I spent an unforgettable weekend with my son at Shanghai Sun Island, a hidden gem just 90 minutes from the city center that feels worlds away from the urban chaos. From the moment he put on his little knight armor and mounted a gentle giant horse, to hand-feeding friendly sheep in the petting zoo, and splashing through inflatable water castles on a white-sand beach - this place delivered the perfect family getaway without leaving Shanghai. If you're looking for a destination that combines English equestrian elegance, adorable animal encounters, and tropical beach vibes all in one place, Sun Island exceeded every expectation we had.
Trip Overview
When: Late summer (late August)
Duration: 2 days
Travelers: Family with kids
Budget: ~700 RMB (~$100 USD) per person
Transportation: Self-drive (~1.5 hours from downtown Shanghai)
Best For: Families seeking a weekend escape, horse riding enthusiasts, animal lovers
Day 1: Arrival and First Impressions
When I first told my son Yuanbao we were heading to Shanghai's Sun Island (太阳岛 Tàiyáng Dǎo) for the weekend, his eyes lit up at the mention of horses and animals. Little did we know that this resort would deliver such a diverse and memorable experience.
Driving about 90 minutes from downtown Shanghai brought us to a world of European-style architecture nestled among lush greenery, with the vast expanse of a shimmering lake stretching before us. The moment we arrived, I felt like we'd been transported to a European countryside retreat rather than a Shanghai suburb.
Little Knight Experience: Equestrian Adventures
The highlight of our trip was the horse riding experience at the Sun Island Equestrian Club (太阳岛马术俱乐部). I was surprised to learn this is one of the largest equestrian facilities in East China, and it even served as a filming location for the popular Chinese TV drama "Thirty Only" (三十而已).
Walking into the club, rows of gleaming trophies and certificates immediately caught my attention. This wasn't just a tourist attraction - it was a serious, professional facility with decades of history. That moment, I couldn't help but imagine Yuanbao one day earning a trophy here too.
🎯 Practical Info: Equestrian Club
Entry Fee: ~300-500 RMB (~$45-75 USD) per lesson Best Time: Morning sessions (cooler weather, less crowded) Equipment: All gear provided - vest, boots, gloves, helmet Age Requirement: Suitable for children 4+ years Pro Tip: Book in advance, especially on weekends
I was initially worried they wouldn't have equipment small enough for Yuanbao, but they had everything in children's sizes. Watching him transform into a little knight in his complete gear - from the protective vest to the boots and helmet - was absolutely priceless. He suddenly looked so grown up and dashing!
The one-on-one coaching was exceptional. Yuanbao's instructor was patient and professional, starting with the basics: how to safely approach the horse, proper ways to touch and pet them, and understanding horse behavior. Yuanbao was fascinated learning about the horse's personality before even getting on.
The instructor taught Yuanbao how to mount properly: holding the reins in his left hand, rotating the stirrup clockwise with his right hand, and stepping into it with his left foot. Then came the riding posture and communication techniques - the subtle body language that creates that magical "horse and rider as one" connection.
By the end of the session, Yuanbao had gone from nervous novice to confidently communicating with his horse. I could see the pride in his eyes - that sense of accomplishment from overcoming a challenge and forming a special bond with these magnificent animals. It was an experience that built both confidence and character.
Petting Zoo: Adorable Animal Encounters
After our equestrian adventure, we headed to the Little Ranch (小小牧场), one of the newer additions to Sun Island since our last visit two years ago. This place has fully embraced the trendy "petting zoo" concept that kids absolutely adore.
The ranch is divided into indoor and outdoor sections. Indoors, we discovered an impressive collection of animals: starfish in touch pools, kissing fish, budgerigars, giant Angora rabbits, kangaroos, prairie dogs, meerkats, corn snakes, bearded dragons, capybaras, and call ducks. Yuanbao was in heaven!
He spent ages observing each creature's adorable behaviors. The budgie enclosure even had a small slide that the kids loved. There's something magical about getting up close with animals you normally only see from a distance in zoos.
Outdoors, we met the stars of the show: fluffy sheep and adorable little pigs. The sheep here are incredibly friendly - unlike the shy animals at traditional zoos, these guys practically run up to visitors hoping for treats. Yuanbao couldn't stop laughing as he fed them grass and carrots (available for purchase at the ranch).
I was amazed how these sheep weren't afraid of people at all. They'd come right up and eat from your hand with surprising enthusiasm. Yuanbao thought it was the funniest thing watching them munch away.
The ranch also hosts little pig races at scheduled times throughout the day, though we missed that particular show. Apparently watching these chubby little racers sprint toward the finish line is hilarious!
Beyond animal encounters, the ranch features a "Four Seasons Cute DIY Workshop" where kids can participate in themed craft activities. During our visit, Yuanbao made traditional seasonal pastries - red bean paste rice cakes. The staff demonstrated the technique, then guided him through the process. There's something special about eating snacks you've made yourself!
Day 2: Beach Paradise - Summer Fun Without Leaving Shanghai
The highlight of our second day was the beach and water park (沙滩泳场), and I have to say - I couldn't believe this was still Shanghai! The moment we arrived, I felt like we'd been transported to Sanya or some tropical island destination.
🎯 Practical Info: Beach & Water Park
Entry Fee: ~150-200 RMB (~$20-30 USD) per person Open: Summer season (May-September), 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Best Time: Arrive early (9 AM) to secure good spots Bring: Swimwear, sunscreen, towels, water shoes Pro Tip: Non-hotel guests can purchase day tickets
The beach features crystal-clear blue water, white sand, and tropical scenery complete with palm trees providing shade. Even the breeze carried that faint salty scent of the ocean. Standing there, I had to remind myself we were only an hour and a half from Shanghai's concrete jungle.
The water park offers something for everyone: family-friendly water playgrounds, wave pools, white sand beaches, and rainbow water slides. It's become one of the most popular summer destinations in the Shanghai area.
Yuanbao's absolute favorite was the inflatable castle water obstacle course - a colorful, castle-themed structure in pastel macaron colors that looked like something from a fairy tale. He spent hours climbing, sliding, and splashing through the various challenges.
He could have spent the entire afternoon just on the inflatable course! Meanwhile, the rainbow water slides provided thrills for older kids and adventurous parents looking for an adrenaline rush.
The wave pool was perfect for all ages. You can rent inflatable tubes and float lazily on the water, or wait for the scheduled wave sessions when the pool comes alive with rolling waves that make you feel like you're actually at the beach. Yuanbao squealed with delight every time a wave hit us!
When we needed a break from the water, we relaxed on the beach chairs with cold drinks in hand. This is what vacation should feel like - pure relaxation and family fun.
Watching the younger kids building sandcastles with pure concentration reminded me of Yuanbao's younger days. Now he's more interested in water park adventures, but seeing those little ones creating their dream castles in the sand was heartwarming.
Final Thoughts
Our weekend at Sun Island delivered everything we hoped for and more. From the moment Yuanbao transformed into a confident little knight on horseback, to his delighted giggles feeding friendly sheep, to his endless energy conquering the inflatable water castle - this trip created memories we'll treasure forever.
If you're looking for a family-friendly destination that offers diverse experiences - equestrian elegance, adorable animal encounters, and tropical beach vibes - all within easy reach of Shanghai, Sun Island is absolutely worth the trip. As Yuanbao said on our drive home: "Can we come back next weekend?"
Getting There
📍 Location & Transportation
Address: No. 2588 Shengtai Road, Zhujiajiao Town, Sun Island, Shanghai 朱家角镇沈太路2588号太阳岛内 By Car: ~1.5 hours from downtown Shanghai, free parking available By Public Transit: Take Metro Line 17 to Zhujiajiao Station, then taxi (~15-20 minutes) Location Note: Save the Chinese address for your taxi driver
Whether you stay overnight at the resort hotel or visit as a day trip, Sun Island offers a refreshing escape that proves you don't need to travel far to create unforgettable family memories. Just remember to book popular activities like horse riding in advance, arrive early to beat the crowds, and most importantly - bring your sense of adventure!