April-May 2019
Embarking on our first family adventure to Shanghai was such a milestone. To ensure our 1-year-old, J, traveled comfortably, we arranged for a bassinet on our Singapore Airlines flight. They’re reserved on a first-come, first-served basis, so we made sure to request one during booking. The attentive cabin crew promptly set it up after takeoff, providing a cosy space for J to nap. She was no fuss at all, and a fellow passenger even complimented that she was a such a sweet and quiet baby!
In Shanghai, we stayed in a traditional shikumen house, nestled within a genuine residential neighborhood. Shikumen, translating to “stone gate,” is a distinctive architectural style that emerged in Shanghai in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These two- or three-story terrace houses combine Western and Chinese design elements, featuring high brick walls and a central courtyard.
The house itself was a harmonious blend of old-world charm and modern comforts, and the AirBnb hosts decorated the space with some quirky elements (like the yellow bicycle washbasin!). Heating was a bit of a hit and miss, but made for an interesting experience.
Staying here allowed us to immerse ourselves in the daily rhythms of local life, from neighbours engaging in morning tai chi to the aroma of home-cooked meals wafting through the air.
But right outside, Shanghai was just the bustling city we imagined it to be. We spent a couple of days exploring the shopping malls and Tian Zi Fang, eating jian bing and drinking soy milk from a street-side stall, checking out Starbucks Reserve and catching up with an old friend over dinner at Grandma’s Place before we made our way to the Tongli Water Town.
There are other water towns, but we decided on Tongli because of its proximity to Shanghai and our next stop, Suzhou. This ancient town, crisscrossed by a network of canals, is often referred to as the “Venice of the East.” Our journey began with a tranquil boat ride along the serene waterways, where we admired the well-preserved architecture and historic stone bridges that have stood for centuries. The gentle sway of the boat and the picturesque surroundings offered a peaceful retreat from bustling Shanghai.
After our boat excursion, we dined at a riverside restaurant to sample the renowned Squirrel-Shaped Mandarin Fish (松鼠鳜鱼). This iconic dish from the Jiangsu province features a mandarin fish meticulously deboned, scored into a squirrel-like shape, deep-fried to achieve a crispy exterior, and then drizzled with a sweet and sour sauce. Perhaps the restaurant was too touristy, the dish wasn’t well-executed and didn’t live up to expectations.
Our last stop was Suzhou, a city I’ve always wanted to visit. We only had two days there and it was way too short. It was delightful blend of serene garden strolls and cherished reunions.
We wandered through the city’s famed classical gardens, capturing countless photos of the tranquil ponds, intricate rock formations, and elegant pavilions. Each scene seemed like a living painting, offering us a peaceful escape and a deeper appreciation for Suzhou’s rich cultural heritage. It felt like we went back in time!
Adding to our joy, we reconnected with an old friend who was based in Suzhou. She got to meet J, and our long-awaited reunion made our visit even more special and memorable.
This Little Season 