With ten lines currently in operation, and at least one more, the Expo-dedicated Line 13, slated to open in time for the show-of-the-year, navigation of the system's 10 lines and 195 stations can be a daunting task.

Fortunately www.exploreshanghai.com has developed this excellent interactive map of the Shanghai Metro system, complete with individual descriptions of each line and station, listings of shops, restaurants and other points of interest around each one, audio pronunciation guides, metro station exit maps and more. If you're planning to use the Shanghai Metro system to navigate Shanghai during Expo 2010, this is an excellent resource for you.

How to use the interactive map

Clicking the link will take you to the Metro Map page. Here you can see a map of the entire network.

To find out the time it takes, and cost, to get between two stations simply drag and drop that station onto another station to see the info pop up at the bottom of the map. Clicking on a station cues a Google Maps-like dialogue bubble to pop up and offer first and last train information.

At the top of the map is another useful tab, the Metropedia tab. Click this to get a list of every metro station in boxes color-coded to match those you'll find associated with each Metro Line in the subway. Clicking on individual station names opens a page replete with useful pictures and information about places of interest around the station, nearby stations, station exit maps, audio pronunciation guides and more. Spend a few minutes clicking around this map, and the site, and you'll find Shanghai a much less daunting place to explore.

More about Shanghai Expo 2010 on Chinatravel.net:

Shanghai Expo: Using the city's Expo shuttles and buses

Shanghai Expo: Visit the Expo using the metro

Shanghai Expo: Exploring the city by ferry

Shanghai Expo: To and from the Expo by taxi

Shanghai's Ever-Expanding Subway System: How to Keep Track