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July 25, 2025
Shanghai 3-Day Couples Travel Guide: Romantic Itineraries for Mid-Range Budgets
Explore Shanghai's iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and culinary delights with this perfectly curated itinerary for couples
Couples TravelCity ExplorationMid-Range Travel
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 上海
Location: Eastern China
Famous For: The Bund skyline,Modern architecture,Historic neighborhoods,Huangpu River cruises
Daily Cost: $150-250 per couple
Best Season: April-May, September-October
Introduction: Why visit Shanghai?
Shanghai offers the perfect blend of romance and urban excitement for couples seeking both modern thrills and traditional charm. From the iconic The Bund to the futuristic Shanghai Tower, this vibrant metropolis captivates with its dramatic cityscape and rich cultural heritage. Walk hand-in-hand through historic Shikumen alleyways, savor Michelin-starred dining on Nanjing Road, and watch the city lights dance along the Huangpu River. With its seamless mix of luxury and affordability, Shanghai delivers unforgettable memories without breaking the bank.
Best time to visit Shanghai
Ideal Seasons: Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) offer perfect weather
🌱Spring: Mild temperatures (15-25°C) and blooming gardens at Century Park make spring ideal for outdoor exploration
☀️Summer: Hot and humid (28-35°C), but perfect for air-conditioned attractions like Shanghai Museum and river cruises
🍁Autumn: Crisp autumn air (20-28°C) creates magical evenings for The Bund walks and outdoor cafes
❄️Winter: Cool but manageable (5-15°C) - great time to explore indoor attractions like Shanghai Art Museum
Arriving and leaving Shanghai
Metro system ($0.35-1.20 per ride) covers 95% of attractions. Use Alipay for mobile payments. Taxis recommended for evening travel ($3-20 per ride).
Shanghai Pudong International Airport [Recommended]
40km from city center with direct maglev train (30min, $7) and taxis ($100-120, 60-90min)
Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station
15km west of city center with Metro Line 10 connections ($5, 30min) and taxis ($20-30, 45min)
Where to stay in Shanghai: Best Neighborhood
Huangpu District
Perfect for first-timers with proximity to The Bund, Nanjing Road shopping, and riverside restaurants
Xuhui District
Arty neighborhood with West Bund Art Museum, tree-lined streets, and boutique hotels near Shanghai Library
Top Things to do in Shanghai
The Bund
Iconic riverside promenade offering 16 historic buildings and breathtaking views of Pudong skyline
Shanghai Disney Resort
Magical theme park with Enchanted Storybook Castle and nightly fireworks over Wishing Star Lake
Shikumen Architecture
Preserved traditional Shanghai alleyways with art galleries and cafes in Xintiandi and Chongqing Mansions
Tips
Book Disney tickets online to skip queues. Visit pagodas during midday to avoid crowds. Sunset at The Bund offers best photo opportunities.
What to eat: Shanghai food Guide
Recommended Restaurants
1. Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant
Legendary establishment serving perfect xiaolongbao since 1900 with riverside views
2. Jean-Georges at The PuLi
Modern French-Asian fusion with stunning rooftop views of Shanghai Centre大厦
3. M on the Bund
Iconic waterfront fine dining with 360-degree views from the Shanghai Pudong Development Bank building
Signature Dishes
1. Xiaolongbao
Steamed pork dumplings with flavorful soup at Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant
2. Braised Pork
Glossy red-braised pork at Fuchun Xiaolong with perfect sweet-savory balance
3. Shengjianbao
Crispy pan-fried dumplings best enjoyed at Yang's Dumpling
Shanghai itinerary 3 Days
DAY 1
🍳Breakfast at Park Hotel Bund:Art Deco elegance with classic breakfast in the historic lobby
Visit The Bund:Walk along the famous promenade and admire the skyline views
🥗Lunch at Jean-Georges at The PuLi:Creative French-Asian fusion with stunning design
Explore Shanghai Duolun Road Cultural Street:Historic street with vintage bookshops and art galleries
🍽️Dinner at M on the Bund:Fine dining with panoramic city views from the 8th floor
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at hotel:Enjoy hotel's breakfast buffet with skyline views
Visit Shanghai Disney Resort:Ride through Enchanted Storybook Castle and explore Tomorrowland
🥗Lunch at Disney's Pudong Kitchen:Modern Chinese cuisine with character-themed dishes
🍽️Dinner at Taste of Disney:Global cuisine with spectacular nighttime views
DAY 3
🍳Breakfast at West Bund Art Hotel:Chic hotel with curated art collection and artisanal pastries
Visit West Bund Art & Design Gallery:Contemporary art spaces and riverside sculpture park
🥗Lunch at Shake Shack:Modern burgers and shakes in a stylish setting
Explore Xintiandi:Stylish shopping district in restored Shikumen architecture
Tea at Yuyuan Garden:Traditional classical garden with teahouse views
🍽️Dinner at Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet:Multi-sensory dining experience with synchronized visual projections
Shanghai Travel FAQs
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