Your Guide to Surviving Qixi Festival

With Chinese Valentine’s Day fast approaching (August 17th, for those under a rock), we’re sure that there are a few of you in need of last-minute planning help to arrange a date with your favorite person. So, we have put together an in-depth guide of the ideal places to go for every (well, nearly every) type of situation.

What is Qixi Festival

Qi Xi Festival (七夕節) is a Chinese holiday that celebrates the annual meeting of a cow herder and a weaver girl in Chinese mythology. Celebrated on the seventh day of the seventh month of the Chinese Lunar calendar, you'll also know this day as Chinese Valentine's Day.

Qi Xi festival comes from the romantic legend of two lovers, Zhinü and Niulang, and has been celebrated as far back as the Han Dynasty. The earliest known reference to the romantic story goes all the way back to approximately 2,600 years ago.

The Casual First Date

First dates are always tricky. You don’t want to come off too strong, but you also don’t want to come across as crass, rude, or overly casual. You certainly don't want to be seen as an individual who simply couldn't’ care less. These are the spots you need to hit in order to set the right vibe between you and your date.

Funka del Sur

Address: 163 Yanping Lu, near Wuding Lu

Tel: [phone]

Hours: Daily, 11am-2am

Hip, casual and new, Funka del Sur is ripe with a great selection of food and drink alongside attentive staff. Serving up Latin-American-style fare and the perfect spritzes to combat summer heat, you can be sure to hit it off well with this location up your sleeve.

It's a great venue for easy conversation, people-watching and avoiding the awkwardness of complete silence. Their covered outdoor seating is perfect if you're meeting up for a late afternoon of drinks and nibbles with your date. What with being such a great chill out spot you can be sure that you'll nail that casual first date.

What to Order: Funka del Sur offers up some great Happy Hour deals on the daily (Monday to Friday, 4pm-8pm; weekends, 4pm-6pm) which include Margaritas for RMB 50, Superspritz for RMB 50, Estrella for RMB 30 and more. Food wise, indulge in a platter of Cold Cuts and Cheese (RMB 150) and fulfill your dates' needs for Serrano ham, Spianata spicy salami, cacciatorino salami and more.

Popularity: 5

Value for Money: ¥¥¥¥¥

Design /style: Casual Latin

Cantina Agave

Photo credit: Dianping user: 盛梓葵

Address: 291 Fumin Lu, near Changle Lu

Tel: [phone]

Hours: Daily, 11am-11pm

Located on a popular junction in Xuhui, Cantina Agave is always a great idea if you're looking for a place to bar hop after a nice Mexican / Tex Mex meal - assuming it goes well, of course. They have a wide range of drinks that vary from cocktails and pitchers to wine and beer, so you won't be short of choice.

Photo credit: Dianping user: SHTEPITO

With tons of options around, you won't be short on venues to choose from that cater to whatever you might need next - a cocktail to celebrate or a shot to commiserate.

Photo credit: Dianping user: dp_user1c54d

What to Order: Start off with some finger-licking good nachos (RMB 55) crammed full of melted cheese, beans and topped with pico de gallo before moving on to some traditional soft pork carnitas tacos (RMB 50/3). 

Popularity: 5

Value for Money: ¥¥¥¥¥

Design /style: Tex Mex

Blind Dates & Tinder Meets

These dates can go either way, so it’s wise to go to places that offer you the perfect escape should things go south or take things to the next level should things go well.

Barbarian

Address: 1019 Wuding Lu, near Jiaozhou Lu

Tel: [phone]

Hours: Daily, 11am-2am

Music, meat platters and a location where there are a tons of other bars to head to afterward on the Wuding Lu strip. Here, where it is rustic and warm, you can describe what sort of cocktail you want and the bartender will oblige. They have a wonderful terrace area and the place is usually full. Quite ideal if you are not looking for long conversations.

What to Order: Barbarian customizes the individual cocktail experience so opt for the element of surprise as you and your date tell them your preferred spirit, taste and flavor and learn more about one another at the same time!

Popularity: 5

Value for Money: ¥¥¥¥¥

Design /style: Rustic

45 Degrees

Address: 2F, 989 Wuding Lu, near Jiaozhou Lu

Tel: [phone]

Hours: Daily, 5pm-12am

This is a tight little space, so it's easy to spot your date, even if you’ve never met before. It’s a gastropub that's more than just a bar, and serves up delicious little dishes along with really good drinks. We think that if your date is decent, your evening will turn out great here. You can start off with a drink at the bar while you wait to get a table. 

What to Order: 45 Degrees does some great little bar bites, so you might want to order a little more to ensure your date doesn't leave hungry! Mini Beef Sliders are a crowd-pleaser for all, while the California Loaded Fries are great finger food to help you break the ice!

Popularity: 3

Value for Money: ¥¥¥¥¥

Design /style: Nordic modern

Le Bistro du Dr Wine

Photo credit: Dianping user 包子1018

Address: 177 Fumin Lu, near Julu Lu

Tel: [phone]

Hours: Daily, 11:30-2am

This is a hugely popular, long term establishment with two levels. It's perfect for any kind of gathering, especially Tinder dates! From mediocre to really good wines, their selection, obviously, is massive. 

Their cheese platters are decent and recommended with whatever wines you are choosing. In short, this is a cute French wine bar that’s been around forever so you can’t go wrong. Or, if you do, you can also escape. Fast.

Photo credit: Dianping user 小绾儿

What to Order: Get yourselves a good old charcuterie board to munch through. Nothing makes you bond faster than sharing food...right? Or you know, just get a whole pizza for yourself if you don't like to share.

Popularity: 4

Value for Money: ¥¥¥¥¥

Design /style: Rustic modern

Second Dates

So you really liked your first date? Then go that step further and opt for something that makes it look like you actually put more thought into it.

Hakkasan 

Address: 18 Zhong Shan Dong Yi Lu

Tel: [phone]

Hours: 5.30pm-1 am (Friday and Saturday: until 3am)

Hakkasan takes the Bund 18 building by storm by incorporating Western elements into the Cantonese food. It lives up to its brand with stunning decor, alluring cuisine, and outstanding mixology - all topped off with a real sultry vibe that's sure to get the blood pumping for your second date.

Photo credit: Dianping user NIKI敏L

Split into three different dining spaces, each space offers a different dining experience for couples to enjoy. The Ling Ling Lounge which sits in front of Shanghai's impressive skyline, the main dining area which is beautifully decorated by latticed woodwork allowing for more intimate dining, and five luxurious private dining rooms set around the restaurants periphery. 

What to Order: With a menu devised by Michelin-starred chef Tong Chee Hwee, dine a la carte and enjoy some of their supreme special dishes such as the Crispy Duck with Imperial caviar, luxurious small eats in the form of a dim sum platter, and finish up with their delectable Golden Feather vanilla panna cotta.

Popularity: 4.5 out of 5

Value for Money: ¥¥¥¥¥

Design /style: Michelin-starred Chinese 

Bitter

Address: 58 Wuyuan Lu, near Changshu Lu

Tel: [phone]

Hours: Daily, 8am-late; Tuesdays, 8am-5pm

Very hip with amazing cocktails. Bitter, as the new kid on the block, is impressive. Their staff is very attentive and get you when you specify what you don’t like in your drink. Your second date will be truly lovely here. They have a tiny outdoor seating area and a corner table inside that’s perfect. Café by day. Book ahead. There is no food served here, so for bites, please go next door to Bird. The décor is minimal, modern, romantic.

What to Order: DRINKS! With a focus on drinks, The Negroni Australiano (RMB) has that lingering bitterness from the Campari, but as a result of a quick beetroot infusion of the Rosso, it has a richer sweetness to it. That gorgeous ruby red color just spells love.

Popularity: 3

Value for Money: ¥¥¥¥¥

Design /style: Minimal romantic

Mayita

Photo credit: Dianping user 萱萱妈_Emily

Address: 98 Shouning Lu, near Xizang Nan Lu

Tel: [phone]

Hours: 11am-4pm (Brunch, Lunch); 5pm-11pm (Dinner)

If you're looking for a nice, long and boozy style second date then Mayita should be considered! Their massive 6th floor terrace area is beautiful and should most definitely be accompanied by some unlimited sangria. 

They have a really nice ambiance, and their modern take on signature Mexican dishes makes for a fantastic meal in their hip, cantina style restaurant.

Photo credit: Dianping user soso转子

What to Order: With food similar to that of sister restaurant MAYA, there's a consistency here in upscale, modern Mexican-Californian food we've all come to love. Mayita's a la carte menu, while smaller, is still a crowd-pleaser and we definitely recommend trying out their chili (RMB 32) and fish tacos (RMB 27).

Popularity: 4

Value for Money: ¥¥¥¥¥

Design /style: Proper Mexican

Flaunt Yourselves

Want to let your hair down and really show-off your bae? Then bring in some of that footwork and dance your way into your date’s heart.

Pistolera

Photo credit: Dianping user 蒋太_7367

Address: 838-2 Hengshan Lu, near Tianping Lu

Tel: [phone]

Hours: Daily, 11:30am-11pm

Pistolera bills itself as a Mexican Cantina, and it definitely has that atmosphere – it's relaxed and is best suited to a big feed with friends or late evening bites and drinks. Pistolera has a great handle on Mexican classics. The range of tacos is  exactly what you would hope for, your choice of fresh, corn or hard shell tortillas filled with your choice of around ten fillings. The Carne Asada tacos, soft and filled with cheese and juicy grilled beer-marinated beef are incredibly meaty.

Photo credit: Dianping user aitu66

With regular live music nights and strong drinks, this is a nice spot for letting loose and showing off. 

What to Order: Their Burritos are really good if you're extra hungry and they serve good churros (RMB 45) for that much-needed sweet finish to any date.

Popularity: 4

Value for Money: ¥¥¥¥¥

Design /style: Chain restaurant style Tex Mex

Shake

Address: 3F, 46 Maoming Nan Lu, near Jinxian Lu

Tel: [phone]

Hours: Daily, 6pm-2am. Closed on Mondays.

Daily live Jazz to fusion music, sixties style seating, standing area around the stage, a dance floor, and a large bar facing the stage. This place can get packed fast and is the perfect setting for showing off your rhythm, so grab your dancing shoes and prepare to set the floor on fire! 

Shake's menu boasts eclectic fusion fare, with food and drink decently priced too.

What to Order: Their must-try dishes include the Honey Cheese Tofu and the Thai Beef Carpaccio for some delightful flavor twists. Don't forget to check out their funk and soul cocktails too.

Popularity: 5

Value for Money: ¥¥¥¥¥

Design /style: 60's retro fusion cuisine

The Private Escape

There are moments where we would love to take someone out, but life doesn't make it all that straightforward. So, when you’re looking for something on the DL, here’s where to go.

Taian Table

Photo credit: Taian Table

Address: Lane 465, 161 Zhenning Lu

Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 6pm-11pm

Through breaking the boundaries of traditional dining, Taian Table brings their individual vision and goals with their private dining experience that's to die for. With a revolving menu that changes every month, you can be sure that your date hasn't already had the same experience and will thoroughly enjoy what this venue has to offer. Bookings are required especially if you want to ensure you get yourselves a cozy booth.

Photo credit: Taian Table

What to order: Take the time to indulge in their 10 (RMB 1,128), 12 (RMB 1,358) or 14-course (RMB 1,588) menu - depending on how hungry you are - and really enjoy everything that they have to offer. Right now they have some exquisite delights ranging from Hokkaido Scallops and Grilled Eggplant to a Smoked 'Gazpacho' and refreshing Watermelon Sorbet.

Popularity: 4 out of 5

Value for Money: ¥¥¥¥¥

Design /style: Michelin-starred Fusion

C’s

Address: 685 Dingxi Lu, by Yan’an Lu

Tel: [phone]

Hours: Daily, 7:30pm-1am

This is one of the most renowned dive bars in the city and totally perfect if you don’t want or need the attention on your secret date. It’s cheap on the price list and is frequented by students and English teachers for the most part. 

Their main attraction is their deep-rooted participation in Shanghai's underground music scene, so if you're young and hip and on a date, this is where you need to go for your very own date night escape.

Popularity:4

Value for Money: ¥¥¥¥¥

Design /style: Dive Bar & really cheap food

Arena Luxe

Address: 426 Dagu Lu

Tel: [phone]

Oozing a retro European charm, Arena Luxe makes for the perfect escape if you're looking to date on the DL. Split into three parts, it's not your average location and their speakeasy is mysteriously hidden behind the innocent exterior of a cafe. Within the bar, regal blue-colored walls and golden accents highlight a glamorous feel, while the dimly lit exterior allows for more privacy during your date.

What to Order: The Funeral of Rose (RMB 138). While the name seems to reflect a certain sadness, this cocktail is anything but. Erecting a single rose in an elegant glass, it’s a beautiful-looking cocktail that's sure to please. Made with vodka, a lychee liquor and some Japanese sake, the drink is sweet without being overpoweringly so. It’s finished with rose flower water, a rose syrup and some lemon juice. 

Popularity: 3

Value for Money: ¥¥¥¥¥

Design /style: Speakeasy

Senator Saloon

Address: 98 Wuyuan Lu, near Wulumuqi Zhong Lu

Tel: [phone]

Hours: Daily, 5pm-late

For those of you who hate dank little dark bars and are looking for a classy hideout instead, look no further. Senator Saloon has amazing drinks, is located right in the center of Xuhui District, and has built up a loyal following of patrons over the years.

Their 1920s style looks back on the Prohibition era and you can really tell that their inspiration comes from a time of speakeasies, glamour and gangsters.

What to Order: Treat your date to a classic Manhattan made of bourbon, sweet vermouth, Angostura bitters and brandied cherries (RMB 68).

Popularity: 5

Value for Money: ¥¥¥¥¥

Design /style: New York glam

Super Romantic Nights

Need something a little extra special to woo your sweetheart? Sometimes a nice bar just won’t do. So check these spots out instead.

L'ATELIER de Joël Robuchon

Address: 3/F, No. 18 The Bund, Zhong Shan Dong Yi Lu

Tel: [phone]

Hours: 5.30pm–10pm

By 32-Michelin star chef, Joël Robuchon, the popular L'ATELIER de Joël Robuchon restaurant is Chef Robuchon’s first restaurant in Shanghai. The black and red themed restaurant is a go-to place for great delights and scenery. 

What to order: On Chinese Valentine’s Day, enjoy a meal of caviar, steak and black truffle. Diners stand to walk away with a RMB 100 gift voucher and Macaron gift set. 

Popularity: 4.5 out of 5

Value for Money: ¥¥¥¥¥

Design /style: Upscale French dining

Terra Rossa

Address: L107-108, 285 Jianguo Dong Lu

Tel: [phone]

Hours: 11am-10pm

Boasting a chic and sophisticated look, Terra Rossa is one restaurant option you can pick from for a romantic evening with your date. Soothing music and Italian fare will be sure to woo him/her, alongside some scrumptious dishes too!

With its beautiful golden frames, golden tungsten lamps and a soothing ambiance, it makes for a quiet little getaway for just the two of you. What's more, they offer an extensive menu that consists of appetizers, soups, pasta, risotto, and pizza so you can be sure there will definitely be something to appease your dates stomach! 

What to Order: Grilled Australian Angus Ox Tongue Appetizer (RMB 98) - a succulent serving accompanied by Arugula, slim lemon wedges and a splattering of mascarpone cheese and mashed avocado dotted along the plate.

Popularity: Just opened!

Value for Money: ¥¥¥¥¥

Design /style: Chic Italian

UVA Wine Bar

Photo credit: Dianping user pan19711012

Address: 819 Shaanxi Bei Lu, near Kangding Lu

Tel: [phone]

Hours: Daily, 6pm-2am; Weekends open at 11am

Thisbar has been around for a while and has remained a favorite go-to for dinner, romantic dates, good wine, and a really good pizza – whatever the occasion demands. 

UVA staff are attentive and will make sure your romantic date goes asplanned. Dim lights, lots of candles, flower arrangements, good food and drinks, this is great for conversations. 

What to Order: We strongly recommend their calamari appetizers. 

Popularity: 3.5

Value for Money: ¥¥¥¥¥

Design /style: Cozy dark wine bar

Lost Heaven (Gao You Lu)

Photo credit: lostheaven.com.cn

Address: 38 Gaoyou Lu

Tel: [phone]

Hours: Daily, 11:30am to 2pm; 5:30pm-10:30pm

Just check out those aesthetics. With inspiration drawn from artistic and cultural elements of the minority tribes in Yunnan, the original patterns, handiwork and embroideries of Tibetan, Yi, Na Xi, dai, Miao and Yao tribes are visible throughout every corner of the restaurant. 

Dai Li-style chicken with chili and green onions. Photo credit: Lost Heaven

With dim lighting, comfy tables and a little terrace, we're sure that this will please your date to no end.

Dai Tribe Pork in Lettuce Wrapping. Photo credit: Lost Heaven

What to order: Try their signature vegetable cake and Dali Style Chicken with Green Onions. 

Popularity: 4.5 out of 5

Value for Money: ¥¥¥¥¥

Design /style: High-end Yunnanese

Coconut Paradise

Photo credit: Coconut Paradise

Address: 38 Fumin Lu, near Yan’an Zhong Lu

Tel: [phone]

Hours: Daily, 11:30am-12am

This makes for an ideal dinner date with romance promised! Their décor (modern Thai) and lighting – all make for a cozy setting for your romantic night out. 

Photo credit: Coconut Paradise

Their food is great, and it’s hard to make a specific recommendation but with their dishes come only the freshest and hottest chilies - enough to make the toughest palates break a sweat - so you and your date may want to take it easy if you want to ensure you'll still be able to hold a conversation instead of holding your tongue in a glass of cold milk.

Photo credit: Coconut Paradise

Their service is a tad slow, but that may help your cause to get to know your date even more.

What to Order: If you're craving authentic Thai, then definitely give the chef highlights a go. The Tom Yum Goong with Seafood is a tangy delight while the Prawn orange salad is a refreshing appetizer for summer date nights. 

Popularity: 5

Value for Money: ¥¥¥¥¥

Design /style: Modern Thai

That Special Night Out

If you’re looking for something a little more “splurge-worthy” or the perfect place to pop the questions then these are the ones for you.

Mercato

Photo credit: Dianping user 郑志昊@猫眼

Address: 6F, 3 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, near Guangdong Lu

Tel: [phone]

Hours: 5pm-late

On the Bund, Mercato is a bustling and popular Italian restaurant that boasts various wooden decor to create a modern and trendy interior through a clever use of architecture. Romantic and classy, it's one of our favorite picks if you're in the mood to splurge. 

Photo credit: Dianping user wjj881013

The gorgeous space was created by Neri&Hu and bridges the organic and natural with elegance and emotive modernity; warm and inviting, it's the perfect setting to settle into for your special night out.

What to order: For an additional RMB 128, you can switch up your meal to a black truffle pizza made from three types of cheese, black truffle and thin crust base,

Popularity: 5

Value for Money: ¥¥¥¥¥

Design /style: Modern Italian

Mr. & Mrs. Bund

Photo source: mmbund.com

Address: 6FL, 18 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu

Tel: [phone]

Hours: 5:30pm-11pm

No stranger to anyone, Mr & Mrs Bund by Paul Pairet provides a picturesque view of Lujiazui and great French food this Chinese Valentine’s Day. Propose to your girl with the best backdrop in Shanghai. 

Contemporary yet relaxed, this modern eatery is located at the heart of the bund, making it the perfect place for capturing such a precious memory. Plus, with over 250 classic dishes and 32 decadent wines, she will be more than pleased! 

What to order: Try the chef steamed black ink squid, foie gras, traditional mash and lemon tart when dining here.

Popularity: 4.5 out of 5

Value for Money: ¥¥¥¥¥

Design /style: Modern French

The Pine at Rui Jin

Address: No. 11, Lane 118 Ruijin Er Lu

Tel: [phone]

Hours: 6pm-midnight

Want to take your date somewhere new? The Pine at Rui Jin (Intercontinental) is set in an absolutely stunning Suzhou-inspired garden and offers sophisticated flavors and delicate plating to match their environment. 

Nature and romance? Count us in! 

What to order: The lobster rice with XO sauce is to die for!

Popularity: 4.5 out of 5

Value for Money: ¥¥¥¥¥

Design /style: Upscale Fusion

Maison Lameloise

Address: 68th Floor, Shanghai Tower, 501 Yincheng Zhong Lu, near Huayuan Shiqiao Lu

Tel: [phone]

The original Maison Lameloise first opened its doors to their customers in 1921 in Chagny, a city in the eastern region of Burgundy in France where it still operates after almost 100 years of existence. For Qixi this year, you don't have to fly your date all the way to France to enjoy a spectacularly romantic date night, you can do it right here in Shanghai.

The dishes scream innovation, and they truly live this philosophy of following timeless, classy French traditions while still evolving. 

What to Order: 

The restaurant’s signature dish (and notably the chef’s favorite) is the Snails and Octopus, which was created as an homage to a traditional Burgundy dish made of snails, garlic, and parsley. The classic tart is filled to the brim with Burgundy snails, confit octopus, potagère, as well as fresh carrots, beetroot, and radish. Finally, the creamy garlic mousse and rich red wine reduction add depth and richness that compliment the umami seafood flavors. 

Popularity: Newly opened!

Value for Money: ¥¥¥¥¥

Design /style: Modern French

Double Dating with Friends

If you’ve been dating a while, perhaps you need to try something a little different by inviting another couple to dine with you.

Sichuan Citizen

Sichuan Citizen. Photo source: Dianping user 爱爱上海

Address: 2F, 378 Wukang Lu, near Tai’an Lu

Tel: [phone]

Hours: 11am-1am

The new location of this old time Shanghai expat favorite boasts a bigger space, with a nicer layout. Definitely more modern, but they still have the same backbone bringing their classic and traditional dishes to Ferguson Lane.

Photo credit: Dianping user 九

Good for groups so perfect for a double or triple date with your other non-single pals.

What to Order: Of course you need to start your date night with their signature Basil Drop. Their bar snacks have changed (improved!), and their food has gone up a notch too. 

Popularity: 5

Value for Money: ¥¥¥¥¥

Design /style: Spicy casual

Sip

Address: 993 Wuding Lu, near Jiaozhou Lu

Tel: [phone]

Hours: Daily, 3pm-3am

A new-ish joint on our favorite bar street these days, this casual yet cozy place is perfect for double dates. They serve food like pizza, pasta, quesadillas (try their duck quesadillas) and such. They have a wide selection of Moscow Mules and other cocktails to choose from too!

What to Order: We fell in love with their Beijing Roast Duck Quesadillas (RMB 60) which makes for great finger food when sipping on a cocktail or two with your date and friends.

Popularity: 4

Value for Money: ¥¥¥¥¥

Design /style: Industrial Casual

Flying Solo

Single and looking for a good time? Then grab your friends and head out to one of these locations!

Bar Rouge

Address: 7F, 18 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, near Nanjing Dong Lu

Tel: [phone]

Hours: 6pm-late

This bar is good any night of the week and is one of the oldest and most popular night clubs on the bund in Shanghai. 

It’s an expat and tourist haven so you are guaranteed new friends or potential dates here. They have fun music and it’s always a good night here, not to mention the stunning views of the Pudong skyline. Entry fee at just RMB 100, this place is our go to for sure.

Popularity: 5

Value for Money: ¥¥¥¥¥

Design /style: Red and sexy

Unico

Address: 2F, 3 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, near Guangdong Lu

Tel: [phone]

Hours: 6pm-late

They have Salsa Latin music, ladies, and many other variations of special evenings. They do get very busy. Unico is a really great opportunity for singles to mingle. 

They also have seating by the windows that makes for ideal date nights too! Entry fee here is also RMB 100 for the gents.

Popularity: 5

Value for Money: ¥¥¥¥¥

Design /style: Latin 

Got somewhere you’d like to recommend or add to our list? Leave a comment below with where to go and why!