Our long-awaited spring outing finally took place in May, a two-day adventure that cost approximately 1000 yuan per person. It was a parent-child journey, a weekend getaway that my daughter and I had been looking forward to for quite some time. We decided on the Sun Island Resort Hotel near Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, a destination that was perfect for our family of three, including our 16-month-old dog, Beibei. This hotel is not only family-friendly but also pet-friendly, which is a rare find.
The Sun Island Resort Hotel is nestled near Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, in the outskirts of Shanghai. The island boasts a rich history, with legends suggesting human habitation dating back to the Western Zhou Dynasty in China. In May, the island is a verdant paradise, with lush vegetation, green willows, and grasslands that evoke the beauty of April and the charm of a heavenly retreat.
We embarked on our journey from downtown Shanghai to Sun Island via the Shanghai-Chongqing Expressway, a drive that took us about an hour. For those without a car, public transportation is also an option. You can take Line 17 and alight at Zhujiajiao Town, from where a taxi or bus can be your next mode of transport.
Upon arrival, we were greeted by the Sun Island Resort Hotel’s distinct check-in lobby and villa area, separated to provide a unique experience. The parent-child rooms were particularly endearing, making our stay even more memorable.
This trip was documented and posted on June 3, 2020, at 12:41, capturing the essence of our delightful weekend escape to the enchanting Sun Island and the surrounding areas, including Zhujiajiao and Sun Island itself.Upon arrival at the island, you have the option to either drive or take a short-distance shuttle bus to reach your accommodation. Nestled within the expansive villa area, which boasts lush vegetation and proximity to the Mao River, you’ll find a secluded path leading to your destination.
We opted for a club parent-child room situated right by the river. Prior to check-in, we were informed that this room type spans an impressive 71 square meters. Upon arrival, we were pleased to find that the space was indeed very spacious. The room’s soft furnishings are all designed with cartoon themes that are sure to delight young children. As you enter, a large flight chess carpet catches your eye, accompanied by several boxes of Lego toys, children’s tents, and cartoon dolls.
This Shanghai parent-child hotel has earned a reputation for having zero negative reviews, and it’s easy to see why. The room is well-appointed with a capsule coffee machine and complimentary soft drinks. Additionally, a bottle of red wine from the hotel’s sister brand is provided, adding to the overall value of your stay. The sleeping arrangements include a bunk bed design, with a double bed and a baby bed, catering to families with children.
The bathroom is thoughtfully designed with an independent bathtub, children’s toothbrush and toothpaste, and a child toilet seat, showing a high level of consideration for the comfort of young guests.
For pet lovers, the hotel offers a pet paradise that we eagerly visited with our dog, Beibei, immediately after settling in. En route, we encountered various dog owners, and Beibei was thrilled by the prospect of meeting new friends. The pet paradise is divided into indoor and outdoor sections. Indoors, dogs can enjoy afternoon tea, play on climbing frames, and frolic in a sea of ocean balls. Outdoors, there’s a vast lawn where dogs can run and play to their heart’s content.You can also let the dog swim. It is a professional pet swimming pool with different depths. It is worth mentioning that Sun Island has pet boarding and pet training services. Equipped with professional dog trainers who can help dogs correct bad habits and learn some skills. Beibei was boarded here for an afternoon. The little guy was timid and kept barking. The staff was very patient and gave him biscuits and yogurt. Super nice.
Mermaid train: After coming out of the pet paradise, I took my daughter to take the mermaid train. The train is composed of blue and white colors. The two sides of the train body are painted with colorful paintings, full of childlike charm. It stops at three stations throughout the journey, the hotel lobby, the mermaid pier, and the small green space. After buying a ticket, you can ride it all day. Looking at the island scenery along the way makes you feel relaxed.
Entertainment: Before coming, I heard that the equestrian club on Shanghai Sun Island is very famous. After having breakfast on the second day, I took my daughter to walk horses. At first, my daughter was a bit afraid when seeing the big horse. Later, the staff brought a small pony for her to ride, and she immediately fell in love with it. Protective gear will be worn before mounting the horse. The staff will lead the horse throughout the process, so there is no danger. The baby had a great time. Seeing that there are many children learning professional equestrian skills at the Shanghai Sun Island Equestrian Club, it’s very handsome.
—
At Shanghai Sun Island Resort Hotel, there are numerous spots where children can have a great time. We opted to start our day at the Ingenuity Hall, where we engaged in handicrafts. The hall is well-equipped with teaching teachers and toolkits, making it easy to follow the instructions and create something special. We selected a piece of soft pottery and a leather bag, and with some effort, we successfully completed both projects!
As May weather in the area is already quite warm, Mermaid Wharf has become a popular gathering spot, especially for water activities. Our family of three enjoyed renting a water bicycle, which provided a delightful experience.
For dinner on the first day, we sampled the small hot pot offered at Food Delight. Each person gets their own pot, and the set meal is comprehensive, including a variety of vegetables, meat, fish, and shellfish. The pork bone soup is richly prepared, and we were told that the vegetables are organic, grown right on the island. They were indeed crisp and delicious, complementing the meat and seafood perfectly. If you’re still hungry, you can add more staple food without any limit.
On the second day, we had breakfast at the hotel’s buffet restaurant, which deserves high praise. The quality is exceptional among hotels, offering both Chinese and Western options. The noodles prepared in the open kitchen were particularly tasty, and the homemade soy milk and yogurt were outstanding. For those who prefer Western fare, there are also salads and bread available. The entire family was very satisfied with the meal.
For lunch, we decided to dine at the Waterfall Western Restaurant, located on the first floor of the lobby. After indulging quite a bit in the morning, we weren’t very hungry. We ordered a special children’s meal for our daughter to enjoy.
—