Where to Take the Kids for a Two-Day, One-Night Trip in Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Shanghai? Shanghai Sun Island Is Perfect!

Childhood is fleeting, and I want to be there for as much of it as I can. Another weekend has come, time to take the little one out. Where to go for a two-day, one-night escape? I was suddenly drawn in by beautiful pictures of Shanghai Sun Island on my phone. We decided to set off without delay, and this time, we headed to the Shanghai Sun Island Resort in Zhujiajiao. I had always associated Zhujiajiao with its famous ancient town, but I never expected to find a hidden family-friendly island in this quaint place.

Accommodation: Explorer Family Villa

If you're traveling with several families, I highly recommend the Explorer Family Villa.

With white walls, wood-colored roofs and trims, it feels like a Nordic cabin. Staying here is like stepping into a fairy tale.

Each villa comes with two dedicated parking spaces, so no worries about parking if you drive.

You can drive within the resort; if not, there's a shuttle bus—just a phone call and it'll pick you up!

The villa spans 190 square meters, offering huge space. Opening the door, you're greeted by a large living room connected to the dining area, dominated by white and wood tones, warm and clean. Tall giraffe and deer stools add a playful touch.

There's a small courtyard outside, perfect for a break, tea, and chat in the afternoon or after sunset. Both adults and kids can find their own comfort here.

The dining room has a modern six-seat marble table, facing the children's play area. A semicircular cutout allows you to keep an eye on the kids—a thoughtful design.

A dedicated kids' play zone, a playground hidden inside the villa: a linked spiral slide, a three-story high elastic climbing net, a LEGO wall, magnetic board, and a variety of branded cartoon plush toys. Kids can spend a whole day here without getting bored.

Little An liked playing with LEGOs, spending a long time at that wall, researching and creating.

The living room has tunnels for kids to crawl through, adding fun even in the living area.

An crawled back and forth through the tunnel, overjoyed.

The villa has three bedrooms and three bathrooms: one twin room, one king room, and one tatami room, meeting diverse needs. The decor is light and cozy, with Nordic elements like reindeer and geometric patterns, colors bright but not loud.

On the second floor are two rooms: a king room and a tatami room. The king room follows the overall style, light and lively.

Each room has its own bathroom. This king room includes a shower and bathtub, with dry-wet separation, and the transparent shower makes the space feel larger.

The tatami room is split-level, connected to a stargazing loft on the third floor. It's the largest room, with similar decor. A child's blue bathrobe is thoughtfully provided.

The split-level glass railing gives a view up to the third floor, enhancing the sense of space.

Climbing the wooden stairs to the third floor, you discover a cozy hideaway—a place to hide your thoughts, or retreat when you need a break from the noise.

On the third floor, there's a telescope to gaze at the stars and constellations at night.

Or you could project a movie, gather around, and enjoy a relaxing time together.

Even the staircase landing hides a little nook like a tree hollow, where kids can slip in.

Little Ranch

Who doesn't love animals? Kids especially do. At home, An imitates animal sounds. Seeing real animals, she was ecstatic, chasing them and mimicking: 'oink oink' for piglets, 'baa baa' for goats—so adorable.

This little ranch has piglets, goats, peacocks, and Angora giant rabbits waiting to be petted. It's the place to get up close with animals.

Opening hours: Sun-Thu 09:30-16:30, Fri-Sat 09:30-18:30.

Cartoon silicone animal toys against the wall instantly became An's mounts—she took turns sitting on a little dinosaur, deer, and cat.

The tiny piglets roam everywhere, approaching visitors for food, incredibly cute.

The goats are the other stars, poking their heads out and bleating loudly whenever someone approaches, begging for treats.

Pigs and goats were so enthusiastic, sniffing and nuzzling us, thinking we had food. When they realized we didn't, they turned and ran off.

An wanted to pet a piglet but was a bit scared, reaching out then pulling back into my arms when the pig turned.

Here, kids can connect with animals. Most city kids rarely see piglets and goats except in places like this.

The pigs lead a leisurely life—entertaining visitors, running races, and of course, eternal eating and sleeping, a pretty content existence.

Every day there are exciting pig races where you can place bets and win prizes. The pigs run earnestly—which one will come out on top? Come cheer for your pick!

Race times: Mon-Thu 10:30-11:00, 13:30-14:00; Fri-Sun 10:30-11:00, 13:30-14:00, 15:30-16:00. *Subject to change due to weather or other factors.

Staff let the goats out at scheduled times to roam and forage. That's when kids can get close. Buy feed (hay) and you'll instantly become the goats' best friend. Please don't bring your own food; approved feed helps keep them healthy.

There are a few other play things. An loves slides. Spotting one, her eyes lit up and she shouted 'Slide!' running over, refusing to come down until she'd gone at least ten times. Such a tiny slide brought so much joy.

Four Seasons Fun DIY Workshop

Themed classes are offered: 'Making animal cookies, holiday crafts, traditional seasonal snacks...'

This time, An tried DIY cookies, creating her own shapes. Staff demonstrated the process. Let imagination run, hands-on mixing, helping kids develop focus and creativity. After baking, they get to eat their own cookies—so much tastier!

Opening hours: Sun-Thu 09:30-15:30; Fri-Sat 09:30-17:30.

An carefully learned to roll the dough and press out cookie shapes with molds, so focused and quiet I almost believed she's never a naughty child.

Beach & Water Fun

Would you guess it was An's first time at a water park? She wasn't afraid of water at all; instead, she had a blast, playing until sunset and refusing to leave.

Hidden on this 2500-acre island, Shanghai's private beach boasts a wave pool, rainbow slides, zorb balls, and beach volleyball.

Opening hours: June & September: 09:00-16:30 (Mon-Thu), 09:00-18:30 (Fri-Sun); July-August: 09:00-18:30 (Mon-Thu), 09:00-20:30 (Fri-Sun).

Although she still refused to step on sand and wanted to be carried, as soon as she touched water, she was off, running happily on inflatable mats, climbing here and there. Even when she fell in, she wasn't scared, just got up and laughed.

She was brave enough in the wave pool, kicking and splashing with her unicorn float, clearly loving the water.

All I could hear was her joyful laughter—this place was a hit.

The wave pool simulates ocean waves; bigger kids can venture deeper, but not for toddlers.

An splashed around as if she'd been to pools many times, oblivious to the setting sun, totally refusing to leave.

The beach area is private, surrounded by lush woods, with inflatable play structures perfect for young kids—shallow water satisfies their adventurous spirit.

There are lounge chairs and umbrellas for a quick rest or sunbathing.

For older kids, there are thrilling water slides—more excitement for the brave ones!

A beach shack sells drinks, snacks, and swim rings if you forgot yours.

The colorful swim rings are summer’s signature.

Entertainment Center (Opening Soon)

Soon to officially open, An already tested it for all kids—really fun.

A construction-themed area where kids become little builders. Hard hats on, yellow vests on, let's get to work!

Load bricks into the wheelbarrow and transport them to build houses! An is still little, wobbling with the wheelbarrow, but trying hard to balance.

After moving bricks, it's time to stack and build, just like building blocks—so enjoyable.

There are various construction vehicles to drive. An took turns on an excavator and tractor—the queen of the construction site for a day! Swapping vehicles, she tried them all.

The most impressive is the remote-controlled excavator. Multiple control stations around the pen allow kids to operate it to move sand—a very real experience. An was still figuring it out, but this activity is really cool and worth trying.

She went from one control station to the next, curious about everything.

On the other side, bumper cars! Toddlers can ride with an adult; older kids drive themselves slowly, very safe.

She had to sit in every car, especially that round cute one.

Equestrian Club

Shanghai Sun Island also has an equestrian club, suitable for older children. Though An kept shouting 'I want to ride a horse,' she could only watch from afar. So grow up fast, and come back to learn riding later!

Established in 1997, the club features top facilities, quality horses, and professional coaches. In 2018, it was fully renovated, adding a 30x60m indoor training arena.

The club now has over 60 horses, with five international-standard stables, including tack rooms, warm-water wash stalls, farrier room, medical room, infrared therapy area, and tacking area.

Before committing to riding lessons, older kids can do a trial ride, led by a coach, to feel what it's like on horseback.

Dining

Sunshine Chinese Restaurant is in the main lobby building, a glass conservatory on an outdoor terrace, bright and spacious, serving Shanghai-style local cuisine. The outdoor terrace overlooks a fragrant herb garden, offering pleasant views.

Inside, mostly wooden tables with a modern Chinese simplicity.

Opening hours: Lunch 11:00-14:00, Dinner 17:00-21:00.

We ordered classic local dishes: tender white-cut chicken, savory egg yolk tofu, sour soup with beef, noodles with shredded pork and pickled vegetables, and a large bowl of sweet white fungus soup. The food was delicious and deeply satisfying.

Breakfast is at Changmao Buffet Restaurant on the second floor of the main building. Enjoy a view while tucking into a rich breakfast, a mix of Chinese and Western choices.

Hours: 07:00-10:00.

Shanghai Sun Island is perfect for families. It has food, lodging, and endless fun. Kids will discover infinite joy here. A two-day, one-night trip may be short, but An had a happy weekend—and that's what matters most!