The line runs entirely in Pudong New Area, starting from Longyang Road, via Shanghai Wild Animal Park, Huinan Town, ending at Dishui Lake in Nanhui New City.

Shanghai Metro Authorities have since changed this to Line 16,[6] and will integrate into the planned transport hub of Lingang city.

[8] Between 30 January 2014 and 21 March 2016, due to insufficient rolling stock and overcrowding of the line, all rapid services were suspended.

[12] Since 1 October 2018, rapid service trains also stop at Lingang Avenue station at weekends and public holidays.

The line has the unofficial nickname "excursion line" as it connects several scenic spots: Xinchang Ancient Town, Shanghai Wildlife Park, Nanhui Taohua Village, Guzhong Garden, Shanghai Academy of Learning, Shanghai Flower Port, and Dishui Lake The "China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone Lingang New Area Territorial and Spatial Master Plan (2019-2035) (Draft for Review)" proposed that in the future, Line 16 will pass through the Dishui Lake and arrive at the future Nanhui New Town hub.

The 16A01 trains initially operated in 3 car formations, leading to huge overcrowding issues upon opening.