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July 25, 2025
44 views3 Days in Shanghai: A Romantic Budget Travel Itinerary for Couples
Discover Shanghai's charm on a budget with our curated guide for couples, featuring hidden gems and iconic landmarks.
Couples TravelBudget TravelCity Exploration3-Day Itinerary
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 上海
Location: Eastern China
Famous For: Modern skyline,Historic Bund,Theme parks
Daily Cost: $30-50 per person
Best Season: Mar-Jun, Sep-Oct
Why Visit Shanghai: Romance Meets Modernity
Shanghai seamlessly blends futuristic architecture with traditional culture, offering couples unique experiences from riverside strolls to Michelin-starred dining. This 3-day budget itinerary maximizes romantic moments while keeping costs low, featuring free attractions and affordable eats.
Optimal Seasons for Shanghai Exploration
Ideal Seasons: Spring (Mar-May) and Autumn (Sep-Oct) offer perfect weather
🌱Spring: Mild temperatures (15-22°C) with cherry blossoms at Fuxing Park create ideal picnic conditions for couples.
☀️Summer: Hot (28-35°C) with high humidity, but evening light shows at Oriental Pearl Tower compensate for daytime heat.
🍁Autumn: Comfortable 20°C weather with golden ginkgo trees lining Wukang Road, perfect for photography.
❄️Winter: Cold (3-10°C) but indoor attractions like Shanghai Museum offer romantic warmth.
Arriving and Navigating Shanghai
Metro (¥3-15/ride) covers 90% of attractions. Bus routes like 20 offer scenic views along Nanjing Road.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport [Recommended]
Main international gateway, 38km from city center. Metro Line 2 costs ¥58/40min. Taxi ¥250-350/60min.
Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station
High-speed rail hub connecting major cities. Metro Line 10 costs ¥6/30min. Taxi ¥100-150/40min.
Romantic Budget Accommodation Areas
Xuhui District
Close to Wukang Road's historic buildings and Shanghai Library. Budget hotels from ¥200/night.
Jing'an District
Central location near West Nanjing Road and Jing'an Temple. Mid-range options with easy metro access.
Must-Experience Shanghai Activities
The Bund
Iconic riverside promenade with 52 historic buildings offering breathtaking night views of Pudong skyline.
Yuyuan Garden
Meticulously designed Ming Dynasty garden complex with traditional tea houses and souvenir shops.
Shanghai Disneyland
Asia's third Disney park with Enchanted Storybook Castle and exclusive attractions like Tron Lightcycle Power Run.
Tips
Purchase combo tickets for multiple attractions to save 20-30%
Shanghai's Essential Culinary Experiences
Recommended Restaurants
1. Jiu Jiu Zi Dong Nongjia Fan
Family-run restaurant serving homestyle dishes like braised pork with eggs (¥45). Budget option near Tianshan Park.
2. Hai Di Lao Hot Pot
All-you-can-eat hotpot with free manicures while waiting. Set meals from ¥180 for two at Hai Di Lao.
3. Man'ou French Concession
Romantic French-inspired café serving croissants (¥12) and coffee (¥28) along Changle Road.
Signature Dishes
1. Xiaolongbao
Steamed soup dumplings with thin skin and rich broth, best at Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant.
2. Sheng Jian Bao
Pan-fried dumplings with crispy bottom and juicy filling, recommended at Jiajia Tangbao.
3. Hongshao Rou
Braised pork belly in sweet soy sauce, expertly prepared at Meiyuan Restaurant near Yuyuan.
Shanghai Romantic Itineraries for Different Travel Styles
DAY 1
🍳Breakfast at Man'ou French Concession:French-inspired pastries and coffee in French Concession area
Explore Yuyuan Garden:Traditional garden with koi ponds and classical architecture
🥗Lunch at Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant:World-famous xiaolongbao and soup noodles
Visit Chenghuang Miao:Ancient temple with souvenir shops and street performers
Stroll on The Bund:Iconic riverside promenade with 52 historic buildings
🍽️Dinner at Jiu Jiu Zi Dong Nongjia Fan:Homestyle Shanghainese dishes in budget-friendly setting
Night Cruise on Huangpu River:Romantic river cruise viewing city skyline lights
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at Disney's Grand Theatre Restaurant:Character-themed breakfast inside park
Shanghai Disneyland:Rides, shows, and character interactions at Asia's largest Disney park
🥗Lunch at Plaza Gardens Restaurant:Quick-service meals with park views
Explore Tomorrowland:High-tech attractions like Tron Lightcycle Power Run
Shopping at Disneytown:Purchase souvenirs and character merchandise
🍽️Dinner at Tony's Town Square Restaurant:American-style family dinner in Main Street setting
Enjoy Nighttime Spectacular:Fireworks show over Enchanted Storybook Castle
DAY 3
🍳Breakfast at Commune by the Great Wall:Artistic café with outdoor seating in M50 complex
Explore Tianzifang:Artistic maze of studios, boutiques, and tea houses
🥗Lunch at Shikumen Restaurant:Traditional shikumen-style dining with regional specialties
Visit Shanghai Art Museum:Free admission to Chinese art collections and rotating exhibits
Stroll on Wukang Road:Tree-lined street with historic buildings and boutique shops
🍽️Dinner at El Coqui:Latin-Asian fusion tapas with creative cocktails
Night View at Oriental Pearl Tower:Panoramic city views from 259m Glass Observation Floor
Shanghai Travel FAQs
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