Shanghai Sun Island: Rest Your Soul, Discover the Little Joys of Vacation Life
If there is a place with breathtaking, open grassy meadows, a Mao River that rivals West Lake, lush ecological forests... and also a thousand-year-old Mao Pagoda and pastoral scenery for visitors to explore, wouldn't it be a wonderful destination?
And if such a place also has wide, smooth roads, a hot spring resort for relaxation, European-style villas, a horse riding field, and lakeside barbecues, wouldn't it add a touch of paradise? In fact, driving from downtown Shanghai via the Huyu Expressway, you can reach such a place in less than an hour—the Shanghai Sun Island Resort Hotel.
The spring outing I promised my daughter for so long finally happened in May. The best part is that Shanghai Sun Island Resort Hotel is pet-friendly, so we could bring our dog along. So, our family of three, plus our dog, piled into the car and headed off to Qingpu District!
The check-in lobby and villa area at Shanghai Sun Island Resort Hotel are separate. After completing the formalities, you can drive or take the resort shuttle bus to your room. The villa area is large, with lush vegetation, adjacent to the Mao River. Walking through it feels like a winding path leading to a secluded spot.
We chose the club family room right by the river. The room type was described as 71 square meters before check-in, and upon arrival, it was indeed very spacious. The interior decor featured cartoon themes that our little one loves. Right away, we saw a large Ludo board rug, and next to it, several boxes of Lego sets, a kids' tent, and cartoon dolls. No wonder it's a zero-negative-review family hotel in Shanghai.
The room was equipped with a capsule coffee machine and complimentary soft drinks, plus a bottle of red wine from the hotel's sister brand, which felt like a great value. The room had a bunk bed design—a double bed plus a child's bed. The bathroom had a separate bathtub, children's toothbrush and toothpaste, and a toddler toilet seat—very thoughtful.
After putting down our luggage, we headed straight to the pet paradise with Cola (our silly dog). Even before we arrived, we saw many pet parents with their dogs, and Cola was beyond excited. The pet paradise has both indoor and outdoor areas. Indoors, dogs can enjoy afternoon tea, play on climbing frames and in ball pits. Outdoors, there's a huge open lawn for running, and they can even swim—there are professional shallow and deep pools for pets!
It's worth mentioning that Shanghai Sun Island offers pet boarding and training services, with professional dog trainers who can help correct bad habits and teach new skills. Cola was boarded here for an afternoon. The little guy is timid and kept barking, but the staff were very patient, feeding him biscuits and yogurt—super nice.
Mermaid Train: After leaving the pet paradise, we took our daughter on the Mermaid mini train. The train is blue and white, painted with colorful illustrations on both sides, full of childlike charm. It stops at three stations: the hotel lobby, Mermaid Pier, and Little Green Space. With a ticket, you can ride all day, enjoying the island scenery along the way and feeling truly relaxed.
For dinner on the first day, the family tried the hot pot. Each person had their own pot, with set meals including vegetables, meat, fish, and shellfish. The pork bone broth was rich and thick. We heard the vegetables are organically grown on the island, and they were crisp and fresh. Along with the meat and seafood, it was plenty. If you're still hungry, you can add a staple food—unlimited!
The next morning, we had breakfast at the hotel's buffet restaurant. I have to rave about it—it's among the highest quality I've seen in a hotel. Both Chinese and Western options were available. The made-to-order noodle station was delicious, and the DIY soy milk and yogurt were a standout. For Western tastes, there were salads and breads. The whole family was very satisfied.
For lunch, we chose the Waterfall Western Restaurant on the first floor of the lobby. After a big breakfast, none of us were very hungry. We ordered the special kids' meal for our daughter—kid-friendly cutlery, freshly made burgers, and juice were a hit. My husband and I tried the new 'dirty milk' dessert, made on the spot with fresh milk and fruit. On an early summer day, having an ice-cold glass was wonderful.
Fun & Activities: Before coming, we had heard that the equestrian club on Sun Island is very famous. After breakfast on the second day, we took our daughter for a pony ride. At first, she was a bit scared of the big horses, but then the staff brought out a small pony for her, and she instantly fell in love. Before mounting, safety gear was put on, and the staff led the pony the whole time, so there was no danger. Our little one had a great time. We saw many kids at the equestrian club (Sun Island Equestrian Club) learning professional horse riding—so cool!
There are many places on the island suitable for children. We chose to go to the Artisan Studio first to do some handicrafts. There were instructors and tool kits; you just follow along. We chose a polymer clay project and a leather craft kit, and we successfully completed both!
In May, the weather was already quite warm. Mermaid Pier was crowded with people, and water activities were a hot choice. Our family of three rented a water bike—so leisurely and delightful!
Well-fed, well-hydrated, and having had a great time, we headed home. Our time at Shanghai Sun Island Resort Hotel was delightful. The slow, leisurely pace helped us shed our fatigue and find peace of mind. Why do we travel? It gives me joy.
