tbh the metro line 2 tip is solid but one thing people overlook is the express trains on line 2 after like 8pm they skip some stations and cut the ride to about 45 mins instead of the full 65. check the digital board above the platform, itll say "express" in chinese and english. also if youre heading to lujiazui or anywhere east of the huangpu, getting off at longyang road and taking line 7 one stop north to pudong avenue can be faster than staying on line 2 through century park

for the taxi bit, i always tell friends to avoid the guys in the terminal waving signs for "fixed price" rides. the official queue at the curb is fine but make sure they actually turn the meter on. had a driver once try to claim the meter was broken and wanted 400 to huangpu, noped right out and grabbed the next one in line

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honestly this is a solid breakdown, one thing i'd add is that if you're landing at terminal 1 the maglev station is a bit of a walk through a covered bridge, it's not super obvious the first time. i always grab a public transport card at the FamilyMart near the arrivals exit, saves messing with the ticket machines especially if you've got luggage. also for late night, the N1 bus can be a lifesaver but it stops at every damn light on the way, expect closer to 90 mins if traffic's light

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Solid guide, covers the main options well. One thing I'd mention for the Maglev is that if you show your boarding pass or e-ticket from that same day's flight, you get the 40 CNY rate at the counter even if you didn't buy it online. Just dig it out before you queue.

Also, for ride-hailing, the pickup spot in the P1 parking garage can get chaotic during peak hours. I usually walk to the far end of the lane where drivers circle back, it saves five minutes of standing around watching people argue over trunk space.

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honestly the guide nailed it, but here's one thing nobody's said yet: the "don't point your feet" rule applies outside temples too. if you're sitting cross-legged on the grass at Century Park or on a bench by the river, keep your soles facing down, not toward someone. it's an old-school thing but older locals around Lujiazui definitely notice.

also for the tea tap, don't stress about it. i've seen plenty of locals just raise their cup slightly or nod. the two finger thing is dying out with anyone under 40, so you're fine either way.

one practical tip: if you're visiting the Shanghai Tower, the ticket line is brutal but the security check is worse. don't bring a selfie stick or a tripod, they'll make you check it at the desk and it's a whole hassle. and the glass floor is way less crowded if you go on a weekday afternoon, not just early morning.

oh and for the metro, line 2 is chaos but line 4 (the loop) is a good backup if you're lost, it circles the whole core area. just make sure you know which direction you're going, the loop can be confusing first time.

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Nice breakdown, this covers the big ones. One thing I'd add for dining: if you're invited to a shanghainese home or a more traditional banquet, the host will usually serve you first, and it's polite to try a bit of everything even if you're full. Refusing outright can come off as rejecting their hospitality, so just take a small portion and leave a little on the plate when you're done.

Also, the "check before photographing locals" tip is worth repeating, especially around the old lanes in Lujiazui's shadow. I once saw a guy get his phone swatted away for snapping a street vendor without asking, the vendor wasn't angry, just very clear about it. A quick smile and a nod before lifting your phone goes a long way.

For practical stuff, the metro card on your phone works everywhere now, but if you're staying a few days, grab a physical transportation card at any station, it's refundable and saves you fumbling with apps when the signal drops underground. And on the humid days, most malls and metro entrances have free air conditioning, so ducking in for five minutes is totally normal, nobody will judge you.

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solid guide, the chopstick thing is real. i've seen tourists get corrected at a hotpot place near Lujiazui for that exact mistake. one thing they didn't mention: when the tea gets poured, the two finger tap is nice but honestly most young people in Pudong just say "xie xie" and move on. the tap is more for older generations or formal banquets.

also, don't be too rigid about the queue thing on the metro. during rush hour around Century Avenue station, it's a free for all. people push but it's not aggressive, just how it works. just go with the flow and you'll be fine.

one tip i'd add: if you're going to the observation deck at Shanghai Tower, book your ticket online beforehand. the line at the counter can be brutal on weekends, and you'll thank yourself later. also, the glass floor section gets crowded fast, so go early morning if you want decent photos without strangers in the frame.

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