West Youyi Road Station

West Youyi Road Station Shanghai: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

West Youyi Road Station (友谊西路站) is a prominent metro stop in Shanghai’s Baoshan District, serving as a key gateway to the city’s dynamic northern suburbs and cultural attractions. Opened in 2007 as part of the northern extension of Metro Line 1, the station has significantly improved accessibility between Baoshan District and central Shanghai, supporting the city’s rapid urban expansion and commitment to sustainable transit. This guide provides detailed information on visiting hours, ticketing, station facilities, accessibility, nearby attractions, and practical travel tips, ensuring a seamless experience for both daily commuters and tourists.

For the latest schedules, maps, and updates, consult the official Shanghai Metro website, ExploreShanghai, and Mapcarta. For cultural highlights, the nearby Shanghai Museum of Glass is a must-visit for art and history enthusiasts.

Introduction
Historical Background and Development
Visiting Hours and Ticket Information
Station Facilities and Accessibility
Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips
Multimodal Connections
Overview of Shanghai Metro Line 1
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Visiting the Shanghai Museum of Glass
Summary and Key Tips
Sources

Historical Background and Development

West Youyi Road Station is part of the pivotal northern extension of Shanghai Metro Line 1, which began operation on December 29, 2007. This extension linked Gongfu Xincun to Fujin Road, integrating Baoshan District with Shanghai’s core urban areas. Metro Line 1 itself holds historic significance as the first metro line in mainland China, launched in 1993, and today stands as the backbone of Shanghai’s extensive metro network. The station’s establishment marked a turning point for local development, enabling swift commutes, stimulating business growth, and fostering urban renewal (Wikipedia).

Visiting Hours and Ticket Information

Operating Hours: Daily from approximately 5:00–5:30 AM until midnight, following the standard schedule of Line 1 (TransitGuide).
Ticket Prices: Fares start at 3 CNY (~US$0.44) and increase based on travel distance.
Purchasing Tickets: Available at station vending machines, staffed counters, and via mobile apps.
Transit Cards: The Shanghai Public Transportation Card (Jiaotong Card) is recommended for convenient, cashless travel across metro and bus lines.
Mobile Payments: Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted; ensure your payment method is set up in advance if you are a visitor.

Note: Most machines do not accept foreign credit cards, so prepare cash or a transit card for ticket purchases.

Station Facilities and Accessibility

West Youyi Road Station is designed for comfort and inclusivity:

Elevators and Escalators: Ensure barrier-free access for passengers with mobility challenges, strollers, or luggage.
Tactile Paving: Guides for visually impaired travelers.
Bilingual Signage: Clear directions in both Chinese and English.
Restrooms: Clean and accessible.
Convenience Stores & Vending Machines: Snacks, beverages, SIM cards, and portable chargers available.
Free Wi-Fi & Strong Mobile Signals: Public Wi-Fi and robust network coverage.
Customer Service Counters: Assistance with ticketing, lost and found, and travel inquiries.
Safety Measures: Security checks, CCTV, emergency call points, and first aid kits.

(ExploreShanghai)

Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips

West Youyi Road Station is ideally located for exploring Baoshan District’s blend of tradition and modernity:

Shanghai Wusong Ancient Fort: A 15-minute drive from the station, this historical site offers insights into Shanghai’s military history and scenic river views.
Shanghai Museum of Glass: A cultural landmark featuring glass art, interactive exhibits, and workshops (details below).
Riverside Parks: Enjoy the Yangtze River’s scenic vistas.
Gucun Park: Renowned for cherry blossoms and walking trails.
Local Markets & Dining: Experience authentic Shanghai cuisine and vibrant local life in nearby markets and eateries.
Hotels: Options such as Gya Shanghai West Youyi Road Subway Station Hotel and Homeinn Ripple Yun Hotel offer convenient accommodations.

Travel Tips:

Avoid rush hours (7:00–10:00 AM and 5:00–8:00 PM) for a more comfortable journey.
Specify exit numbers when arranging pickups or meeting friends.
Use the Shanghai Metro app or official website for real-time updates.

(Mapcarta)

Multimodal Connections

West Youyi Road Station serves as a multimodal transport hub:

Bus Transfers: Lines such as 彭石线, 彭泾线, 钱泰线, 宝山2路, and 宝山7路 connect the metro station with surrounding neighborhoods and suburban areas.
Taxi and Ride-Hailing: Easily accessible via Didi and local taxis for last-mile connectivity.
Highway Access: Proximity to major roads including Bao’an Highway and North Jiangyang Road enables smooth onward travel.

This integration reflects Shanghai’s model of efficient urban mobility.

Overview of Shanghai Metro Line 1

Line 1 is Shanghai’s historic and vital north-south artery, connecting Baoshan District to key downtown locations such as People’s Square, The Bund, and Lujiazui. As of 2025, the Shanghai Metro system encompasses over 700 stations across more than 20 lines, making it one of the world’s largest and most advanced rapid transit networks (EastChinaTrip).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the operating hours of West Youyi Road Station?
A: Daily from around 5:00–5:30 AM until midnight.

Q: How much do tickets cost?
A: Fares start at 3 CNY and increase with distance. Transit cards and mobile payments are accepted.

Q: Is the station accessible for travelers with disabilities?
A: Yes. Elevators, tactile paving, accessible restrooms, and priority seating are provided.

Q: Are guided tours available at or near the station?
A: While the station itself does not offer tours, local operators provide seasonal guided tours for historical sites like Wusong Ancient Fort.

Q: Can I use international credit cards for ticket purchases?
A: Not usually. Use cash or a Shanghai Public Transportation Card.

Q: Are snacks and SIM cards available at the station?
A: Yes, via convenience stores and vending machines.

Visiting the Shanghai Museum of Glass: Complete Guide

Overview

Located near West Youyi Road Station, the Shanghai Museum of Glass is a unique destination showcasing the art, history, and science of glassmaking. Housed in a converted glass factory, the museum blends industrial heritage with contemporary exhibits, offering an engaging experience for visitors of all ages.

Hours and Admission

Open: Tuesday–Sunday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM)
Closed: Mondays (except public holidays)
Tickets: ¥40 (adults), ¥20 (students, seniors, children 6–18), free for children under 6
Purchase: Online or at the museum entrance

Getting There

Metro: Take Line 1 to West Youyi Road Station (Exit 2), then a short taxi or bus ride.
Bus: Lines 172, Baoshan 21, and Baoshan 28 stop near the museum.
Taxi/Ride-Hailing: Didi and local taxis are convenient for last-mile travel.

Highlights

Glass Art Gallery: Showcasing works by Chinese and international artists.
Interactive Workshops: Hands-on glassblowing and crafts.
Science of Glass: Educational displays on glass properties and manufacturing.
Rotating Exhibits: Featuring stained glass, ancient artifacts, and modern installations.

Facilities and Accessibility

Fully accessible with elevators and ramps
Bilingual signage and audio guides (English/Mandarin)
On-site café, gift shop, rest areas
Photography allowed without flash (except in designated areas)

Nearby Points of Interest

Gucun Park: Cherry blossoms and walking trails.
Wusong Paotaiwan Wetland Forest Park: Nature walks and historical sites.
Baoshan Wanda Plaza, IKEA: Shopping and dining options.

Travel Tips

Visit on weekday mornings for fewer crowds.
Bring a camera for architectural and exhibit photos (observe rules).
Book guided tours via the museum website for a richer experience.

Summary and Key Tips for Visitors

West Youyi Road Station is more than a transit point—it’s a well-equipped, accessible gateway to northern Shanghai’s culture, history, and daily life. The station’s strategic role in Line 1’s northern extension has spurred connectivity, economic growth, and urban revitalization in Baoshan District. With daily operations from early morning until midnight, affordable ticketing, and robust accessibility, the station welcomes residents, commuters, and international visitors alike.

The proximity to attractions like the Shanghai Museum of Glass and Wusong Ancient Fort enriches the travel experience, while multimodal connections expand your exploration options. For a smoother journey, leverage mobile apps for real-time transit updates and plan visits during off-peak hours.

Whether commuting, sightseeing, or delving into local heritage, West Youyi Road Station stands as a vital node in Shanghai’s ever-evolving urban landscape.