
Weining Road Station Shanghai: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide to Nearby Historical Sites
Date: 04/07/2025
Introduction
Weining Road Station (威宁路站) on Shanghai Metro Line 2 is a pivotal transit hub in the dynamic Changning District. Since its opening in 2006, the station has played a crucial role in connecting western Shanghai to the city’s major commercial centers, transportation nodes, and cultural landmarks. With a modern design, robust accessibility features, and a strategic location, Weining Road Station offers a seamless transit experience for both commuters and tourists. Its proximity to a variety of attractions—ranging from tranquil parks to bustling shopping malls—makes it an ideal starting point for exploring Shanghai’s unique blend of heritage and modern urban life.
For up-to-date metro maps, ticketing options, and official transit alerts, refer to the Shanghai Metro Guide and the Shanghai Government Transportation Overview.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Historical Development of Weining Road Station
- Visiting Hours at Weining Road Station
- Ticket Information
- Accessibility and Facilities
- Station Layout
- Facilities
- Transportation Connections
- Nearby Attractions
- Local Life and Neighborhood Insights
- Practical Travel Tips and FAQ
- Jing’an Temple: History, Visiting Hours, and Travel Advice
- Summary and Recommendations
- Sources
Historical Development of Weining Road Station
Origins and Urban Context
Weining Road Station opened on December 30, 2006, as part of Line 2’s western expansion. Changning District’s transformation from mixed industry and residential zones into a modern urban landscape was instrumental to the station’s inception, reflecting Shanghai’s rapid urbanization efforts preceding the 2010 World Expo. The station links local neighborhoods with the city’s commercial, cultural, and transportation hubs (Shanghai Metro Guide).
Construction and Expansion
Utilizing modern cut-and-cover tunneling methods, Weining Road Station was constructed to minimize surface disruption. The design incorporates elevators, tactile paving, and other accessibility features, making it a model of inclusive transit infrastructure. As a key node on Line 2, the station is part of a route that spans over 64 kilometers—from Pudong International Airport to East Xujing (Shanghai Metro Map).
Role in Shanghai’s Metro Network
Weining Road Station facilitates convenient travel for thousands each day, integrating with bus lines and supporting multimodal connections to central business districts and major transportation corridors (Shanghai Government Transportation Overview).
Visiting Hours at Weining Road Station
- Operating Hours: 5:30 AM – 11:00 PM daily
- Peak Hours: Trains every 2–4 minutes during rush hour
Plan your journey within these hours for optimal convenience.
Ticket Information
- Ticket Prices: Start at 3 RMB (for trips under 6 km); incremental increases for longer distances
- Purchasing Tickets: Available from ticket vending machines, the Shanghai Metro Daduhui app, or using international bank cards such as Visa and Mastercard (Metro Fare Details)
- Payment Options: Shanghai Public Transportation Card, mobile QR codes, contactless cards, Alipay, and WeChat Pay
Accessibility and Facilities
Weining Road Station is fully accessible, offering elevators, tactile paving, and clear bilingual signage. Customer service robots and multilingual signs further support international travelers.
Station Layout
Platform and Track Arrangement
The station features an island platform with two tracks, facilitating efficient boarding and alighting. Safety doors ensure a secure environment, while lighting and air conditioning provide comfort (ExploreShanghai).
Exits and Accessibility
Multiple exits connect to nearby streets and points of interest:
- Exit 2: Leads to City Shop supermarket and Wagas café
- Exit 4: Access to Changning Library and community amenities
Elevators are located at the west end of the platform and near Exit 4, ensuring accessibility for all travelers (ExploreShanghai).
Signage and Navigation
Color-coded signs, electronic boards with real-time train arrivals, and bilingual route maps make navigation straightforward for both locals and international visitors.
Facilities
Ticketing and Payment
Ticket vending machines accept cash, bank cards, and mobile payments. The Shanghai Public Transportation Card (交通卡) is recommended for frequent travelers and can be used across metro, bus, and ferry networks (TravelToEast).
Restrooms and Amenities
Clean, regularly maintained restrooms—including accessible toilets—are available within the paid area. Drinking fountains are located nearby (Xplrverse).
Retail and Food Options
Exit 2 offers access to City Shop and Wagas café for groceries, snacks, and coffee. Vending machines inside the station provide light refreshments (ExploreShanghai).
Security Measures
Security screening at entrances, extensive CCTV, uniformed staff, and emergency intercoms ensure passenger safety.
Transportation Connections
Metro Line 2 Highlights
Line 2 connects Weining Road Station to key locations such as People’s Square, Nanjing Road East, Lujiazui, and both Hongqiao and Pudong airports. Trains run every 3–5 minutes during peak hours (ExploreShanghai).
Bus, Taxi, and Shared Mobility
- Bus: Numerous lines (54, 72, 74B, 141, 251, 808) stop nearby, all supporting mobile payments.
- Taxi & Ride-Hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Didi are readily available. Carry your destination in Chinese for easier communication.
- Bicycle Sharing: HelloBike and Meituan bikes are parked near exits; payments are made through app-based mobile wallets (TheHelpfulPanda).
Nearby Attractions
Zhongshan Park
A lush urban park one stop east on Line 2, Zhongshan Park is open 6:00 AM–9:00 PM, with a modest entry fee. Enjoy lakes, walking paths, and vibrant local life, especially during cherry blossom season.
Cloud Nine Shopping Mall
Next to Zhongshan Park station, Cloud Nine Shopping Mall is open 10:00 AM–10:00 PM. The mall features a wide range of shops, eateries, and panoramic city views.
Tianshan Tea City
Located a 5-minute walk from the station, Tianshan Tea City offers tea tastings and a deep dive into Chinese tea culture, open 9:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Changfeng Park & Changfeng Ocean World
About 2 km northwest, Changfeng Park is a peaceful green space, and Changfeng Ocean World is a top family-friendly aquarium.
Loushanguan Road Commercial Area
One stop west, Loushanguan Road is a bustling area for dining and nightlife, accessible and lively in the evenings.
Proximity to Major Landmarks
- The Bund: 20 minutes east by metro (The Bund - China Discovery).
- Nanjing Road: Directly accessible via Line 2 (Nanjing Road - China Discovery).
- Jing’an Temple: Three stops east, open 7:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Local Life and Neighborhood Insights
The Weining Road area features residential mid-rises, leafy streets, and lively community parks. Morning and evening hours see locals exercising, shopping at wet markets, and enjoying Shanghai’s famous street food. The district is family-oriented, with reputable schools and popular parks for leisure. Dining options range from classic Shanghainese eateries to trendy dessert shops, while safety and accessibility are consistent throughout the area.
Practical Travel Tips
- Public Transportation Card: Invest in a Shanghai Public Transportation Card for multi-modal access.
- Navigation: Use apps like ExploreShanghai or Baidu Maps.
- Language: Carry a translation app or destination names in Chinese.
- Crowds: Avoid peak hours when possible and keep valuables secure.
- Mobile Payments: Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the operating hours of Weining Road Station?
A: 5:30 AM to 11:00 PM daily.
Q: Can I use mobile payments to buy tickets?
A: Yes, ticket machines accept Alipay and WeChat Pay.
Q: Is the station wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, elevators and accessible restrooms are available.
Q: Are there unique tips for visiting Weining Road Station?
A: Travel during off-peak times and explore local parks and eateries.
Q: Are international payment methods accepted?
A: Visa and Mastercard are accepted for ticket purchases.
Jing’an Temple: History, Visiting Hours, and Travel Advice
Overview
Jing’an Temple (静安寺), a short ride from Weining Road Station, is one of Shanghai’s oldest and most significant Buddhist temples.
History
Founded in 247 AD and rebuilt several times, the temple is renowned for its intricate architecture and spiritual significance.
Visiting Hours & Tickets
- Open: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM)
- Admission: ¥50 (discounts for students, seniors, children)
- Tickets: Purchase onsite or online; audio guides and tours available.
Getting There
From Weining Road Station, take Line 2 eastbound (approx. 4 stops) to Jing’an Temple Station. The area is well-signposted in English and Chinese.
Accessibility
The temple and surrounding metro stations are equipped with elevators, ramps, tactile paving, and accessible restrooms.
Etiquette and Safety
Dress modestly, remain quiet in sacred spaces, and respect photography restrictions. The area is safe, with staff and emergency resources available.
FAQs
Q: Can I buy Jing’an Temple tickets online?
A: Yes, via the official website.
Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, in multiple languages.
Q: What is the best time to visit?
A: Early weekday mornings are less crowded.
Summary and Recommendations
Weining Road Station is more than a metro stop—it’s a gateway to the Changning District’s vibrant local life, diverse attractions, and convenient transport links. Its modern facilities, multilingual support, and seamless connections make it a top choice for travelers. Use official resources such as the Shanghai Metro Guide and Shanghai Government Transportation Overview for real-time information and updates. Embrace the convenience and cultural wealth that Weining Road Station offers as you explore Shanghai.
Visuals and Media Recommendations
To enhance your experience, seek out images of station entrances, park cherry blossoms, and local market scenes. Use alt text such as “Weining Road Station entrance in Shanghai” and “Cherry blossoms at Zhongshan Park near Weining Road Station, Shanghai” for improved accessibility and SEO. An interactive map showing the station and nearby attractions is also beneficial.
Sources
- Shanghai Metro Guide, 2024, TransitGuide.org
- Shanghai Government Transportation Overview, 2024, Shanghai Municipal Government
- ExploreShanghai, 2024, ExploreShanghai.com
- TravelToEast, 2024, TravelToEast.com
- Xplrverse, 2025, Xplrverse.com
- TheHelpfulPanda, 2024, TheHelpfulPanda.com
- China Discovery, 2024, ChinaDiscovery.com
- Trip.com Shanghai Travel Guide, 2024, Trip.com