COUPLES trying to plan the perfect Valentine's Day in Shanghai have a myriad of choices. From romantic dinners to making your own chocolate and ice skating, there's something for everyone.
Xu Wei and Tan Weiyun report.

Sweet chocolates, heart-shaped candies, pretty cards, love poems and bundles of roses - no wonder Valentine's Day is so popular among those immersed in love. Shanghai is a nice place for a romantic Valentine's. Here are some suggestions on where to go to celebrate your love with that special someone.

Xintiandi

This year lovers will have the opportunity of spending a special night at Xintiandi.

The popular restaurant and bar area features an extensive list of Valentine's Day events, gifts and meal options.

Kunqu Opera fans can spend the night watching the Kunqu Opera "The Peony Pavilion." It stars Zhang Jun, who is regarded as the "Prince of Kunqu Opera." The show starts at 2pm tomorrow at One Xintiandi.

The epic Chinese love story is a masterpiece by famed playwright Tang Xianzu and written during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It revolves round the romance between a poor young scholar Liu Mengmei and Du Liniang, the daughter of a high official.

In addition to tingly love scenes, the show is about young people's desire to choose their own lover, and the story also exposes the ills of feudal ethics.

Those interested in the performance can call 6386-1818 ext 633 for a chance to win a free ticket to "The Peony Pavilion."

A photo can capture a tender moment on Valentine's Day. Lovers can receive a free snapshot from 7pm to 11pm at the South Block Plaza of Xintiandi tomorrow.

Additionally, they can also enter a lucky draw. Prizes include a five-day, four-night vacation for two at the Club Med resort in Bali, Indonesia, and vouchers for a night's stay at 88 Xintiandi with breakfast for two. For more information, call 6386-1818.



Other Valentine's Day events at Xintiandi include:

Brown Sugar Jazz Club (5382-8998) will provide couples with a rickshaw ride around Xintiandi when they have a Valentine's Day dinner at the club.



Celebrate your love all night long at the Party of Passion at Club G Plus (5386-8088).



Valentine's is the day to upgrade your relationship from "Like" to "Love." Just say "I love you" and share a kiss, and Cold Stone (6387-4248) will upgrade your purchase of a "Like It" size drink to "Love It" size.

Daning Life Hub

Chocolate is considered an aphrodisiac by some, making it an ideal gift on Valentine's Day. But you can impress that chocolate addict even more by making it yourself.

Couples can try their hands at making chocolate in the "Lovers' House" at the Daning Life Hub tomorrow.

The Life Hub's Katongni Amusement Park could be just the place for couples looking for a little more excitement. Dancing, basketball shooting, car racing and drumming are all on the agenda at the amusement park.

For a bite to eat, try Tangbaochaunqi (3387-0398), a new dim-sum bistro featuring dozens of traditional and innovative dumplings in different colors, shapes and fillings. Some of the favorites include smashed crab meat, ginseng, diced cucumbers and foie gras.

For couples looking for something quiet, relaxing and private, The Four Points by Sheraton Shanghai, Daning (2602-2222) offers a fragrance spa at TouchSpa on Valentine's Day. Immersed in the fragrance of essential oil and with soft gentle music around, you can spend the night in a relaxing way.

Not far from the Daning Life Hub, Shanghai Circus World is also a good place to spend the romantic day.

The multimedia spectacular "Era - Intersection of Time" may provide a memorable Valentine's night for lovers.

People who purchase tickets for "Era" on Valentine's Day will receive a free tiramisu dessert. The cast also invites lovers to send their names and personal feelings to service@era-shanghai.com. The best e-mails will be displayed on a giant "lovers' screen" during the show.

A special "proposal" section will be added to the performance. Lovers are encouraged to declare their love and devotion on stage while hundreds of spectators look on and give their best wishes.



Daning Life Hub

Address: 1868-2008 Gonghexin Rd

Tel: 5677-1888



"Era" Valentine's show

Date: February 14, 7:15pm

Address: 2266 Gonghexin Rd

Tickets: 80-580 yuan

Tel: 6652-5468, 5187-3681 Super Brand Mall

A series of Valentine's Day promotions are in full swing in the Super Brand Mall, Pudong.



Saika Preserved Flower

The preserved flower shop helps you preserve your love forever in a heart-shaped box with your lover's favorite color and a red rose.

Date: through February 14



Super Rink Ice Skating

Super Rink provides a healthy and sporty choice for lovers that want a little exercise as they spend time together. Meanwhile, Super Rink offers couples a free snapshot and soft drink and a chance to enter a lucky draw on Valentine's Day.



Address: 168 Lujiazui Rd W.

Tel: 6887-7888 Other events

Adidas, a sponsor for the NBA All-Star, will host a sports carnival for basketball fans on the Valentine's Day. The carnival includes exciting slam dunk games and hip-hop performances for lovers. The popular local band "Go Go Club," made up of winners from the TV star-making contest "My Hero," will be guest performers.

Date: February 14, 2:30pm

Venue: Joffre688, 688 Huaihai Rd M.

Admission: Free

Tel: 6387-9028



The 155-meter submarine tunnel at the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium will become a "tunnel of love" tomorrow. Visitors can enjoy delicious chocolates with their lovers while watching fish and rare marine up close. And every half hour after 5pm the aquarium will turn off the lights in its mysterious "Amazon lives" exhibition to offer a two-minute special kissing time for lovers.

Date: February 14, 9am-8pm

Venue: Shanghai Ocean Aquarium, 1388 Lujiazuihuan Rd

Admission: 120 yuan for adults, 80 yuan for children

Tel: 5877-9988



If you're a single office worker looking for fun and games, and maybe a future date, tomorrow's lighthearted Metropolis magazine matchmaking party may be a good option. The three-hour party at M-Factory Club will feature lucky draws and interactive games offering a chance to make new friends.

Date: February 14, 2-5pm

Venue: M-Factory Club, 1 Wulumuqi Rd S.

Admission: 150 yuan

Tel: 5118-7981 ext 1005



Shanghai Madame Tussauds Wax Museum will offer lovers a delightful adventure. Loving couples can dress in sparkling costumes and sing love songs in a karaoke gala. They can also be photographed with the wax figures of their idols.

Date: 10am-10pm

Venue: Shanghai Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, 10/F, 2-68 Nanjing Rd W.

Admission: 135 yuan for adults, 100 yuan for students

Tel: 6358-7878