🚋 Iconic Local Rides in Shanghai – Not Your Usual Commute, Lah!
If you’re a Singaporean traveler who loves a bit of cultural charm with your transport (but maybe not too wild 😅), Shanghai has a few fun, nostalgic, and uniquely local ways to get around that go beyond the metro and buses. While sleek subways get you there fast, these options add a little personality to the journey.
🚋 Old-School Tram at Zhangjiang
One of the coolest hidden gems is the Zhangjiang Tram in Pudong. It’s Shanghai’s only modern tram line, running on electricity and gliding smoothly through a quieter science-tech district. You’ll find it in the Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park area—perfect if you're exploring beyond the usual tourist trail.
- 🗺️ Where: Pudong, near Line 2’s Zhangjiang High Technology Park Station
- 💰 Cost: Around ¥2–3 per ride, paid with the same Shanghai Public Transport Card
- 🎯 Why try it: Quiet, scenic, and a totally different pace from the metro
- ✅ Great for: Chill explorers and tram geeks; not so great if you're rushing for time
It's not exactly the clanging streetcars of Hong Kong, but it offers a calm, suburban vibe that contrasts sharply with Shanghai’s buzzier zones.
🛺 Tourist Sightseeing Carriages at The Bund
You’ll spot these brightly lit tourist shuttle carts zipping along The Bund at night 🌃. They’re like mini open-air trams (some look like toy trains!) and let you soak in the skyline views without walking the whole stretch.
- 🗺️ Where: Along The Bund, usually in the evenings
- 💰 Cost: Around ¥20–30 per person
- 🎯 Why try it: For the experience of cruising past the Lujiazui skyline, camera-ready!
- ✅ Great for: Families, seniors, and tired feet after a long day 🚶♀️💤
- ⚠️ Not great for: Rushing schedules or those wanting an actual A-to-B ride
🚕 “Black Cars” & Motorized Rickshaws – A Word of Caution
You might be tempted by those unlicensed black cars or electric tuk-tuk-style rides that linger around markets or metro exits—skip them lah unless you’re feeling super adventurous.
- 🛑 They’re usually not regulated, may overcharge, and don’t follow proper routes
- Locals rarely use them unless it’s super late or no taxis are around
- ✅ Great for… no one really (unless you’re filming a drama 😅)
📸 Senses & Scenes
Taking the tram or sightseeing buggy offers a more relaxed way to feel the city's vibe—you'll hear the slow hum of the tram, see everyday life roll by, and maybe catch the scent of roasted chestnuts or street skewers 🍢. It’s slower, yes, but it’s also Shanghai at eye level—not underground or behind a taxi window.
⛴️ Cruising Through Shanghai
If you’re a Singaporean traveller who enjoys mixing sightseeing with a little breeze in your hair, Shanghai’s river transport is a delightful—and surprisingly practical—way to experience the city. With the Huangpu River cutting through the heart of Shanghai, water transport isn’t just scenic, it’s part of the city’s character.
⛴️ What’s Available?
Shanghai offers a few water-based options that range from functional to photo-worthy:
- Shanghai Ferry (上海轮渡) – Public ferries crossing the Huangpu River, used by locals and budget-savvy tourists
- Huangpu River Cruises – Private sightseeing cruises that take you past iconic landmarks
- Hop-on Hop-off River Boats – Touristy but super fun if you like flexibility and skyline selfies 📸
- Private yacht/boat rentals – Available for romantic nights or small group experiences
The ferries are operated by the city’s transport network, while cruise services are run by various private companies like Shanghai Huangpu River Cruise Co.
🗺️ Where It Goes
Water transport mostly follows the Huangpu River, separating Puxi (the historic west) and Pudong (the modern skyline east):
- Ferries connect key piers like:
- Dongchang Road Pier (东昌路码头)
- Fuxing Road East Pier (复兴东路码头)
- Zhongshan Wharf near The Bund (中山东一路码头)
- River Cruises usually loop between The Bund, Lujiazui, and Yangpu Bridge, offering amazing skyline views especially at night 🌆
- Several piers are close to metro stations like Line 2 Lujiazui, making transfers easy
💸 Tickets & How to Ride
- Ferries: Super cheap—¥2–¥5 per ride, paid via Shanghai Public Transport Card, Alipay, or cash
- River Cruises: Range from ¥50 to ¥150+, depending on the type of boat (basic to luxury) and time of day
- You can buy tickets at the pier, but during weekends or public holidays, queues can be long—go early or book online in advance
- English support is limited at kiosks, so it helps to screenshot the Chinese name of your destination
🕒 Timings & Frequency
- Ferries run daily, generally from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, every 10–15 minutes
- Sightseeing cruises often start in the late morning and run until 9:30–10:00 PM, with sunset and night cruises being most popular
- Some premium boats even include buffet dinners or live commentary
🎯 Who It’s Best For
- First-time visitors & photographers: For epic skyline views of The Bund and Lujiazui
- Couples: The evening river cruise is super romantic 🌃❤️
- Families: Ferries are safe, quick, and fun for kids
- Those avoiding traffic or metros: A peaceful alternative with a breeze!
⚠️ Watch-Outs
- Some boarding points have steep steps or floating platforms—may be tricky for elderly or those with limited mobility
- Boats are open-air, so bring sunblock, a hat, or umbrella 🌞☔
- During rainy or foggy days, the views are limited and boats may get splashy near the rails
- Peak times mean longer queues and fewer seats by the railing
📸 Local Flavour
From your ferry or cruise boat, you might spot:
- Cargo barges chugging along, reminding you this is a working river
- Locals commuting via ferry with their e-bikes
- Tourists and couples taking selfies with Oriental Pearl Tower twinkling behind them
- The golden glow of colonial architecture on The Bund reflecting on the water 🏮🌉
🛵 Getting Around Shanghai on Two Wheels – E-Scooters & Shared Bikes
Looking for a quick, zippy way to get around Shanghai? While you won’t find motorbike taxis like in Bangkok, the city has embraced micro-mobility in a big way—especially shared e-scooters and bicycles. For Singaporean travellers used to comfort and order, this might feel a bit adventurous—but it’s a super fun, practical way to explore!
🛵 What’s Available?
Shanghai’s main micro-mobility options include:
- Shared e-bikes and e-scooters from providers like HelloBike (哈啰出行), Meituan Bike (美团单车), and Alipay’s Qingju Bike (青桔单车)
- All are app-based, dockless systems used by locals for quick commutes and last-mile connections
- They’re official services, often parked along sidewalks, metro exits, or residential areas
📍 Where to Find Them
You’ll see them everywhere—outside metro stations, near parks, shopping malls, and on quieter streets in districts like French Concession, Xintiandi, and around universities. No need for a dock—just park them neatly in a safe spot (avoid blocking pathways).
📲 How to Use
- Download the app (HelloBike, Meituan, or Alipay for Qingju)
- Register with your phone number – some apps may require Chinese number, but international SIMs may work via Alipay/WeChat Pay
- Add a payment method – Alipay is easiest for foreigners; some accept international cards
- Scan the QR code on the bike/scooter to unlock
- Ride, park, and end trip in-app
💰 Rides typically cost ¥1–¥3 per 15–30 minutes. Super affordable!
🛡️ Safety Tips
- Helmets are not provided, and not commonly worn—ride carefully
- Stick to bike lanes where available, and avoid busy roads
- For first-timers: hold the handlebars firmly, don’t go too fast, and be extra cautious when turning 🚦
- Avoid riding during rain, steep areas, or where traffic is intense
✅ Ideal For
- Solo travelers hopping between cafes, museums, or metro stations
- Beating traffic in narrow alleys or historic areas
- Quick trips around campus zones or neighborhoods too far to walk but too short for a cab
⚠️ What to Watch Out For
- Rush hour pricing may be higher on some platforms
- Limited insurance coverage for tourists
- Not great if you're carrying big luggage, wearing skirts, or unsure of traffic flow
- Some apps may be in Chinese only, so prepare screenshots or translations ahead of time