Valentine’s Day is big business in Shanghai. But while it’d be easy to drop a big wad of cash on an expensive dinner somewhere (or even 1.5 million RMB on the Pudong Ritz-Carlton’s V-Day package), there are some alternatives available. And if you detest Valentine’s Day itself, don’t worry - these options work for wooing all year round.
Stay the night in a water town
By day, some of the water towns can be packed, touristy and a little stressful. But by night, they’re all rather wonderful. Quiet and peaceful, perfect for strolling by twilight with your lover (just, y’know, watch out for the water).
Wuzhen is undeniably picturesque and offers a wide range of accommodation options - from guesthouses to fancy hotels (from 150RMB per night) - along with evening cruises along the lit up waterways. For an even more accessible option, Zhujiajiao - a short bus ride from the city centre - also has a number of places where you can stay the night. Book a room at the casual, friendly Caotang guesthouse (from 320RMB) and head to Zhe’er bar for a drink for a night in a water town without the crowds.
Board a big wheel
The big wheel on top of Joy City mall above Qufu Lu metro station finally opened to the public earlier this week. Billed as Shanghai’s answer to the London Eye and a new ‘romantic landmark’ for the city, The Skyring is clearly targeted at the young lovers/selfie-taking market. But with great views over Suzhou Creek, bluetooth options that enable you to play your own music over the speakers in each carriage and changeable lights for different moods, it does sound kind of cool, in a very cheesy way.
A trip on the wheel will set you back 60RMB per person, though if you go for the normal ticket you’ll likely have to share with another couple. Could be awkward; could be a bonus. If that’s not really your bag, you can stump up 258RMB for two (including a box of chocolates and Godiva ice cream), 298RMB to go around twice while munching on an afternoon tea set, or 999-1,314RMB for dinner (which you’ll need to finish off during seven cycles of the wheel).
And if you find those prices/the likelihood of big queues off-putting, there’s always Shanghai’s ‘other’ big wheel over at Jinjiang Amusement Park, where 140RMB will get you a ride on the wheel plus five other charmingly old-school attractions.
Make (chocolates of) love
Buying a box of chocolates for your beloved always runs the risk of you getting an eye roll, but making your own? Much more creative.
While there are a number of cheapy DIY chocolate making ‘classes’ around town, it’s hard to beat the experience at Austrian brand Zotter’s Chocolate Theatre in Yangpu district. For 180RMB, you’ll get a tour of their facilities, a look at the process of making chocolate, tastings of dozens of different varieties and the opportunity to make your very own chocolates.
Take a stroll down Lover’s Lane
Yes, there is a lane dedicated to lovers in Shanghai. Sure, it’s a bit cheesy, but if you're looking for an alternative date idea Tianai Lu, or ‘Sweet Love Road’, in Hongkou district could be it.
Located besides the pleasant Lu Xun Park, on Tianai Lu you can join young local couples looking at walls adorned with romantic poems and aphorisms from the likes of Shakespeare, Pushkin, Shelley and WB Yeats, as well as hand-scrawled notes and declarations of love. You can also send a letter from a post box that will see your note stamped with a special ‘Sweet Love’ postmark.
Journey into the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel
It’s trippy, baffling, and more than a little bizarre, but hey, that’s love for you. Take your date through the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel, and they’ll definitely never forget the experience. It’s fabulous, in an utterly crap, kitschy way, and it’s a cheap romantic gesture. What’s not to like?
Depending on how strong your significant other’s sense of humour is, you might want to have a nice meal at a Lujiazui restaurant or on The Bund lined up for the other side though...
Unwind with a couple’s massage
If you like a bit of risk but the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel is a step too far, maybe a couple's massage is for you.
Reliable spa chain Dragonfly offer special couples packages in their ‘Love Nest’, starting from 720RMB per person for a one hour Chinese massage and one hour foot massage, plus half an hour shower and relaxation time.
If you want to really push the boat out, The Langham Xintiandi’s Chuan Spa has an Elements Package for 1,880RMB per couple, which combines a signature ‘Harmony’ massage and an aromatic facial over the course of 90 minutes.