As Shanghai has expanded so quickly over the past few decades, its metro system has developed rapidly as well. Shanghai's metro system is the longest and fourth-busiest metro system in the world. After moving to Shanghai, I found myself taking the metro almost every day!
Taking the metro is one of the most popular ways of getting around for people who live in the city center. It is especially convenient if you live too far away from your work or school to walk or ride a bicycle. The metro in Shanghai is fairly similar to the metro in New York City, where it is called the "subway". You have to buy a ticket to get on the train, and there are many different lines that extend throughout the city.
There are some differences between New York City's and Shanghai's metro systems. The Shanghai metro is much newer than the New York City subway. Train cars look more modern and streamlined on the inside. There are also never any delays— the trains are always on time! All of the announcements on the train are made in two languages: Mandarin Chinese and English. In Shanghai, hardly anyone uses a metro card anymore. You just open the Shanghai metro app in your smartphone and tap your phone at the ticket gate. You don't need a metro card! Not all cities in China use this system, though.
