In 1934, when the British-owned China Public Omnibus Company ordered 40 double-decker buses from the United Kingdom, 13 of them were deployed on Shanghai’s Route 1. This made Shanghai the first city in East Asia to operate double-decker buses—a full 15 years ahead of Hong Kong. From that point on, double-decker buses became an integral part of Shanghai’s urban fabric.

As times changed, so did the buses—evolving from conventional double-deckers to open-top classics and panoramic sunroof sightseeing models, and from rumbling diesel engines to the quiet efficiency of all-electric power. Today, the sight of new-generation Ankai all-electric double-decker sightseeing buses gliding along the Bund has become iconic. As passengers on the upper deck capture the green copper dome of the Peace Hotel with their cameras, a visual dialogue unfolds across the river with the skyscrapers of Lujiazui. This scene encapsulates a century of evolution in Shanghai’s sightseeing bus industry, narrating a new story of heritage preservation, technological advancement, and sustainable travel.

The 2010 Shanghai World Expo marked a “key turning point” for double-decker buses in the city and also laid the foundation for the partnership between Spring Airlines Group and Ankai Buses. That year, aiming to deliver a fresh travel experience, Spring Airlines Group studied sightseeing bus operations in Europe and the United States. After careful consideration, they chose to introduce Ankai’s open-top double-decker buses to serve Expo visitors—ushering in a new era of urban tourism. With their red exteriors, graffiti-style illustrations of Shanghai landmarks, and 360-degree open-top views, these buses quickly became star attractions on Shanghai’s streets during the Expo.

“Many tourists were riding an open-top double-decker for the first time. Sitting on the upper level, feeling the breeze, and taking in views of the Expo pavilions and historic Bund architecture—it was a truly unique experience,” recalled Wang Lu, General Manager of the Sightseeing Department at Spring Airlines Group and General Manager of Dragonfly Sightseeing Bus Co., Ltd. At the time, Shanghai was leveraging the World Expo to present itself as a global metropolis, and Ankai’s double-decker buses played a meaningful role in that effort.

Beginning in 2022, Spring Airlines Group began gradually upgrading its fleet with Ankai all-electric double-decker buses—a decision tailored to the needs of Shanghai’s urban landscape. “First, they’re eco-friendly and quiet. The older diesel buses were noisy, especially when idling. In contrast, the all-electric models produce zero emissions and minimal noise, allowing them to blend seamlessly into the city while enhancing the passenger experience,” Wang Lu explained. “Second, the sightseeing experience is improved. The upper deck of Ankai’s electric buses features larger side and overhead windows, offering nearly unobstructed panoramic views of Shanghai’s streets.”

Equally important is the vehicle’s height compatibility with Shanghai’s road infrastructure. “There are many elevated roads in central Shanghai with strict clearance limits. Ankai offers models in various heights, allowing us to maintain aesthetic appeal while ensuring smooth passage under elevated sections—without compromising route planning,” Wang Lu added. Over years of operation, Ankai buses have also proven highly reliable. “They have a low failure rate, manageable maintenance costs, and help ensure punctual service, providing passengers with a stable and dependable experience.”

In terms of comfort, Ankai’s all-electric double-decker buses also excel. They offer a smoother ride with reduced vibration, enhanced cabin space, more comfortable seating, and a wider staircase for safer and easier boarding. The climate control system responds intelligently to external temperatures, maintaining a pleasant environment throughout the journey.

From serving as an international showcase during the 2010 World Expo to today’s all-electric double-deckers that navigate the city’s streets while setting new benchmarks in green and smart mobility, the collaboration between Ankai and Spring Airlines Group has not only mirrored the evolution of urban sightseeing in Shanghai but also embodied the broader shift toward sustainable and intelligent urban transport.

As these mobile landmarks pass by the historic architecture of the Bund and glide between the modern towers of Lujiazui, Ankai’s all-electric double-decker sightseeing buses carry more than just tourists’ expectations—they reflect Shanghai’s enduring pursuit of a better quality of life. And that pursuit will continue to unfold on the journeys ahead.

Source : www.chinabuses.org

Editor : Lucy

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