Shanghai is a city that does not ask for your attention – it simply takes it.
Welcome to our Shanghai travel guide for couples
From the moment the Maglev train accelerates out of Pudong Airport and the suburbs blur past your window, you understand that this is a place operating at a different speed. For couples visiting China, Shanghai delivers something no other destination on the trip can quite match: the feeling of standing at the intersection of ancient China and the future.
We visited Shanghai twice during our China trip – briefly on arrival before flying south to Zhangjiajie, and again at the end of the journey for two full days before our flight home to London. Both visits left us wishing we had stayed longer.
Arriving in Shanghai: The Maglev Train Experience
Our first impression of Shanghai began before we even reached the city.
After landing at Pudong International Airport, we checked in our onward domestic flight to Zhangjiajie and handed over our luggage then and there – a small but significant logistical win that freed us to explore the city completely unburdened for the day.
Practical Tip: Pudong Airport allows you to check in your bags for onward domestic flights on arrival. This is well worth doing if you have a same-day connection and want to see the city hands-free.
Before heading into the city, we bought our transport for the day at the airport: a single Maglev ticket combined with a one-day Shanghai metro pass. The total came to around £6 per person, and passengers arriving at Pudong receive a 20% discount on the Maglev fare – worth knowing before you queue.
The Maglev itself was something we had never experienced before. In just eight minutes, we were delivered from the airport to the city at speeds reaching over 430 km/h (slightly lower during the daytime service). The sensation is difficult to describe – it is less like riding a train and more like being launched through space. For any couple visiting Shanghai, this is not something to skip.
From the Maglev terminal, we connected directly onto metro Line 2 to reach the city centre.
Note on the return: We used metro Line 2 again at the end of the trip – it terminates at Pudong Airport. However, be aware that from the city centre the journey takes well over an hour, so factor this into your plans and leave generous time.
Day One: The Tower, Dumplings and the Bund
Shanghai Tower – The View That Changes Everything
Our first stop was Shanghai Tower, and we would recommend it as the starting point for any couple visiting the city.
At 632 metres, it is the world’s second tallest building and the tallest in Asia – and the view from the top makes those statistics feel real in a way that no photograph quite captures.
We booked tickets in advance, which cost around £60 for two. This included:
- Entry to the 118th floor observation deck (Top of Shanghai)
- The Damper Show on floors 125 and 126
Book in advance: Tickets can sell out, and pre-booking helps you plan your timing around the rest of the day.
The view from the observation deck exceeded our expectations. Walking around the platform, the city reveals itself from every angle – but the most striking perspective was looking out across the river, with other towering skyscrapers rising in the middle distance. We were lucky with the weather; the skies were not completely clear – which, as we gathered, is quite rare for Shanghai – yet we could see the scenery stretching far into the distance.
The Damper Show – a display built around the building’s enormous wind-damping mechanism – was genuinely fascinating and not something you would expect to find inside a skyscraper. We spent well over an hour in the tower without any sense of being rushed, and despite the number of other visitors, there were no queues to speak of. The whole experience felt seamlessly organised.
Xiaolongbao: Our Great Chinese Food Discovery
After returning to ground level, we had lunch in a restaurant on one of the lower floors of the tower complex.
We were a little hesitant at first. This was our very first meal in China, and we had no idea how to order. Fortunately, one of the waitresses quickly recognised two absolute beginners in front of her and came to help – table service turned out to be a rather welcome surprise.
That afternoon we discovered what would become one of our favourite things about Chinese food: Xiaolongbao – large steamed dumplings served in bamboo baskets.
We also ordered a fragrant soup and a meat dish, and everything was good – but the Xiaolongbao were in a different league entirely. We could have ordered a second round each, but our stomachs had other ideas. We had variations of this dish in every city across China, yet the ones in Shanghai remained the finest we found anywhere. There is something about the combination of delicate dough, hot broth and fragrant filling that is quietly perfect.
Walking the Bund and the Sightseeing Tunnel
After lunch, we gave ourselves the afternoon to simply walk and absorb Shanghai.
We wandered among the towers of Lujiazui, taking in the sheer scale of one of the world’s most dramatic urban skylines, before crossing the Huangpu River via the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel – a curious, slightly psychedelic underground cable car ride that connects the two riverbanks and is unlike anything else we have experienced.
On the far side, we strolled along the wide pedestrian promenades of the Bund itself, with the historic European-style buildings on one side and the futuristic Pudong skyline glittering on the other. Our original plan had been to walk all the way to People’s Square, but our pace – and the sheer pleasure of having no particular schedule – meant we eventually had to turn back and head for the airport before reaching it. A reason to return, if ever we needed one.
Two Things That Surprised Us About Shanghai
Two observations stayed with us from that first day, and both say something particular about this city.
The first was the quiet. Almost every car we saw in Shanghai appeared to be electric. The city, for all its extraordinary scale, was remarkably peaceful in a way that most major capitals simply are not.
The second was the elevated pedestrian network. Running above street level for considerable distances, these raised walkways are planted with greenery and flowers, lined with shops and cafés, and served by escalators at regular intervals. You can travel a surprisingly long stretch through the city without once crossing a road at ground level. For a couple who prefer to walk and explore at their own pace, it felt genuinely liberating – unhurried and unusually pleasant.
Returning to Shanghai: Two Days of Culture, Circus and Rooftop Cocktails
After our travels through Zhangjiajie and Guilin & Yangshuo, we flew back to Shanghai from Guangzhou for two final days before our flight home.
The weather had changed dramatically. What had been a comfortable spring day on our first visit was now full Shanghai summer heat, and we felt every degree of it. Walking even before noon felt as though something was pressing you gently but firmly down towards the pavement. The hotel shower became our favourite room. Evening walks, however, were a different matter entirely – the heat softened, the air stayed warm and the city came alive in the most inviting way.
Where We Stayed: SSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai Bund
For our final nights in China, we wanted to treat ourselves a little. After weeks of practical travel, we chose the SSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai Bund – a beautiful boutique property in a prime location near the Bund riverfront.
The hotel is not literally on the river, but its location proved ideal. On our last evening, returning on foot from the riverbank after drinks, the walk back felt easy and pleasant – and the nearest metro station was no more than five to seven minutes away, manageable even with luggage.
The décor is contemporary with low lighting and thoughtful details throughout. The lifts were comfortable, and the reception staff were exceptionally welcoming. The price was outstanding for what it offered: £163 for two nights including breakfast. If you are looking for something with character in Shanghai without spending a fortune, boutique hotels like this are very much worth seeking out.
Yu Garden and the Yuyuan Bazaar
Our first full morning in Shanghai was spent at Yu Garden (Yuyuan Garden), which is within easy walking distance of the hotel.
Originally the private garden of the Pan family during the Ming Dynasty, Yu Garden is a masterpiece of classical Chinese landscape design. The layout moves through a series of distinct scenic areas, each with its own atmosphere, all featuring:
- intricate pavilions and covered walkways
- ornamental ponds and rockeries
- exquisite stone carvings and traditional architecture
Entry cost us around £15 for two, and the garden rewarded every penny. For couples who appreciate history and atmosphere, this is one of the most romantic spaces we visited in all of China.
One of the things that struck us immediately was how seriously locals take the art of being photographed here. Visitors arrive dressed beautifully – many in elegant traditional Chinese dress – and take their time composing images against the historic backdrops. We spotted someone dressed as an ancient warrior, entirely committed to the occasion. Given the setting, those photographs may well become pieces of family history.
Our personal favourite in the garden was an impressive carved wooden dragon laid along one of the walls – a wonderfully typical and striking example of the craftsmanship throughout. The carefully landscaped pools, seen from different angles as you move between pavilions, added to the feeling of quiet enchantment.
Immediately outside the garden lies the Yuyuan Bazaar – a lively, labyrinthine area of old-style streets and courtyards packed with food stalls, souvenir shops and local life. We spent a good deal of time wandering through it and could easily have spent more.
A Michelin-Starred Dumpling Lunch
Lunch that day was at a Michelin-starred restaurant in the bazaar – and before you assume that means a heavy bill, let us reassure you: it did not. The food was exceptional and the prices were entirely reasonable by any standard.
We ordered, predictably, the Xiaolongbao – and after first encountering them near Shanghai Tower on our arrival day, and ordering them in one form or another throughout our journey across China, this felt like a fitting way to come full circle.
We have since tried to identify the restaurant. Searching Google Maps reviews, it may well have been Lu Bo Lang, one of the most celebrated traditional restaurants in the bazaar. If you recognise it from the description, do let us know.
ERA – Intersection of Time: Shanghai’s Extraordinary Circus Show
That same evening, we attended one of Shanghai’s most celebrated entertainment events: ERA – Intersection of Time, performed at Shanghai Circus World.
This multimedia theatrical spectacular has been running since 2005, and the reasons for its longevity became clear the moment the lights went down.
The show runs for roughly one and a half hours and follows two young people on a journey through Chinese history – from ancient civilisations to the present day. The combination of breathtaking acrobatics, live performance and multimedia staging keeps you entirely absorbed throughout. What struck us most was the sheer physical artistry on stage: performers who moved and balanced in ways that seemed to belong to a different category of human ability altogether. Strength, flexibility and precision combined into something genuinely spectacular.
For couples visiting Shanghai, this is one evening we would recommend without hesitation. It is romantic, visually impressive and unlike most theatrical experiences you will have encountered elsewhere.
Practical Tip: Book tickets in advance, particularly during busy travel periods. The show is popular and seats fill quickly.
To get there, we used the metro rather than a taxi – the station is conveniently close to the circus, and the short walk through the surrounding neighbourhood was an interesting contrast to the city centre: quieter, more residential and with a character of its own.
VRAR Expo China: A Glimpse Into Tomorrow
The following morning brought a very different kind of experience.
Before our trip, we had pre-booked tickets to the VRAR EXPO China at the Shanghai Convention & Exhibition Centre of International Sourcing. Tickets cost around £22 for two.
The exhibition showcased the latest developments in virtual and augmented reality technology. We tried:
- a virtual rollercoaster that felt surprisingly convincing
- an immersive walk through the underground chambers of ancient Egyptian pyramids
The feelings, despite the virtual reality, were entirely real. It was a fascinating window into the cutting edge of what technology is making possible.
One exhibit that particularly stayed with us was a pair of glasses fitted with a camera that automatically took a photograph whenever you made a victory sign – the kind of gesture people naturally make in selfies. We spent a happy few minutes photographing each other without touching a single button, with results appearing instantly on a nearby tablet. Perhaps not essential technology, but remarkable nonetheless, and one of those moments that reminds you how quickly things are changing.
Vue Bar at Hyatt on the Bund: The Perfect Ending
Our final evening in Shanghai – and in China – ended exactly as it should have.
We booked a taxi to the Vue Bar, situated on the rooftop of the Hyatt on the Bund hotel. Entry costs around £15 per person, which includes a cocktail of your choice.
The bar is stylish without being pretentious, and the view over the Huangpu River and the illuminated skyline of Pudong is simply extraordinary at night. Inside, there are plenty of tables offering a relatively intimate space to sit and talk. We settled there for a while, comparing notes on the last few days – before the rooftop itself pulled us back outside for photographs and a longer look at the city spread below.
Standing there together, we reached a conclusion that surprised neither of us: Shanghai had become our number one city. We would take any reasonable opportunity to return.
The walk back along the riverbank and through the quiet streets to the hotel was the perfect way to end it. The city glittered around us, still warm, never quite still.
Returning Home: Metro Line 2 to Pudong
The following morning, we took metro Line 2 directly to Pudong Airport for our flight back to London.
It was, as we had noted on the journey into the city at the very start of the trip, a long ride. But this time we did not mind at all. We had more than enough to think about.
Shanghai was the beginning and the end of our China journey – and in both roles, it was exceptional. Simultaneously so Chinese and so global, it offers perhaps the most remarkable combination of culture, heritage, people, tradition and the modern world we have ever encountered in a single city. We left it with no sense of having finished with it.
Practical Information for Couples
Getting Around Shanghai
| Transport | Cost (approx.) | Notes |
| Maglev (single + metro day pass) | £6 per person | 20% discount from Pudong Airport |
| Metro Line 2 to/from Pudong | Included in day pass | Allow 60+ minutes from the city centre |
| Taxi | Variable, relatively affordable | Useful for evenings; good for reaching venues like Vue Bar |
Key Experiences and Costs
| Experience | Cost (approx.) | Couple-Friendly? |
| Shanghai Tower (118F + Damper Show) | £60 for two | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Yu Garden entry | £15 for two | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| ERA – Intersection of Time circus show | Variable | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| VRAR Expo China | £22 for two | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Vue Bar at Hyatt on the Bund (entry + cocktail) | £15 per person | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| SSAW Boutique Hotel (2 nights, B&B for two) | £163 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
When to Visit Shanghai
Shanghai is a year-round destination, but spring (March – May) and autumn (September – November) offer the most comfortable temperatures for walking and sightseeing. We experienced warm, manageable spring conditions on our first visit and intense summer heat on our return.
If you are travelling in July or August, plan outdoor activities for the morning, take the heat seriously, and embrace the air-conditioned towers, galleries and bars in the afternoon. Evening walks in summer, however, are genuinely lovely – the warmth lingers pleasantly without the weight of the midday sun.
Frequently Asked Questions: Shanghai for Couples
Absolutely. Shanghai combines urban energy with genuine romance – from rooftop bars above the river to peaceful classical gardens and candlelit restaurants. The city is very well connected, relatively easy to navigate, and offers something different at every hour of the day. It suits couples who enjoy exploring together rather than simply relaxing in one spot.
Two full days is a realistic minimum for the highlights, but three or four days allows you to explore more comfortably and at a slower pace. We had one day on arrival and two at the end of our trip, and we still had a clear list of things we had not managed to see.
Not as expensive as many European cities. The Maglev and metro are very affordable, entry costs at major attractions are reasonable, and food – even at respected restaurants – tends to be excellent value. Our two-night stay at a boutique hotel near the Bund, including breakfast, came to £163 for two. Costs do rise if you are staying at international five-star hotels or spending evenings at premium bars, but these are choices rather than necessities.
The Maglev train is the most exciting option and extraordinarily fast – it reaches the city in around eight minutes. Combine it with a metro day pass for around £6 per person, with a 20% discount available to arriving passengers. From the Maglev terminal, metro Line 2 takes you directly to the city centre. If you prefer door-to-door comfort, taxis are readily available and relatively affordable.
Our personal highlights were Shanghai Tower (the Damper Show on floors 125-126 is unexpectedly brilliant), Yu Garden and the Yuyuan Bazaar, the ERA – Intersection of Time circus show at Shanghai Circus World, and a final evening at Vue Bar above the Huangpu River. The Bund itself, at any time of day, is also simply unmissable.
This post is part of our China Travel Guide for Couples series. Also read our guides to Zhangjiajie and Guilin & Yangshuo for more from our China trip.
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About the Author
The author, ainarsbl, is a Level 7 Google Local Guide, Master Reviewer and expert travel reviewer focused on scenic landscapes, UNESCO sites and meaningful couples travel experiences.