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July 25, 2025
1 viewsUltimate Shanghai 7-Day Travel Guide for Couples: Indulge in Luxury & Culinary Delights
Explore Shanghai's iconic landmarks, Michelin-starred dining, and hidden gems for a romantic journey through the City of Light and Flavors
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Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 上海
Location: East China
Famous For: The Bund,Oriental Pearl Tower,Shanghai Disneyland,Luxury Shopping,Xiaolongbao
Daily Cost: $200-300
Best Season: Spring & Autumn
Introduction: Why Shanghai is the Perfect Romantic Destination
Shanghai, the mesmerizing metropolis where East meets West, offers a unique blend of historical charm and futuristic skyline. From the colonial architecture of The Bund to the dazzling lights of Lujiazui financial district, this city provides the perfect setting for romantic strolls, luxury experiences, and culinary adventures. Couples can enjoy river cruises, world-class shopping, and Michelin-starred dining while exploring both modern marvels and traditional gardens.
Best time to visit Shanghai
Ideal Seasons: March-May & September-November
🌱Spring: Pleasant temperatures (12-20°C) with blooming cherry blossoms at Fuxing Park. Perfect for outdoor explorations and garden visits.
☀️Summer: Hot and humid (25-35°C) with frequent rains, but great for indoor luxury experiences at Shanghai Centre Tower and air-conditioned dining at BFC外滩金融中心.
🍁Autumn: Mild weather (15-25°C) with autumn foliage at Jing'an Sculpture Park. Ideal for walking tours and wine tasting events.
❄️Winter: Cold but dry (5-12°C), featuring Christmas light displays at Nanjing Road and cozy fine-dining experiences at The Peninsula Shanghai.
Arriving and leaving Shanghai
Extensive metro system (400+ stations), taxis ($3 base), Didi rideshare, and bike-sharing. Metro cards available at airport/train stations. Maglev train recommended for Pudong airport transfers.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport [Recommended]
40km from city center, handles 60% of international flights. Maglev train to Longyang Road takes 8 minutes ($8.7), taxi costs $16-18 and takes 60 minutes.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport
15km from city center, major domestic hub. Metro Line 2 connects to People's Square in 40 minutes ($1.1), taxi costs $7-10.
Shanghai Railway Station
Main rail hub for northern connections. High-speed trains to Beijing take 4.5 hours ($41-74). Metro Line 1 connects to city center.
Where to stay in Shanghai: Best Neighborhoods
The Bund
Luxury hotels like Peninsula Shanghai and Fairmont Peace Hotel, historic buildings, and riverfront views. Perfect for romantic walks and iconic skyline views.
Xuhui District
Cultural attractions like Shanghai Art Museum and boutique hotels. Excellent for artsy couples near West Bund Art District.
Pudong
Modern skyscrapers and river views at Shangri-La Bund and Ritz-Carlton Pudong. Night views from Shanghai Tower observation deck.
Top Things to do in Shanghai
The Bund
Iconic riverside promenade with 52 historic buildings from Shanghai's colonial era and stunning views of the modern Pudong skyline.
Shanghai Disney Resort
World-class theme park with exclusive attractions like Tron Lightcycle Power Run and the highest-end themed land globally - Storybook Castle.
Yuyuan Garden
Beautiful classical Chinese garden complex with City God Temple and lively market street for traditional snacks and souvenirs.
Tips
Book major attractions online in advance. Visit morning/evening for best photos. Consider guided tours for historical context.
What to eat: Shanghai Food Guide
Recommended Restaurants
1. Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet
Three-Michelin-starred multisensory dining experience where a single tasting menu ($185) combines creative Chinese-Western fusion dishes with immersive audio-visual effects.
2. Mr & Mrs Bund
Iconic French-Chinese fusion restaurant by André Fu with panoramic views of The Bund from the 6th floor of Normandie Mansion.
3. DA VITTORIO SHANGHAI
Two-Michelin-starred Italian restaurant in BFC外滩金融中心 offering refined Northern Italian cuisine with Shanghai touches in a romantic 1930s-inspired setting.
Signature Dishes
1. Xiaolongbao
Steamed pork dumplings with soup broth, best at Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant in Yuyuan with crispy bottoms and delicate wrappers.
2. Yangcheng Lake hairy crab
Seasonal luxury delicacy (Sept-Dec) with rich orange roe and sweet meat, typically steamed and served with aged vinegar and ginger.
3. Shengjianbao
Pan-fried pork dumplings with crispy bottoms, best at Jia Jia Tang Bao with thin skin and hot soup inside.
Shanghai Itinerary 7 Days
DAY 1
🍳Breakfast at Peace Hotel:Enjoy English breakfast at Peace Hotel's Jade On The Bund with Art Deco ambiance
Explore The Bund:Walk along the iconic riverside promenade admiring 52 historic buildings and skyline views
🥗Lunch at Jean-Georges:Fine dining at Jean-Georges Shanghai with contemporary French-Asian cuisine
Visit Shanghai Post Museum:Unique postal history exhibit at this Neo-Classical building
Sunset cruise on Huangpu River:Romantic river cruise watching day turn to night with city lights
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant:Try their famous Xiaolongbao and crab meat soup dumplings
Explore Yuyuan Garden:Lose yourselves in the classical Chinese garden maze with koi ponds and rock formations
🥗Lunch at Minmin Xiaolongbao:Budget-friendly Michelin-recommended spot with perfect bite-sized dumplings
Visit City God Temple Bazaar:Wander through the traditional market street for souvenirs and street food
Tea ceremony at Ming Court:Traditional Chinese tea tasting experience at Jin Jiang Hotel
DAY 3
🍳Breakfast at The Peninsula:River view breakfast at the Bund-side restaurant of The Peninsula Shanghai
Ascend Shanghai Tower:Experience the world's second-tallest building's 5D transparent observation deck
🥗Lunch at FLAIR Rooftop:Romantic lunch with panoramic city views at The Ritz-Carlton Pudong's rooftop bar
Explore Shanghai Ocean Aquarium:Walk through the underwater tunnel and see giant pandas habitat
🍽️Dinner at Ultraviolet:Experience the ultimate multisensory dining adventure with 20-course tasting menu
DAY 4
🍳Breakfast at Mr & Mrs Bund:Leisurely breakfast at the ground floor café of Mr & Mrs Bund
Visit Shanghai Museum:Free admission to this world-class museum of Chinese antiquities
🥗Lunch at Yongkang Road:Choose from multiple Michelin-starred options on this famous restaurant street
Explore M50 Art District:Contemporary art galleries with rooftop views of the city
Sunset at West Bund Art District:Stroll through open-air art installations with Huangpu River views
DAY 5
🍳Breakfast at The Ritz-Carlton:Continental breakfast at The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai's Club Lounge
Shop at Plaza 66:High-end mall with brands like Hermès, Cartier, and Bvlgari
🥗Lunch at BFC外滩金融中心:Dine at DA VITTORIO SHANGHAI or other gourmet options
Custom suit fitting at Roger & Sons:Traditional bespoke tailoring in the heart of Shanghai's shopping district
Afternoon tea at ChiTheatRe:Theater-themed afternoon tea experience in a historic building
DAY 6
🍳Breakfast at Disney Resort:In-resort breakfast at Shanghai Disneyland Hotel or Toy Story Hotel
Early entry to park:Maximize ride time with morning priority access to popular attractions
🥗Lunch at Royal Banquet Hall:Character dining experience at Mickey's Storybook Dining
Parade viewing:Find premium viewing spot for the Disney Festival of Magic Parade
🍽️Dinner at Disney Resort:Celebrate with a romantic dinner at the resort's signature restaurant
DAY 7
🍳Breakfast at The Peninsula:Last gourmet breakfast at The Peninsula Shanghai's Riviera Restaurant
Couple's spa at Chuan Spa:Traditional Chinese medicine-inspired treatments at The Qube Hotel's award-winning spa
🥗Final lunch at Jin Xiu:Modern Cantonese cuisine with skyline views at Renaissance Shanghai's top-floor restaurant
Airport transfer:Luxury limousine service to airport with final souvenir shopping en route
Shanghai Travel FAQs
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