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July 25, 2025
5-Day Shanghai Couples Travel: Food & Budget-Friendly Itinerary
Discover Shanghai's romantic spots, must-try dishes, and budget tips for 2025
Couples TravelFoodie GuideBudget Travel5-Day Itinerary
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 上海
Location: Eastern China, Yangtze River Delta
Famous For: The Bund,Skyline,Xiaolongbao,Disneyland
Daily Cost: $50-70 per person
Best Season: Spring/Autumn
Why Shanghai for Couples & Foodies
Shanghai blends futuristic skylines with historic charm, offering couples unique photo spots like The Bund and Yuyuan Garden. Food lovers can indulge in Xiaolongbao at Nanxiang Bun Restaurant while keeping costs low with street food markets. The city's efficient metro system and compact tourist zones make it perfect for budget travelers.
Best Seasons for Shanghai Travel
Ideal Seasons: March-May, September-November
🌱Spring: Mild weather (12-20°C) with cherry blossoms at Fuxing Park. Avoid Qingming holiday crowds.
☀️Summer: Hot (25-35°C) with high humidity. Best for indoor activities like Shanghai Museum and air-conditioned malls.
🍁Autumn: Perfect autumn weather (15-22°C) with fall foliage at Jing'an Sculpture Park. Major festivals like Mid-Autumn.
❄️Winter: Cold (3-10°C) but ideal for hotpot experiences at Hai Di Lao. Christmas light displays at West Bund Art Center.
Arriving and Leaving Shanghai
Metro system (¥3-12 per ride), Didi taxis (¥15-50 between attractions), and bike-sharing (Mobike/Ofo). WeMo Scooters for adventurous couples.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport [Recommended]
30km east of city center. Maglev train to Longyang Road (8 min, ¥40) or taxi (¥200-250, 45 mins)
Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station
30km west of city center. Bullet trains to Beijing (4.5 hours) and Hangzhou (1 hour). Metro Line 10 connects to city center.
Best Neighborhoods for Couples
Huangpu District
Walk to The Bund, Nanjing Road, and People's Square. Mid-range hotels like JW Marriott at Tomorrow Square
Xuhui District
Arty area near West Bund Art Center and Xujiahui Park. Boutique options like The PuLi Hotel
Romantic Attractions & Highlights
The Bund
Iconic 1.5km riverside promenade with 52 historic buildings and stunning skyline views of Lujiazui
Shanghai Disneyland
Asia's largest Disney park with exclusive attractions like Tron Lightcycle Power Run
Yuyuan Garden
6-acre classical Chinese garden with koi ponds and teahouse views of City God Temple
Tips
Buy combo tickets for multiple attractions at Shanghai Tourist Center
Must-Try Dishes & Restaurants
Recommended Restaurants
1. Nanxiang Bun Restaurant
Old-world charm with perfect Xiaolongbao since 1871. Budget ¥50 per person
2. Da Zhan Xiang
Authentic Shanghainese home cooking near Jing'an Temple. Try their Fried Pork Kidney for ¥38
3. Casa Laba Hotpot
Romantic hotpot experience with private booths. Signature tomato broth with seafood for ¥150 per person
Signature Dishes
1. Xiaolongbao
Steamed pork dumplings with soup-filled interiors at Nanxiang Bun Restaurant since 1900
2. Shanghainese Braised Pork
Glossy red-braised pork belly at Yi Long Court with 20-year-old master broth
3. Soy Milk with Pork Floss
Unique breakfast combo at Big Brother Soy Milk - warm soy milk in bread bowl with meat floss
Shanghai 5-Day Itinerary for Couples
DAY 1
🍳Breakfast at Big Brother Soy Milk:Try soy milk bowls and Shanghai sesame cakes
Visit The Bund:Walk along the historic buildings and view Lujiazui skyline
🥗Lunch at Lian Heng Road Food Street:Local street food including Jianbing and Cong You Bing
Take Ferry to Lujiazui:2RMB scenic river crossing to the modern skyline
🍽️Dinner at SuperMonkey Skybar:Rooftop cocktails with skyline views
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at Hotel:Early start to beat queues
Arrive at Shanghai Disneyland:Fastpass for key rides
🥗Lunch at Toy Story Food Truck:Western cuisine near Adventure Isle
Experience Tron Lightcycle Power Run:Park's fastest rollercoaster
🍽️Dinner at The Crystal Lotus:Disney resort Chinese restaurant
DAY 3
Visit Yuyuan Garden:Classic garden with koi ponds and rock formations
🥗Lunch at Nanxiang Bun Restaurant:Must-try original Xiaolongbao location
Explore City God Temple:Cultural complex with souvenir shops
Visit Wukang Mansion:Art Deco icon and photography spot
🍽️Dinner at Shake Shack:Modern burgers with local twists like Shanghainese Scallion Burger
DAY 4
Visit Shanghai Museum:Free entry with world-class ancient Chinese art
🥗Lunch at Hai Di Lao:Interactive hotpot experience with table-side services
Explore West Bund Art Center:Contemporary art exhibitions and riverside sculpture park
Take Huangpu River Night Cruise:Romantic sunset cruise with skyline views
🍽️Dinner at M on the Bund:Fine dining with harbor views
DAY 5
🍳Breakfast at Lv Se Jian Tuo:Traditional breakfast at historic restaurant
Visit Shanghai Silk Museum:Free entry with historic textile exhibits
🥗Lunch at Zhen Da Xiang:Budget-friendly local dishes like Fried Pork with Vinegar
Shopping at Nanjing Road:China's busiest shopping street with historic stores
Return to Hotel:Check out and depart
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