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July 25, 2025
Shanghai Travel Guide for Couples: 3 Days of Food & Budget-Friendly Adventures
Discover Shanghai's romantic spots, iconic landmarks, and delicious street food without breaking the bank.
Couples TravelFood TravelBudget Travel
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 上海
Location: Eastern China, Yangtze River Delta
Famous For: Iconic skyline,Historic Bund,Modern art museums,Shanghai cuisine
Daily Cost: $80-120 per couple
Best Season: Spring (Apr-Jun) or Autumn (Sep-Nov)
Introduction: Why visit Shanghai?
Shanghai seamlessly blends tradition and modernity, offering couples a mix of historic neighborhoods, world-class museums, and vibrant night markets. With efficient public transport and diverse budget-friendly food options, it's perfect for romantic getaways without financial stress.
Best time to visit Shanghai
Ideal Seasons: Spring (Apr-Jun) and Autumn (Sep-Nov) offer pleasant temperatures (15-28°C) and minimal rainfall.
🌱Spring: Enjoy blooming gardens and outdoor activities along the Huangpu River.
☀️Summer: Expect high humidity and occasional typhoons, but enjoy air-conditioned attractions like museums.
🍁Autumn: Experience fall foliage at Yu Garden and comfortable weather for walking tours.
❄️Winter: Cold but dry, ideal for visiting indoor attractions like the Shanghai Museum.
Arriving and leaving Shanghai
The Shanghai Metro (¥3-12 per ride) covers all major attractions. Use a Shanghai Public Transportation Card (¥10 deposit) for convenience. Didi taxis and shared bikes (Mobike) available for short trips.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport [Recommended]
40km from city center. Taxis cost ¥150-200 (~$20-25) and take 60-90 minutes. Maglev train available to Longyang Road Station in 8 minutes (¥40).
Shanghai Railway Station
Central station for high-speed trains to Beijing (4.5 hours), Hangzhou (1 hour), and other cities. Taxis from station cost ¥30-50 to downtown hotels.
Where to stay in Shanghai: Best Neighborhood
Huangpu District
Central location near The Bund, Nanjing Road, and Yu Garden. Budget hotels like Mercure Shanghai Century Park cost $60-100/night.
Xuhui District
Arty area with Tianzifang alleys and boutique hotels like The PuLi Hotel (~$120/night).
Top Things to do in Shanghai
The Bund
Iconic riverside promenade with 52 historic buildings and skyline views. Walk from Chen Yi Square to Waibaidu Bridge for free sunset views.
Shanghai Tower
World's second-tallest building (632m) with 5D observation deck. Tickets: ¥180 (~$25) includes entrance to Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre.
Yu Garden
600-year-old classical garden with dragon-shaped stone carvings. Entry: ¥40. Nearby Yuyuan Bazaar sells traditional crafts and street food.
Tips
Buy combo tickets for multiple attractions to save 30%. Visit skyscrapers early morning to avoid crowds.
What to eat: Shanghai food Guide
Recommended Restaurants
1. Nanxiang Mantou Dian
Legendary soup dumpling shop since 1900. Located inside Yu Garden. Opens 8AM-7PM daily. Average ¥60/person.
2. Le Comptoir du Relais
Cozy French bistro in French Concession. Prix-fixe set menus from ¥200 for two. Open 11AM-10PM.
3. Yunnan Road Food Street
Street food paradise with 30+ stalls serving Guilin rice noodles, Ningbo tangyuan (glutinous rice balls), and Sichuan spicy skewers (¥8-15 per item).
Signature Dishes
1. Xiaolongbao
Soup dumplings with thin wrappers. Best tried at Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant (¥25/8 pieces).
2. Sheng Jian Bao
Pan-fried pork dumplings with crispy bottoms from Jiajia Tangbao (¥15 for 5 pieces).
3. Hong Shao Rou
Glossy red-braised pork belly. Try at budget-friendly Lao ShangHai (¥48/portion).
Shanghai itinerary 2 days & 3 Days
DAY 1
🍳Breakfast at Nanxiang Mantou Dian:Try their famous xiaolongbao while visiting Yu Garden.
Visit Yu Garden:Explore the classical gardens before the crowds arrive.
Explore The Bund:Walk along the waterfront and admire Art Deco architecture.
🍽️Dinner at Lao ShangHai:Sample authentic Shanghainese cuisine in People's Square area.
Night view at Shanghai Tower:Watch the city lights from the 52nd floor observatory.
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at Yunnan Road Market:Try local favorites like soup dumplings and scallion pancakes.
Shanghai Museum:Free entry to explore ancient Chinese art and bronze collections.
🥗Lunch at Jin Mao Tower:Eat at the 88-floor sky restaurant with panoramic views.
People's Park:Relax in the garden or visit the nearby Shanghai Art Museum.
🍽️Dinner at Le Comptoir:French fusion cuisine in a romantic setting.
DAY 3
🍳Breakfast at local café:Try egg cake and soy milk in French Concession.
Visit Tianzifang:Wander through this maze-like art complex with galleries and studios.
🥗Lunch at Jiajia Tangbao:Must-try pan-fried pork dumplings near the Bund.
Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre:Unique 20th-century political art collection near Yuyuan Garden.
🍽️Dinner at Yunnan Road:Sample multiple street food stalls in one evening.
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