Archival photographs offer a vivid glimpse into the Shanghai Metro’s past, showcasing the stories and scenes that helped shape a city.
Thirty years ago, navigating Shanghai presented a daunting task. Traveling from the northeastern Yangpu District to Xuhui District in the southwest took hours and involved multiple transfers. And commuters faced the arduous challenge of navigating through various modes of transportation.
But in 1993, the Shanghai Metro started operations, marking the beginning of a new era, where travel time reduced to a fraction of what it once was.
Fast forward to today, and the Shanghai Metro has experienced incredible growth. From its humble beginnings with a single line, it now encompasses a vast network of 19 lines, a Maglev, and 508 stations.
Reflecting on its history, the Shanghai Metro witnessed its most significant growth between 2003 and 2013. In preparation for the world's fair in Shanghai titled, Expo 2010, the metro system faced the formidable task of constructing nearly 400 kilometers of subway lines within just a few years.
Against all odds, it was completed in time. During the Expo, the Shanghai Metro played a crucial role, handling over 50% of the urban public transport passenger flow. Today, that percentage has risen to over 70%.
As we look back at the past three decades of the Shanghai Metro’s history, archival photos that showcase its evolution provide a glimpse into the remarkable transformation of Shanghai’s iconic transportation system.
An early blueprint of the Shanghai metro system designed in 1958. Courtesy of Shanghai Metro
The ceremony celebrating the opening of Line 1 in Shanghai, 1993. Courtesy of Shanghai Metro
School children aboard a train on the opening day of Shanghai metro Line 1, May 28, 1993. Courtesy of Shanghai Metro
The first generation of Shanghai metro Line 1 drivers, Dec. 14, 1995. From left to right, Dai Qi, Cao Jian, Zhang Jun, Shen Shifang, Zhai Renyuan, and Chen Yi. Courtesy of Shanghai Metro
Local residents take a break on a section of the Shanghai–Woosung railway in 1995. Two years later in June 1997, Shanghai metro Line 3 officially began operations on it. Xu Haifeng for Sixth Tone
A view of the Line 3 rails, December 2000. Line 3 was based on old railways like Shanghai–Woosung railway. Xu Haifeng for Sixth Tone
Amid the SARS outbreak in February 2003. Xu Haifeng for Sixth Tone
Station staff (with a badge) helping the passengers exit the turnstiles after automatic ticket checkpoints were introduced, March 1, 1999. Original paper tickets were phased out. Xu Haifeng for Sixth Tone
The Xujiahui station, December 1993. The photo was taken before noon, when few passengers were around. Xu Haifeng for Sixth Tone
Metro staff reminding passengers to pay attention to safety while getting on and off the train, 2002. At the time, layoffs were a big social issue. With the help of the government, some were reemployed here. Xu Haifeng for Sixth Tone
A primary school student waiting at a station, October 2000. At the time, the Shanghai metro hadn't installed guardrails. Then, it was a subject of widespread debate: Some said it improved safety, others believed it a waste of money. Xu Haifeng for Sixth Tone
A performer busking aboard a train, which was later banned, 2002. Xu Haifeng for Sixth Tone
A man sells newspapers at a metro station, March 2000. Xu Haifeng for Sixth Tone
With a photograph of Audrey Hepburn on the train, May 2004. Xu Haifeng for Sixth Tone
A migrant worker carrying bedding out of the station in Shanghai, February 1998. Xu Haifeng for Sixth Tone
A courier delivering a package in the station, 2003. They relied on the convenience of the metro system. Xu Haifeng for Sixth Tone
A couple aboard a train, May 1, 2005. Xu Haifeng for Sixth Tone
On metro Line 2, Dec. 16, 2004. Xu Haifeng for Sixth Tone
A commuter with his own little chair on the metro, August 2004. Xu Haifeng for Sixth Tone
Passengers on a metro train, Dec. 25, 2003. Xu Haifeng for Sixth Tone
Morning chaos on the Line 1 north extension during trials, Dec. 28, 2004. Metro attendants struggled to push passengers into already overcrowded trains. At the time, the wait time between two trains could be as long as 12 minutes. Xu Haifeng for Sixth Tone
Rush hour, July 14, 2004. Xu Haifeng for Sixth Tone
Passengers at People’s Square, one of Shanghai’s biggest transfer stations, July 14, 2004. Xu Haifeng for Sixth Tone
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