Shanghai metro updates!

Considering that other notable cities spend decades planning and executing the expansion of just a few measly lines, the fact that we get a first row view of Shanghai's beautiful and massive new metro system expanding before our eyes really excites us. Though we haven't pitched any tents on the subway, we do enjoy hearing about the new lines that are set to open before the expo starts in may.

ExploreShanghai has a news roundup of a few awesome new additions and augmentations to the metro since we've been on vacation. Among the more interesting bits of information, line 11 officially opened on Thursday, though only from the northern terminus to Jiangsu road. The second part of the line will connect Jiangsu road to Luoshan road, and should be completed before the end of 2010. If you want a visual, you can take a look at ExploreShanghai's interactive metro map, which is pretty nifty (also available as an iPhone app)

Among the less exciting metro news, 60 new x-ray machines have been added to 31 stations in Shanghai's security buildup for the expo. In addition, 4,000 new staff for subway stations will be added by march, manning additional security checks like metal detectors and bomb-sniffing dogs. While the added security is mostly a nuisance, be warned: carrying more than two potentially dangerous items (like lighters, nail polish, hair products, etc.) in your x-rayed luggage may get them confiscated.