phone. Usually they will ask your mobile number for contact.
There are four major and well known taxi companies in Shanghai . You can recognise them by the painted colour on the car.
Dazhong: Light green
Qiangshen: Yellow
Bashi: Green
Jinjiang: White
Major taxi booking hotline as below:
Shanghai Taxi Service Information Centre: 96965
Dazhong: 96822 (English service available)
Qiangshen: 62580000
Bashi: 96840
Jinjiang: 64648888
You can also text message to order a taxi via your mobile:
China Mobile : 555596965
China Unicom: 2196965
Below is the normal rate if you take a taxi from the airport to city centre for your reference.
From Pudong airport – city centre: about 150RMB
From Hongqiao airport – city centre: about 50RMB
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Get around Shanghai by Metro
Metro might be the fastest way to get around Shanghai especially when the taxi/bus is stuck in the traffic and takes forever to get to the place you want to go during the rush hour;
The metro can be very crowded during the rush hours (7:30am – 9:30am and 4:30pm – 6:30pm). Everybody is squeezed like a sardine in a can.
Shanghai introduced its first Metro Line (Metro Line 1) in 1995 by collaborating with German. Till now, there are 8 lines in operation (Line 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9) and 7 more by the end of 2010. Each Metro line is simply named by numbers.
Currently Line 1 and 2 are the busiest lines not only because they were the first but also it connects the main CBDs.
To take the Metro, you can either buy a public transportation card or purchase a single ticket (currently no return ticket available). The ticket price depends on the distance you are taking starting from 3 RMB.
There is ticket office available in each Metro Station where you can buy ticket from a staff. You can tell the staff where you want to go; he/she will tell you the price. Ticket vendor machine is also available even in English. First choose the destination on the touchable screen, and then the machine will tell you the ticket price. Then you enter the number of how many tickets you would like to purchase. Insert the coin/note as total showed on the screen. OK, you get your tickets!
If you use the public transportation card, you just need to scan your card when you enter and exit. The remaining value in your card will be showed on a small screen. If you use the single ticket, you scan the card to enter, but insert the card into the card slot located on the side of the exit gate.
Please note the Metro service in Shanghai is not 24 hours. Don't miss the last train!
The metro can be very crowded during the rush hours (7:30am – 9:30am and 4:30pm – 6:30pm). Everybody is squeezed like a sardine in a can.
Shanghai introduced its first Metro Line (Metro Line 1) in 1995 by collaborating with German. Till now, there are 8 lines in operation (Line 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9) and 7 more by the end of 2010. Each Metro line is simply named by numbers.
Currently Line 1 and 2 are the busiest lines not only because they were the first but also it connects the main CBDs.
To take the Metro, you can either buy a public transportation card or purchase a single ticket (currently no return ticket available). The ticket price depends on the distance you are taking starting from 3 RMB.
There is ticket office available in each Metro Station where you can buy ticket from a staff. You can tell the staff where you want to go; he/she will tell you the price. Ticket vendor machine is also available even in English. First choose the destination on the touchable screen, and then the machine will tell you the ticket price. Then you enter the number of how many tickets you would like to purchase. Insert the coin/note as total showed on the screen. OK, you get your tickets!
If you use the public transportation card, you just need to scan your card when you enter and exit. The remaining value in your card will be showed on a small screen. If you use the single ticket, you scan the card to enter, but insert the card into the card slot located on the side of the exit gate.
Please note the Metro service in Shanghai is not 24 hours. Don't miss the last train!
Shanghai Public Transportation Card
A new comer will always be confused by the taxi driver’s question when he/she arrives at the destination and ready to pay: how would you like to pay for the meter: Cash or Card? No, no, no… they are not asking your credit card or debit card. What they are asking is the Public Transportation Card which can be used in any public transportation (Metro, Bus, Taxi etc) in Shanghai .
Basically the Shanghai Public Transportation Card is stored value card where you deposit certain amount of money. It is like a kind of e-wallet. The fee you need pay for any public transportation service will be taken out from the card when you use it.
The card company is now expanding the usage of the card. You can use the card at Metro, Bus, Taxi, Ferry, Toll Gate, Shanghai Tourist Travel Centre, Maglev Train or even some McDonalds and KFC.
To encourage people to use public transportation, it also offers 10% off discount if you spend more than 70RMB on Metro within a month. For example, on 25th July, you have already spent 70RMB on Metro. From this point, you will get 10% off for your rest of Metro trip in July.
To use the card, just simply place the card on the card reader. The machine will deduct the fee from your card. The card allows you to make an overdraft once if the balance cannot cover the transportation fee except for taxi, for which you need to pay for the gap by cash.
Basically the Shanghai Public Transportation Card is stored value card where you deposit certain amount of money. It is like a kind of e-wallet. The fee you need pay for any public transportation service will be taken out from the card when you use it.
The card company is now expanding the usage of the card. You can use the card at Metro, Bus, Taxi, Ferry, Toll Gate, Shanghai Tourist Travel Centre, Maglev Train or even some McDonalds and KFC.
To encourage people to use public transportation, it also offers 10% off discount if you spend more than 70RMB on Metro within a month. For example, on 25th July, you have already spent 70RMB on Metro. From this point, you will get 10% off for your rest of Metro trip in July.
To use the card, just simply place the card on the card reader. The machine will deduct the fee from your card. The card allows you to make an overdraft once if the balance cannot cover the transportation fee except for taxi, for which you need to pay for the gap by cash.
How to purchase and top-up a Public Transportation
Purchase:
The easiest way to buy your first card is from the ticket office of any Metro Station in Shanghai . There are also 1900 selling points throughout Shanghai where you can buy the card, but it might be a bit difficult for a new comer to tell which is authorised and which is fake.
For the first purchase, there are three face values you can choose: 100RMB, 200RMB and 500RMB, in which 20/30RMB deposit is included. For example, you give 100RMB and then get a face value of 100RMB card. You actually have 70RMB to spend and the 20RMB will be stored in the card as a deposit.
There are two type of card: normal card and special card (issued for some special events, occasions. Usually has a special design on the card). The normal card asks for 20RMB refundable deposit while the special one asks for 30RMB non-refundable deposit.
Top-up
Not matter what kind of card you purchase (normal or special), how much of the face value the card has when you first purchase it, you can always top up your card via the following three way.
- Metro Station: you can top up your card either by the ticket machine with top-up function at the Metro Station or go to the ticket office to have the staff to top it up for you
- Bank: Currently three banks provide the top-up service at their self-service centre. (Shanghai Pudong Development Bank, Communication Bank, China Construction Bank) if you have a bank account with any of these three banks, you can use their self-service machinese to top up your transportation card.
- Convenience Store: two convenience store chain in Shanghai offer top-up service: Kedi and Buddies. They have a lot of stores throughout Shanghai . Make sure to find the nearest one for you.
Terminate and return the card
If you would like to terminate and return the card, to get the deposit back, you can take it to any of the following office. If the remaining value less than 10RMB, you can get the refund back right away free of charge. If it is between 10RMB and 2000RMB, you will be charged by 5% of the remaining value as handling fee. For value more than 2000RMB, it takes three working days to process with 5% charge fee.
The easiest way to buy your first card is from the ticket office of any Metro Station in Shanghai . There are also 1900 selling points throughout Shanghai where you can buy the card, but it might be a bit difficult for a new comer to tell which is authorised and which is fake.
For the first purchase, there are three face values you can choose: 100RMB, 200RMB and 500RMB, in which 20/30RMB deposit is included. For example, you give 100RMB and then get a face value of 100RMB card. You actually have 70RMB to spend and the 20RMB will be stored in the card as a deposit.
There are two type of card: normal card and special card (issued for some special events, occasions. Usually has a special design on the card). The normal card asks for 20RMB refundable deposit while the special one asks for 30RMB non-refundable deposit.
Top-up
Not matter what kind of card you purchase (normal or special), how much of the face value the card has when you first purchase it, you can always top up your card via the following three way.
- Metro Station: you can top up your card either by the ticket machine with top-up function at the Metro Station or go to the ticket office to have the staff to top it up for you
- Bank: Currently three banks provide the top-up service at their self-service centre. (Shanghai Pudong Development Bank, Communication Bank, China Construction Bank) if you have a bank account with any of these three banks, you can use their self-service machinese to top up your transportation card.
- Convenience Store: two convenience store chain in Shanghai offer top-up service: Kedi and Buddies. They have a lot of stores throughout Shanghai . Make sure to find the nearest one for you.
Terminate and return the card
If you would like to terminate and return the card, to get the deposit back, you can take it to any of the following office. If the remaining value less than 10RMB, you can get the refund back right away free of charge. If it is between 10RMB and 2000RMB, you will be charged by 5% of the remaining value as handling fee. For value more than 2000RMB, it takes three working days to process with 5% charge fee.
Rent a flat or apartment in Shanghai HOW MUCH
Following the last post about the basic procedure of renting a flat or apartment in Shanghai, now I am talking about the price. Shanghai is a place where renting cost can vary significantly. The price largely depends on: Location, Location and Location. Here I am only talking about flat or apartment, not single house/villa, which is far beyond my affordability.
Generally speaking, the rent of the flats or apartment in Shanghai CBD and near the metro station within inner ring is higher than the flats with same quality and condition in other areas.
Usually CBD areas are most expensive. Main CBDs in Shanghai include:
West Nanjing Road
East Nanjing Road plus Bund area
People Square
Lu Jia Zui financial district
Huaihai Road
Xu Jiahui.
CBD area does offer high end serviced apartment. For example:
Lu Jiao Zui (Financial area in Pudong):
YanLord Garden (仁恒滨江花园): 8000-10000RMB per month for a two bedroom flat
Huai Hai Road (Xin Tian Di):
LakeVille Regency (翠湖天地): 15000-18000RMB per month for a two bedroom flat, 20000-25000RMB per month for a three bedroom flat
Apart from those high end serviced apartment, you can also find some other cheaper options.
For flats rather new around those CBD areas saying built after 2000, the rent is about 5000-7000RMB per month for a two bedroom flat and 3000-4000 for a one bedroom flat.
For flats built in 1990s, the rent is about 3000-4000RMB per month for a two bedroom flat.
There are also some quite old flats, which Shanghainese call Lao Gong Fang (老公房). The rent is about 2500-3000RMB per month for a two bedroom flat and 2000-3000 for a one bedroom flat.
For those flats near Metro Station within Inner Ring, the rent ia about 6000-8000RMB per month for a two bedroom flat if was built after 2000 and 3500 – 4000 for those built in 1990s.
Take an example of Century Avenue Metro Station on Line 2, which is only two stops away from Lu Jia Zui financial district.
Zhu Yuan (Bamboo Garden 竹园)：Lao Gong Fang, built before 1990. With its convenient location, just 5-10 minutes walk to the metro station, the rent is:
3500RMB per month for a two bedroom flat
2300RMB per month for a one bedroom flat
ChampsElysees Garden (香榭丽花园), built around 2000, 10 minutes walk to the metro station, the rent is:
6000RMB per month for a two bedroom flat
7000RMB per month for a three bedroom flat
For those not near CBD or any metro station, the price can drop significantly depending on how far it is from the city centre and other conditions.
A one bedroom flat near Long Yang Road Metro Station (15-20 minutes walk), the rent can be 1000-1500RMB per month.
A two bedroom flat near Yaohua Road Metro Station (very new, built in 2004, 20 minutes walk), rent is about 1500RMB per month.
So now you can tell the price really depends on the location. Sharing a flat with one or two people would also be cheaper than you rent a flat all by yourself for the same location.
Take the Zhu Yuan (Bamboo Garden 竹园) above as the example,3500RMB per month for a two bedroom flat 2300RMB per month for a one bedroom flat
Two people sharing the two bedroom flat would only cost 1250RMB per person for the exactly same location.
Generally speaking, the rent of the flats or apartment in Shanghai CBD and near the metro station within inner ring is higher than the flats with same quality and condition in other areas.
Usually CBD areas are most expensive. Main CBDs in Shanghai include:
West Nanjing Road
East Nanjing Road plus Bund area
People Square
Lu Jia Zui financial district
Huaihai Road
Xu Jiahui.
CBD area does offer high end serviced apartment. For example:
Lu Jiao Zui (Financial area in Pudong):
YanLord Garden (仁恒滨江花园): 8000-10000RMB per month for a two bedroom flat
Huai Hai Road (Xin Tian Di):
LakeVille Regency (翠湖天地): 15000-18000RMB per month for a two bedroom flat, 20000-25000RMB per month for a three bedroom flat
Apart from those high end serviced apartment, you can also find some other cheaper options.
For flats rather new around those CBD areas saying built after 2000, the rent is about 5000-7000RMB per month for a two bedroom flat and 3000-4000 for a one bedroom flat.
For flats built in 1990s, the rent is about 3000-4000RMB per month for a two bedroom flat.
There are also some quite old flats, which Shanghainese call Lao Gong Fang (老公房). The rent is about 2500-3000RMB per month for a two bedroom flat and 2000-3000 for a one bedroom flat.
For those flats near Metro Station within Inner Ring, the rent ia about 6000-8000RMB per month for a two bedroom flat if was built after 2000 and 3500 – 4000 for those built in 1990s.
Take an example of Century Avenue Metro Station on Line 2, which is only two stops away from Lu Jia Zui financial district.
Zhu Yuan (Bamboo Garden 竹园)：Lao Gong Fang, built before 1990. With its convenient location, just 5-10 minutes walk to the metro station, the rent is:
3500RMB per month for a two bedroom flat
2300RMB per month for a one bedroom flat
ChampsElysees Garden (香榭丽花园), built around 2000, 10 minutes walk to the metro station, the rent is:
6000RMB per month for a two bedroom flat
7000RMB per month for a three bedroom flat
For those not near CBD or any metro station, the price can drop significantly depending on how far it is from the city centre and other conditions.
A one bedroom flat near Long Yang Road Metro Station (15-20 minutes walk), the rent can be 1000-1500RMB per month.
A two bedroom flat near Yaohua Road Metro Station (very new, built in 2004, 20 minutes walk), rent is about 1500RMB per month.
So now you can tell the price really depends on the location. Sharing a flat with one or two people would also be cheaper than you rent a flat all by yourself for the same location.
Take the Zhu Yuan (Bamboo Garden 竹园) above as the example,3500RMB per month for a two bedroom flat 2300RMB per month for a one bedroom flat
Two people sharing the two bedroom flat would only cost 1250RMB per person for the exactly same location.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Rent a flat or apartment in Shanghai How
For the new comer in Shanghai, the first thing is to rent a flat or apartment (good to have a shelter!) I have lived in Shanghai for five years and rented two flats so far till I bought my own flat last year. Some useful suggestions drawn on my past experiences:
- If you are completely new in Shanghai, it would be very helpful if one of your friends in Shanghai can provide you short-term accommodation at their home. This allows you a bit time to find a suitable flat and settle some other personal issues because it does take a bit time to find a good one. Or if you couldn't find such one friend, good to find an affordable hotel for transitional stay. I stayed in one of my friends' home for half month before I moved out.
- Better to rent a flat or apartment after you got the job offer. This will help you locate the areas where you would like to rent a flat as Shanghai is such a huge city.
- Rent your first flat near where you work, better within walking distance. Shanghai is huge and traffic can be very crazy during the rush hours. To make your life easier, it is better to rent the first flat in Shanghai near where you work. It saves your time, energy and transportation cost. Moreover, it allows you more time to settle other personal issues and get yourself familiar with this city. If you work in the Shanghai CBD area, it might cost you higher but definitely worth the money to eliminate all the hassles. After living in Shanghai for a while, you certainly can have other choices.
- Ok, the next step is to find an agency that can help you to find a flat. You can either go to the street to try one by one or search the Internet. But most information on the web is not true. So it worth a bit time to search in the street. Some agents could provide English service to find a flat or apartment.
- Usually the agency will ask you some questions: budget, location, one or two bedrooms, share or not, fully furnished or not. Then they will recommend some options which they think meet your requirements.
- Then you need to check those options one by one. Some landlords give the keys to the agency, but some not. So you might not be able to check all on the same day. If you are interested, the agency will call the landlord to make the appointments. Try to make all the appointments on the same day around same time.
- After you make the big decision, you need to negotiate and clarify all the responsibilities. Some issues needs to pay attention to:
Contract time (one month, three month, six month or one year). for the first flat, better sign a shorter one. If you do have to sign a longer one, try to negotiate the price.
Deposit and payment: usually the landlord will ask for one month rent for deposit. In terms of the payment, some ask for two month rent in advance or three month rent in advance.
Clarify the responsibilities. Usually the bill of gas, electricity and water should be paid by you and some other costs like TV subscription fee, property management fee etc.
Price!
- sign the contract: bring your ID to sign the contract. Usually the contract is a template regulated by local government to be filled with details which you negotiated and agreed with the landlord.
- Hand over: after you paid the two or three month rent in advance plus deposit, you will be given the key to the flat and do the hand-over. Check if the facilities in flat are working (TV, Microwave, air conditioner, wash machine etc). Record the number of the gas, electricity, and water. You don't pay for the previous bills!
- The last thing, the agency will charge you 35% of one month rent as their commission. So negotiation on the price is important! Remember price offered by agent or landlord is just offer, and you have right to counter offer. Bargain is the general life rule in Shanghai unless you dislike bargain.
- If you are completely new in Shanghai, it would be very helpful if one of your friends in Shanghai can provide you short-term accommodation at their home. This allows you a bit time to find a suitable flat and settle some other personal issues because it does take a bit time to find a good one. Or if you couldn't find such one friend, good to find an affordable hotel for transitional stay. I stayed in one of my friends' home for half month before I moved out.
- Better to rent a flat or apartment after you got the job offer. This will help you locate the areas where you would like to rent a flat as Shanghai is such a huge city.
- Rent your first flat near where you work, better within walking distance. Shanghai is huge and traffic can be very crazy during the rush hours. To make your life easier, it is better to rent the first flat in Shanghai near where you work. It saves your time, energy and transportation cost. Moreover, it allows you more time to settle other personal issues and get yourself familiar with this city. If you work in the Shanghai CBD area, it might cost you higher but definitely worth the money to eliminate all the hassles. After living in Shanghai for a while, you certainly can have other choices.
- Ok, the next step is to find an agency that can help you to find a flat. You can either go to the street to try one by one or search the Internet. But most information on the web is not true. So it worth a bit time to search in the street. Some agents could provide English service to find a flat or apartment.
- Usually the agency will ask you some questions: budget, location, one or two bedrooms, share or not, fully furnished or not. Then they will recommend some options which they think meet your requirements.
- Then you need to check those options one by one. Some landlords give the keys to the agency, but some not. So you might not be able to check all on the same day. If you are interested, the agency will call the landlord to make the appointments. Try to make all the appointments on the same day around same time.
- After you make the big decision, you need to negotiate and clarify all the responsibilities. Some issues needs to pay attention to:
Contract time (one month, three month, six month or one year). for the first flat, better sign a shorter one. If you do have to sign a longer one, try to negotiate the price.
Deposit and payment: usually the landlord will ask for one month rent for deposit. In terms of the payment, some ask for two month rent in advance or three month rent in advance.
Clarify the responsibilities. Usually the bill of gas, electricity and water should be paid by you and some other costs like TV subscription fee, property management fee etc.
Price!
- sign the contract: bring your ID to sign the contract. Usually the contract is a template regulated by local government to be filled with details which you negotiated and agreed with the landlord.
- Hand over: after you paid the two or three month rent in advance plus deposit, you will be given the key to the flat and do the hand-over. Check if the facilities in flat are working (TV, Microwave, air conditioner, wash machine etc). Record the number of the gas, electricity, and water. You don't pay for the previous bills!
- The last thing, the agency will charge you 35% of one month rent as their commission. So negotiation on the price is important! Remember price offered by agent or landlord is just offer, and you have right to counter offer. Bargain is the general life rule in Shanghai unless you dislike bargain.
My Shanghai
Born in China, grow up in China, currently in China. I am 100% Chinese.
I am one of the new Shanghainese who are originally from other place in China other than Shanghai but currently living and working in Shanghai.
Having being living in Shanghai for five years, I gradually become one of the new Shanghainese from a complete outsider of Shanghai.
From the hectic start to a normal and routine now, I am a tiny element of this huge and dynamic city. No matter you are a new comer in Shanghai, or like myself, a new Shanghainese, or a person never been to Shanghai, or an original Shanghainese, I believe you will be/are/were there experiencing what I felt/feeling before and now.
So here I am sharing with you my knowledge and experience about Shanghai.
I am also happy to take questions about Shanghai and listen to your myShanghai because Shanghai does offer us a lot to share.
I am one of the new Shanghainese who are originally from other place in China other than Shanghai but currently living and working in Shanghai.
Having being living in Shanghai for five years, I gradually become one of the new Shanghainese from a complete outsider of Shanghai.
From the hectic start to a normal and routine now, I am a tiny element of this huge and dynamic city. No matter you are a new comer in Shanghai, or like myself, a new Shanghainese, or a person never been to Shanghai, or an original Shanghainese, I believe you will be/are/were there experiencing what I felt/feeling before and now.
So here I am sharing with you my knowledge and experience about Shanghai.
I am also happy to take questions about Shanghai and listen to your myShanghai because Shanghai does offer us a lot to share.
Here is scenic view from the Bund - west side of Huangpu river of Shanghai and one of famous sightseeing place in Shanghai.
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