9 Alternative Date Ideas for Valentine's Day in Shanghai

By Lauren Hogan

Still deciding on how you’d like to spend Valentine's Day this year? The editors at That’s Shanghai share some unconventional ideas on how to celebrate the day of romance if you're tired of the whole candle light dinners with roses and chocolates routine...

Dominic: A Bund run to burn the calories and enjoy the Shanghai skyline for free. Best. Deal. Ever. Do on the night of, if you’re single, or the morning after with your date, if everything goes according to plan… Hot Pot for the meal. You get to cook for each another, eat at a leisurely pace, and get all warm and cozy next to a pot of boiling broth… how romantic. 

Lauren: Well if it wasn’t a run, then probably a sweaty spinning session at Spinback, hopefully to a Valentine’s Day-themed playlist with Aretha belting it out. Afterwards? Strictly Cookies paired with Prosecco. Maybe ramen too at The Ramen Shop, before the cookies, if I couldn't do just desserts. 

Tongfei: Chocolates, big meals and flowers are so out of date. My choice would be going to an escape room like Mr. X. For a more thrilling evening, or perhaps try the VR Park or enjoy a ride on the Sky Ring, the giant Ferris wheel at Joy City. 

Andrew: Laughter is the best medicine, and it’s also a great way to break the ice on a date. Standup comedy shows are less loud than the club and they provide a window into someone’s sense of humor – whether you’re recounting the best lines or roasting the comic.

Betty: I'm not one for the whole roses, chocolates and a dimly-lit restaurant trope. My perfect Valentine’s date would cut straight to the chase: wine. Napa Wine Bar & Kitchen if we are feeling flush; Dr Wine or XO Bar if we're in the mood for something low-key. Afterwards, we'd go to Big Movie for some DVDs so I can see if they're boyfriend material based on their movie selection. 

Zoey: A salsa or tango night could be just as romantic as any fancy dinner – and without the guilt of consuming so many calories. Studios like Souldancing that provide a nice ambience and lessons for those with limited dance experience would be my first choice, since my date is neither a Blackpool professional nor Al Pacino. But spending the night gliding with someone across the dance floor (or at least attempting to do so) would make my Valentine’s Day. 

Bridget: A Mobike ride through the FFC, followed by a stroll through the winding, maze-like lanes of Tianzifang. Afterwards, we'd hit up Tsui Wah across the street for a late night dinner followed by an evening of belting out tunes at Taibei Chun-K. Because nothing says "romantic" like a KTV duet rendition of "A Whole New World" by Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle.

Alyssa: I prefer the typical romantics of Valentine’s Day, but if I had to do something slightly off the mark, then perhaps cooking a meal at home together. 

Ned: The Camel Pub Quiz. Every Tuesday, 8pm. Sexiest. Thing. EVER. 

Check out our mega guide to celebrating Valentine's Day in Shanghai, click "Read more" below.