Public buses in Shanghai are often packed but they are the most convenient and cheap way to loop the city.  There are more than 1,200 bus lines in Shanghai which run into each corner of the city proper. 

Shanghai's public bus system is quite comprehensive. Buses preceded by the number" 2" , "3",  "9" are rush-hour, night service buses, double-decked/ tourism buses, respectively, and buses 1-199 run from 5 am to 11 pm.

Generally the ticket fares of the common bus rang from CNY 1 to CNY2 depending on the length of routes or bus conditions: as a rule, CNY1 for routes less than 1.3 km long, CNY1.5 for routes over 1.3 km and CNY 2 for air-conditioned buses (indicated by a snowflake besides the bus number). Special-line bus charges from CNY 1 to CNY 4. Some buses have no conductors, so please be sure to take small changes, CNY 1, CNY 1.5 or 2 to put into the slot at the entrance of the bus. No change is given if you put in a ten-Yuan note!

Shanghai Railway Station, People Square, Xujiahui, Zhongshan Park and Wujiaochang area are the main public bus depots in downtown Shanghai.

Please be advised: Public buses in China are often crowded and Shanghai is no exception. If you choose to take a bus to travel around, please take especial attention to your belongings for pickpockets usually take advantage of the crowded condition to steal stuffs.