Model Angelababy isn’t called the Kim Kardashian of China for nothing. She and her hubby Huang Xiaoming dropped a casual $31 million on their recent dream wedding. Of course, the power couple wouldn’t have had their nuptials anywhere other than Shanghai—one of the most expensive cities in the world.
The romance scene in Shanghai isn’t all Krug champagne and caviar-studded plates, however. Believe it or not, it is actually possible to date on a budget here. Thanks in part to a handsome USD to RMB exchange rate, an impressive date on a budget of 125 RMB (about $20) per person is far from mission impossible. After conversion, this sum will be more than enough to have you fed, watered and entertained for the day.
Cut-Rate Culture
Shanghai’s thriving art and design scene begs to be enjoyed, especially in twos. After all, there’s nothing like breaking the ice with a debate about whether or not that black dot on canvas is really art.
Most venues offer free entry, including the Shanghai Museum, which features five floors of ancient Chinese artifacts. If you’re into contemporary art and modern art installations, hit up the Power Station of Art (also free) or the Long Museum, which costs 50 RMB.
For a really clever hack to impress your date, visit the coveted Rockbund Art Museum. For 30 RMB, you’ll marvel at masterpieces with your arm candy and then grab a free cup of coffee or tea on the rooftop terrace. Views of the Bund from here are killer.
Twirl up these scallion noodles at Lao Sheng Chang.
Running low on cash, but still need some culture? Entry to the Shanghai Museum is free.
Booze Bargains
While most drink offerings in Shanghai might not agree with your budget on a regular day, there are still plenty of noteworthy bars around town for those of you needing a little fun … or liquid courage on the cheap. From 4-7 p.m. Monday through Friday, head to happy hour at Liquid Laundry. This all-day restaurant and bar—which doubles as an actual laundromat—offers 30 RMB house beers and 50 RMB house cocktails.
Happy hour doesn’t have to end yet—keep playing the role of the romantic and grab a cozy table at uber sexy Vis-a-Vis, one of the most low-key bars in Shanghai. Happy hour is from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, featuring 25 RMB Vedett on draught and cocktails for 40-50 RMB.
For the grand finale, whisk BAE up to the 6th floor of The Swatch Art Peace Hotel for sunset drinks with a view at SHOOK!. The foolproof classic rooftop terrace might just inspire you two to pucker up … or maybe that’s just the alcohol in action. SHOOK!’s happy hour runs daily from 5-8 p.m. and features house beers, wines and cocktails for 50 RMB. Come thirsty, my friends.
Cheap Eats
Test out your date’s spice tolerance and dine out like a local. For some Shanghainese classics, share a bowl of scallion noodles Lady-and-the-Tramp-style at Lao Sheng Chang. (A dish will only run you 5 RMB.) Or bond over a signature local comfort at Yang’s Fry-Dumpling by splitting a box of sheng jian bao dumplings for 5 RMB. These saucy little hot pockets are filled with umami goodness.
Pop one of these bad boys into your date's mouth at Yang’s Fry-Dumpling.
If your date is trusting of street vendors, check out the food carts that scatter every street corner of Shanghai. Get a taste of charcoal-roasted skewers for 1-2 RMB apiece. With endless local eats to choose from, may your wallet never empty and your tummies never go hungry.
Digital marketing consultant Whitney Ng of Little Lofts could happily live on coffee, pasta and Muji stationary. She loves meeting creatives from all around the world and finding a home in obscure cities. Currently based in Jing An, Shanghai, Whitney started out as a freelance writer and photographer in Perth during the rise of blogging and social media.
