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July 25, 2025
Shanghai 3-Day Romantic Foodie Itinerary: Budget-Friendly Adventures for Couples
Discover hidden gems, iconic landmarks, and unforgettable flavors in China's most vibrant city
Couples TravelFood TravelBudget TravelShanghai
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 上海
Location: Eastern China
Famous For: Skyscrapers,Historic Bund,Xiaolongbao,Disney Magic
Daily Cost: $80-150 per person
Best Season: March-May, September-November
Introduction: Shanghai's Unique Charm for Couples
Shanghai The Bund combines historic architecture with modern skyline views, making it perfect for romantic strolls. Oriental Pearl Tower offers breathtaking city vistas, while Yuyuan Garden provides tranquil moments surrounded by traditional Chinese design. This guide reveals both famous attractions and local secrets that make Shanghai ideal for lovebirds on a budget.
Best Time to Visit Shanghai
Ideal Seasons: Spring (Mar-May) and Autumn (Sep-Nov)
🌱Spring: Mild temperatures (15-22°C) with cherry blossoms in Fuxing Park. Perfect for outdoor activities.
☀️Summer: Hot (25-35°C) with occasional rain. Best for air-conditioned museum visits like Shanghai Museum
🍁Autumn: Cool (18-25°C) with autumn foliage in Century Park. Ideal for romantic picnics.
❄️Winter: Cold (5-12°C) but perfect for indoor dates at Shanghai Disneyland
Arriving and Leaving Shanghai
Metro system covers all attractions ($0.4-1.2 per ride). Didi taxis (starting $1.5) and shared bikes ($0.3/min) ideal for short distances.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport [Recommended]
40km from city center. Maglev train to Longyang Road (30 min, $7) or taxi ($18-25, 60 min)
Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station
20km west of downtown. High-speed trains to Beijing (4.5h, $100) and Hangzhou (1h, $60)
Where to Stay in Shanghai
Huangpu District
Closest to The Bund, luxury hotels like The Peninsula Shanghai ($200-350/night) and budget options like Hanting ($50/night)
Xuhui District
Charming historic buildings near Shanghai Library, mid-range options like Somerset Xujiapu ($150/night)
Top Romantic Experiences in Shanghai
The Bund
Iconic waterfront with 52 historic buildings and stunning skyline views. Best at sunset and night.
Oriental Pearl Tower
Iconic 468m tower with skywalk and holographic museum. Romantic observation decks with 360° city views.
Yuyuan Garden
Ming Dynasty classical garden with koi ponds, rock formations, and teahouse with jasmine flower ceremonies.
Tips
Buy combo tickets for multiple attractions at Shanghai Tourist Information Center to save 20%
Shanghai Food Guide: Must-Try Dishes for Couples
Recommended Restaurants
1. Din Tai Fung
Michelin-starred xiaolongbao specialist with precise 18-pleat dumplings ($15-25/pair). Reservations recommended.
2. BFC外滩枫径
Rooftop night market with food trucks and romantic Bund skyline views ($8-15/dish). Open 6PM-12AM.
3. Shake Shack
Modern chain with Shanghai-exclusive mooncake burgers. Romantic terrace seating in The Bund area.
Signature Dishes
1. Xiaolongbao
Delicate soup dumplings best eaten by biting the skin first then sipping the broth. Top rated at Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant
2. Shengjianbao
Crispy pan-fried dumplings with meat jelly inside. Try at Jiajia Tangbao for perfectly golden bottoms
3. Yangcheng Lake hairy crab
Seasonal (September-November) luxury dish with sweet crab meat. Authentic at Chen's Kitchen ($40-80/crab)
Shanghai 3-Day Romantic Itinerary
DAY 1
🍳Breakfast at Yong Kang Fried Rice Noodles:Try shengjianbao and soy milk for under $5
Visit Yuyuan Garden:Classic Chinese garden with traditional tea ceremony demonstration
🥗Lunch at Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant:World-famous xiaolongbao with garden views
Explore City God Temple:Traditional market with souvenir shops and street performers
🍽️Dinner at Chen's Kitchen:Local favorite for hairy crab dishes and sweet osmanthus wine
Night Cruise on Huangpu River:2-hour romantic boat ride with skyline views and live music ($20/pers)
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at Seesaw Coffee:Award-winning local coffee roaster with croissants
Visit Oriental Pearl Tower:Skywalk experience and virtual reality museum
🥗Lunch at Din Tai Fung:Michelin-starred xiaolongbao experience
Stroll along Nanjing Road:Asia's busiest shopping street with historic stores like Wing On
Explore Shanghai Museum:Free entrance with world-class collection of ancient Chinese art
🍽️Dinner at M on the Bund:Fine dining with French-Chinese fusion cuisine and Bund views
DAY 3
🍳Breakfast at Starbucks:Early breakfast to beat crowds
Enter Shanghai Disneyland:First to enter, head straight to Pirates of the Caribbean boat ride
🥗Lunch at Royal Banquet Hall:Character dining experience with Mickey waffles
Watch Mickey's Storybook Express:Parade with Disney characters and magical floats
🍽️Dinner at Golden Lotus Restaurant:Local Hunan cuisine with romantic private rooms
Watch Disney Illuminations Nighttime Spectacular:Fireworks and light show over Enchanted Storybook Castle
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