Cycling
As is known to all, China is
the
kingdom of bicycles. Free from traffic jams and crowded buses, cycling
is a
good choice for you to get around the city.
Mopeds and electric cycles also
use
bike lanes, but they are more expensive than bikes.
Many streets have no bike lane,
and
cycling on pavements is not wise. One-way streets can also be a
problem, so
before you hit the road, work out a suitable route.
Be careful while crossing a
road.
Local drivers are aggressive enough
to turn right regardless of pedestrians and cyclists, even if the red
traffic
light is on.
Finding a reliable lock or even
several locks for your dear bike is paramount. Remember, thieves are
always
smarter than you are. Some bicycle lock companies even guaratee refund
if bikes
with their locks are stolen.
It's wise to park at bicycle
parking
lots, though it will cost you 0.5 to 1 yuan each time. There are
usually
watchers to keep an eye on the lots, keeping your bike from thieves.
Last but not least, the
elevated
roads are absolutely forbidden to bikes or pedestrians. Never try to
find a
shortcut above your head.
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Generally, in Shanghai, you
don't have to wear a helmet when cycling.
However its always better to
be safe than sorry !
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Walking
Remember
as in any country the when consideration for others is
concerned
pedestrians are last in the hierarchy of transport
methods
however walking is great for sightseeing. Embrace the crowd.
Don't expect smiles because Chinese don't often look into others' eyes
and smile to each other, even though most people are very friendly to
foreigners.
You will find that Shanghai is
a city much more than hustle and bustle.
When you decide to go out on
foot, remember to take paper and a pen along. Once you are confused by
the labyrinth-like streets, which are famous for not following straight
directions, you may write down your destination and ask a passersby for
help. Generally, youngsters in Shanghai can more or less speak some
English.
Turning to the traffic
policemen is another way when you need help. Be patient with them, for
their English is not perfect, yet.
Be wary of aggressive drivers
when crossing the streets. When the streets become extremely busy, to
get rid of the traffic jam, drivers may even ignore the traffic lights.
Even with the law on your side, you still need to be careful to avoid
shocks. We do see a lot of foreigners cursing at rude cabbies and
drivers who rush ahead of pedestrians to turn a corner.
Nowadays, some streets are
equipped with countdown timers to tell you the time left for you to get
across the street. Sometimes it is accompanied with a "beeper."
The downtown area is often
crowded at weekends. Beware: thieves and frauds are always with the
crowds. Keep an eye on your valuables and never bother to reply to any
doubtful stranger.
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Always use a fly-over or an
underpass if there is one because they are always the safest way to
cross the road.
Mind yourself on the pavements. As some streets don't have bike lanes,
some cyclists may use the pavement as a short-cut.
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Rentable vehicles (all with
drivers)
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Bigger or luxurious car
If you have more than three
companions, you can phone Dazhong's call center (96822) to book a
bigger taxi, which can accommodate as many as seven passengers. The
fares are the same as ordinary cabs.
Mini-bus
If you have more than 10
companions, you need to book a mini-bus, and you can dial Jinjiang's
hotline 96961. But the supply of mini-buses is limited, so you should
make a reservation as early as you can. The minimum charge is 15 yuan
for 3 kilometers, and the other fares are the same as taxis.
Bus and coach
If you want to rent a coach,
the number 6384-1890 or 5633-8484 of Bashi or 6317-9190 of Dazhong will
be useful for you. The companies can provide a variety of buses with 10
to 50 seats. But buses are charged on a daily basis rather than
metered. Fares range from 500 yuan a day to more than 1,000 yuan a day.
Van
If you are moving house,, you
can dial Dazhong's 96811 or Qiangsheng's 62580000 to book a van. The
minimum cost of a van of 0.6-ton capacity is 18 yuan covering 3
kilometers, and 2.5 yuan for every additional kilometer. The minimum
cost of a van of 0.9-ton capacity is 23 yuan covering 3 kilometers, and
3 yuan for every additional kilometer.
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Current
fares for vans
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Capacity
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Minimum
fares
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After
3 kilometers
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0.6
ton
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18
yuan (3 km)
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2.5
yuan per km
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0.9
ton
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23
yuan (3 km)
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3
yuan per km
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