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July 25, 2025
5-Day Romantic Shanghai Itinerary for Couples: Hidden Gems & Classic Charms
Explore Shanghai's iconic landmarks and intimate spots with this mid-range budget guide for lovebirds
Couples TravelCity ExplorationMid-Range Travel5-Days Itinerary
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 上海
Location: Eastern China
Famous For: The Bund,Oriental Pearl Tower,Yu Garden
Daily Cost: $80-$150 per couple
Best Season: March-June, September-November
Introduction: Why Shanghai for Couples?
Shanghai effortlessly blends futuristic skyscrapers with traditional gardens, offering romantic moments at every turn. From panoramic skyline views to tranquil water towns, this 5-day itinerary balances iconic attractions with intimate experiences perfect for couples seeking both adventure and connection.
Best Time to Visit Shanghai
Ideal Seasons: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November)
🌱Spring: Mild temperatures (12-22°C) with blooming lilacs along historic French Concession avenues
☀️Summer: Hot (30°C+) with occasional typhoons, but perfect for indoor attractions
🍁Autumn: Golden ginkgo trees create picturesque backdrops for romantic strolls
❄️Winter: Cool (3-10°C) with Christmas light displays in Xintiandi
Arriving and leaving Shanghai
Metro system (468 stations) covers 90% of tourist areas. Didi ridesharing costs $3-$8 within city center. Caohejing-Fanghua Road Metro Station offers free bike rentals.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport [Recommended]
40km from city center with direct maglev train to Longyang Road (7min). Taxis cost $15-$20 (60min).
Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station
Central hub for high-speed trains to Beijing (4.5hr) and Hangzhou (1hr). Metro Line 2 connects to downtown.
Where to stay in Shanghai: Best Neighborhoods
Xuhui District
Historic French Concession with tree-lined streets, boutique hotels, and proximity to Xintiandi
Huangpu District
Near The Bund and Nanjing Road, perfect for first-time visitors
Top Romantic Things to do in Shanghai
The Bund
Walk hand-in-hand along this iconic riverside promenade offering 1920s architecture and stunning Pudong skyline views. Watch the light show nightly at 7:00 PM.
Yuyuan Garden
Explore this 16th-century classical garden with hidden pavilions, koi ponds, and teahouse. Visit Chenghuang Temple for souvenir shopping.
Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre
Step back in time through 20th-century political art in a preserved 1970s space. Free vintage photo props available.
Tips
Book Disney tickets online to skip lines. Reserve dinner cruises 3 days in advance.
What to eat: Shanghai Food Guide
Recommended Restaurants
1. Din Tai Fung
Award-winning dumpling chain with live kitchen view. Average $30 per person
2. The Nest
Riverside farm-to-table restaurant with seasonal tasting menus ($60/couple)
Signature Dishes
1. Xiaolongbao
Soup dumplings at Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant in Yuyuan. Try the crab roe variety!
2. Shengjianbao
Pan-fried dumplings at Jiajia Tangbao - crispy bottom with juicy pork filling
Shanghai itinerary 5 Days
DAY 1
🍳Breakfast at Din Tai Fung:Start with signature pork soup dumplings
Visit Oriental Pearl Tower:Skywalk viewing corridor and glass observation platform
DAY 2
Take Maglev to Zhujiajiao Water Town:Cruise through canals in traditional boat
DAY 3
Enter Shanghai Disneyland:Priority access to Enchanted Storybook Castle
DAY 4
Explore Yuyuan Garden:Labyrinth of pavilions and koi ponds
DAY 5
Art walk in M50 Creative Park:Graffiti-covered warehouses with 100+ galleries
Shanghai Travel FAQs
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