TAXI

The most common way to travel around Shanghai is the taxi; it is clearly the most comfortable way of travelling. Taxis are plentiful (50,000 taxis running in Shanghai City) and are available 24 hours a day. Compared to other large international cities, taxi fares in Shanghai are amazingly cheap.
Travelling to a close area would cost less than 15 RMB. Note that there is no tipping in taxi.

Usually taxi drivers do not speak English so be sure to have your destination written in Chinese.

All taxi drivers will provide a receipt showing your place of origin and your destination if requested. Always ask for a taxi receipt ("fapiao" in chinese), as it will help you trace any lost items if you leave them in a taxi.

Like any big city, be prepared for an influx of traffic at the morning and evening rush hour:
it can be difficult to get a taxi during this time.
The starting price for the meter is 11 RMB (14 RMB after 11pm) and it increases every 500 m travelled after 3km.

SUBWAY

The underground is very clean, modern and inexpensive (from 3 to 6 RMB according to destination) but gets very crowded especially at weekends. Maps, announcements, and directions are all provided in both Chinese and English, making the subway very user-friendly for foreign visitors. The subway starts operation from around 5am to 11pm, depending on line and direction.

Shanghai has 8 metro lines (others are underconstruction), while the underground metro system is the fastest and most efficient way to move around the city, be warned that it is quite an experience for a foreigner. There is a complete absence of public etiquette in entry/exit customs here, so be prepared for some rude pushing and shoving as the train doors open and close.

Click here to see the Shanghai subway map

BUS

There are more than 1,100 bus lines in Shanghai. Buses. If you want to travel for a cheap price, the bus is the most common way. Buses run every 10-15 minutes from 4:30 am to midnight. There are plenty of buses and conveniently go to anywhere of Shanghai, but there are often packed to the hilt and at times, impossible to board especially at 8:00 -9:00 am and 5:00-6:00 pm when people are going to work or back to home.
The bus system in Shanghai is like a spider web. Though it may take a lot of time, you can go from one place to another without many problems on a bus. The bus fees range from 2 RMB – 3 RMB per bus ride inside the city. You can either pay in cash or use the Shanghai Public Transportation Card.

WALKING

Walking in downtown Shanghai is one of the most exciting experiences. Shanghai is famous for its ancient alleys and buildings. To find these rare attractions, walking is the most interesting way. Though it is impossible to tour all of Shanghai by foot, several parts of downtown are worthwhile for a walk. Several buildings from the early 20th century still stand in downtown Shanghai, but are rarely publicized. Therefore, a walk in the streets of downtown Shanghai would provide one with the opportunity to observe these buildings as well as experience the true culture of Shanghai.
There are plenty of sidewalks where pedestrians can stroll at leisure. Watch out for loose tiles which are difficult to see at night.
Be careful: pedestrian crossing offers no safety; cars will not stop for you. Try to cross at traffic lights, remembering that traffic can turn right at any time regardless of a red light.

Click here to see the Shanghai Map

TIP
The best way to travel in Shanghai is to buy the "Shanghai Public Transportation Card" operated by SMTCC.
It's 30 RMB at any subway station, and at the cashier you can add money all up to 999 RMB. Unfortunately the card will not give a discount like the Hongkong MTR Octopus Card, but it will allow you to avoid the often long queues in front of the ticket booths.
Don't loose the card - there is NO code or anything to prevent others to use it. It is valid for ferries, taxis, trains and buses. Some bus lines still require cash, so you need a few RMB in your pocket.
For taxi, remember to show your card to the driver before you start the ride in the taxis, not all have this function up and working.