When we first moved to China, catching the metro system in Shanghai terrified me. The hustle and bustle, not speaking the language, the possibility of getting lost, and the sheer size of the metro network reduced me to an anxious ball of nerves.

The Shanghai Metro is one of the worlds largest subway networks with more than 831km of train lines, over 500 stations and more than 10 million daily users. Easy to understand why I'd get jittery just thinking about using it. Though, over the years, I have grown to appreciate and enjoy trips on the metro (well, most trips).

In Shanghai and Beijing, travelling on the metro is a reliable and convenient mode of transport. The military precision timing of the trains, extensive metro systems, low ticket cost (3 Yuan = Aus$0.60 for the first 6km + 1 Yuan = Aus$0.20 each 6km after that), and cleanliness of the carriages make the metro a great way to travel.

People-watching is what makes the metro trips so enjoyable for me. That may make me sound like a stalker, but seriously, every time I catch the metro, I come away with a story. Whether it makes me laugh or cringe, it’s an experience, and living abroad is all about experiencing the culture.

I’ve gathered many stories and photos over the years and have decided to start sharing them with you here in ‘Moments on the Metro’. You’ll be sure to laugh (or cringe), and I hope it gives you a glimpse of everyday life here in China.

Moments on the Metro

 

Driverless Metro Line in Shanghai

The day we caught Line 14 in Shanghai, we had no idea we were getting on a driverless train until we hopped on the carriage and saw windows looking out on to the tracks ahead.

When the train started moving it was a little unnerving as we traveled into the dark tunnel and the kids started squealing 'We're going down, we're going down!' It just looked like a dark and eerie tunnel ahead and I couldn't tell what angle were going traveling.

Station after station, we would leave the bright florescent lighting and slowly roll into the narrow tunnel, but that eerie feeling never really went away.

There are a total of five automatic or driverless metro lines in Shanghai. However, Line 14 was the first fully automated and driverless line opened in December 2021.

Eerie feelings aside, it was an awesome experience, one I'm glad we had the opportunity to enjoy.

Peak Hour on the Beijing Metro

On Liv's first day of school in Beijing, we caught a car because I didn't want to get lost on the metro and be late. After dropping her at school, to save money I decided to catch the metro home.

I walked on to the platform and was pleasantly surprised as there were very few people waiting - what a breeze I thought.

As the first train pulled into the station and slowed to a stop I realised my mistake. It was rush hour in Beijing and the carriages were packed. So packed that when the doors opened there were people jammed in the doorway and there was no room for people to get on.

I looked up to see when the next train was due. 2 minutes. Ok, I thought, I'll wait for the next train.

Nope - as the next train rolled into the station it was just as packed as the first, if not more. This time though, a person pushed on board.  And just when I thought there was no way anymore people could possibly fit on, two more people managed to push their way on. I was not that game.

Five trains later and a smug smirk from the security guard that had now walked passed me three times, I decided enough was enough. As the doors to the next train opened I stepped forward and pushed my way onboard. I got as far as the step and shuffled my feet forward hoping none of my body parts would get caught in the door as it closed.

The doors closed without incident and I relaxed slightly. My first concern was breathing. My advantage in this situation is that I stand about a head taller than most people on the train so I was still getting fresh air from the vents.

My second thought was 'How many people am I touching?' It was hard to tell, but I figured there were at least three complete strangers bodies pressed against me. I was glad my back was pressed against the door! It was going to be a long ride.

What I wasn't expecting, was the brute force people use to plough off the train at their stop. I was pushed off the train at least three times as people pushed their way through and before the train started to clear and some personal space was returned. When I could move my arm a little, I lifted my phone to take a photo - this is the last photo in the slider above.

I learned my lesson the hard way and these days I avoid morning rush hour on the Beijing metro. This is not an experience I wish to repeat any time soon.

Stay tuned for more of my 'Moments on the Metro'.

If you're planning a visit to China you may wish to read '5 Essential Apps for traveling in China'.