Qiang Huang
You step off the train. The air is warm, mixed with the smell of fried dough and exhaust. Your phone says "Dapuqiao" but your gut says "Am I lost?" I've been there — and I've pulled countless tourists out of the wrong exit. Here's the thing: Tianzifang Dapuqiao metro station isn't just a stop; it's a maze with one correct door. Let me save you the 20-minute detour.
What's the Deal with Dapuqiao Metro?
Dapuqiao is an interchange station for Shanghai Metro Line 9 and Line 13. That sounds simple, but the station is huge — think airport terminal with zero English signage consistency. You'll see signs pointing to "Tianzifang" but they lead you to the wrong ground level. I once watched a group walk in circles for 15 minutes.
Fact check: The station has 7 exits (1-7). Only exits on the south side of Dapuqiao Road actually connect to Tianzifang. North-side exits drop you into a residential jungle with no shortcuts.
| Line | Direction | Best Exit for Tianzifang | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Line 9 | Songjiang South – Caolu | Exit 1 | Escalator up, then turn right — Tianzifang is a 3-min walk |
| Line 13 | Jinyun Road – Zhangjiang Road | Exit 3 | Directly leads to the alley entrance (no crossing needed) |
Exit Strategy: Which Gate to Choose
Here's where most guides get it wrong. They just say "take Exit 1" but forget to mention which end of the train. If you're on Line 9 heading toward Caolu (city center), the front carriages will land you closer to the escalator for Exit 1. The back carriages? You'll walk an extra platform length.
Step-by-step (from Line 9 platform)
- Get off the train. Walk toward the front of the train (look for the big "1-3" markers on the wall).
- Find the escalator. It's behind a pillar — easy to miss. Once up, follow the green "Tianzifang" sticker on the wall (not the overhead signs — those lie).
- Exit via gate. Insert your ticket or scan your phone. Immediately turn right and walk 50 meters. You'll see the iconic red brick archway of Tianzifang.
When to Visit (and When to Run)
I always tell my groups: Tuesday morning at 9am or Sunday after 4:30pm. Why? Because Dapuqiao station during rush hour (8-9am, 6-7pm) is a human snake pit. The Line 9 platform gets so packed you can't even see the floor. And Tianzifang itself? Avoid weekends 11am-3pm unless you enjoy shuffling shoulder-to-shoulder.
Personal experience: Last Saturday I brought a couple from Germany. We exited at 2pm. Big mistake. It took us 7 minutes just to move 20 meters into the alley. They didn't enjoy it. We turned around and came back Monday at 5pm — almost empty, golden light, perfect photos.
3 Local Secrets You Won't Find Online
1. The "Back Door" Entrance
Instead of fighting through the main entrance on Taikang Road, walk around to Ruijin Er Lu (the street behind the station's Exit 2). There's a small alley called Nongtang #248 that leads directly into the quieter section of Tianzifang. No crowd, no pushy vendors. I discovered this after getting lost one day — now it's my go-to.
2. Free Toilet That's Actually Clean
The public toilet inside Tianzifang is a nightmare. Instead, use the washroom in the Starbucks near Exit 1 (next to the station). It's clean, has toilet paper, and the staff won't glare if you buy a water. Your bladder will thank me.
3. The Best Time for Photos (No Filter Needed)
Forget midday sun. Come at sunset (around 5pm in autumn, 6pm in summer). The warm light bounces off the brick walls and the crowds thin out. My favorite spot is the balcony above the "Shanghai Old Street" sign — ask a vendor to let you up for a small purchase. Worth it.
Where to Eat & Shop Right by the Station
Don't make the mistake of eating inside the main alley — prices are jacked up 50% for tourists. Instead, walk 3 minutes from Exit 1 to Dapuqiao Food Street. Here's my shortlist:
- Lao Shanghai Dumpling House — Right outside Exit 1. Their xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) are 12 RMB for 8. Fresh, juicy, and no English menu but they have pictures. I always point and say "this one."
- Mr. Pan's Noodle — 2 minutes east of the station. The braised beef noodles (红烧牛肉面) are legendary. 28 RMB, huge portion. Cash or WeChat only — no credit cards. Don't ask why; that's just how it is.
- Tea Time — A tiny shop hidden in the back alley. For 15 RMB you get a bubble tea that's better than the chains. Tell the owner Lao Liu sent you (just kidding, he doesn't know me but he'll appreciate the referral).
Shopping: Skip the "silk" scarves at the entrance. Head deeper into lane 16 where a old lady sells genuine hand-painted fans for 35 RMB. No haggling — she sets a fair price. I buy one every time.
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