Staycation for the whole family
Due to some recent Covid cases across China, we endeavored to find somewhere within the city limits of Shanghai, but which would still feel like an escape. A quick search and a couple of WeChat conversations later and we were driving to FengXian to a little place called DongLi Country House. This is a city escape which is a fusion guesthouse, something between a European cottage and a Chinese guesthouse.
DongLi only allows dogs on the first floor, in their ‘river rooms’, but dogs are pretty much able to go anywhere within the grounds, just be conscious that some guests may be scared of dogs (as we experienced), so be courteous and keep the lead with you. The hosts don’t speak English, but are great with people and animals, so just add their WeChat in advance with any questions or requests.
Recommendation
My recommendation would be the following. If you are able to, rent a car and drive there yourself. This means you are able to visit the beach locally and drive to DiShui lake for a picnic and a nice afternoon. There aren’t too many things to do close to the country house, so don’t go if you are looking for an action packed weekend, but rather think of it as a chilled stay in which you can just wander through the nice grounds and relax a little. I would combine a stay with a visit with a walk and picnic around DiShui lake, which is around 30 minutes’ drive away. You can also visit the artificial beach around 30 minutes the other way. Overall feeling: great city break within the city.
Guesthouse:
Dong Li Country House
Guesthouse number: 183 7375 5521
