The Ellis family originates from Toronto, Canada and has lived in Shanghai for 2.5 years. Janet is the self-employed CEO of the Ellis Household, Greater China and Beyond, and Jordan is the Director of Customer Marketing at The Hershey Company in Greater China. Some of the family activities they enjoy are brunching on the weekends, playing in the park, strolling around the city and admiring the skyscrapers of Shanghai. The occasional romantic date or outing with friends also has a place in the life of Janet Kang and Jordan Ellis, who live in Lujiazui with their two children, Claire Xi Ting (1.5) and Cameron Xi Ming (3.5). Here are some of their favorite things in their lives as residents of Shanghai.
Favorite Restaurant
As a family, we love a goodbreakfast / brunch on the weekend. Lately, we’ve become frequent patrons of Mr. Pancake House. My son loves their waffles with icing sugar and my daughter enjoys their plain pancake and good ‘ol bacon. My husband and I like to mix it up and indulge with piles of pancakes or crepes smothered in sweetness or savoury goodness, depending on our moods. This joint has an extensive menu that will definitely accommodate everyone’s picky taste buds.
Favorite Outdoor Spot
We live steps away from the river, so our favorite outdoor spot is walking up and down the Huang Pu on the Pudong side. Sometimes we enjoy walking towards Nanpu Bridge (from the Zhangyang Lu ferry stop) where there is hardly ever any people. This direction is great for kids to run around and burn off energy as there is a boardwalk and a pedestrian walk with no access for vehicles (even e-bikes). On good days, you can see the Expo Chinese Pavilion shining like a red beacon just beyond the Nanpu Bridge, a great view.
Sometimes we walk towards Superbrand Mall (from Zhangyanglu ferry stop) to get a view of the skyscrapers piercing the landscape (our fav is still the Bottle Opener or SWFC). We usually go this direction in search of food at Superbrand or its proximity. In the summer, you can usually find us on a patio in one of the many eateries available in that area.
Favorite Place to Play
For outdoor play, we enjoy taking the kids to local parks. Century Park in Pudong is great green space with lots of activity if you want to do something with the kids. On weekends, it can get a bit crowded, but the park is so big that you can usually find a spot for just you and the family to kick a soccer ball or chase each other up and down the walkway. On the Puxi side, we’ve recently discovered Lu Xun Park in Hongkou. We were told that it is one of the oldest parks in Shanghai and has recently undergone a major facelift. There is a manmade lake in the centre that makes the park very picturesque. Our favourite reason for returning to this park though is just to people watch. There are groups of retirees singing, practicing saxophones, flying kites, doing tai chi and even debating on daily events (the people are so animated in these debates, that it is just enthralling to watch even if you don’t understand what they are saying).
Favorite Place to Go Without Kids
For a date night, we prefer to do something low key. Because massages are such a luxury back home, we try to enjoy the abundant massage services here. We frequent Bamboo Massage, a local chain that is pretty reasonable in price and consistent in service. We usually get the foot massage with scented oils. It’s a great place to chat and unwind. Sometimes, when we don’t feel like talking anymore, we put on our headphones and listen to our iPods while getting our feet rubbed. Best date option for those nights where you just want peace and quiet, but still want to be together.
Favorite Romantic Spot
For couple time, we really don’t have one spot. We usually enjoy strolling different neighbourhoods on the Puxi side since we reside on the Pudong side. We like to find random parks or locations on a map that we’ve never been to (that’s how we discovered Lu Xun Park in Hongkou). After strolls, we usually like to plant our tired feet at a small bar or lounge. Our favourite hangout is Cotton’s - good music, charming space and good food.
Favorite Place to Go With Friends
My outing with friends usually surrounds food. The most recent place we tried and went back to again is Liquid Laundry. Their pizza options are unique and so far, does not disappoint. But sometimes we like to get adventurous and do something local, like take a scooter ride to a migrant town or plan a day trip to Qibao and try a few of the million street food options . Our favourite street food is Lanzhou La Mien. A big hot bowl of soup and noodles always warms the soul (and friendships). Hot pot at Hai Di Lao is also a favorite for group gatherings.
Favorite Place to Travel
Our favorite romantic getaway was in Thailand at Six Senses Yao Noi. This resort was utter comfort and luxury at a secluded location in busy Thailand. We were perched high up in a villa that resembled a modern tree house on a small mountain overlooking the Andaman Sea, with no other tourists but the hotel guests and staff. It was truly a breathtaking view and tropical paradise.
Our favorite family vacation would be in Vietnam. To get away from the crowds and noises of the big city, we searched for a remote but family friendly resort. We found it in Angsana Lang Co. It is a 1.5 hour drive from Hanoi, but the resort was worth it. The kids loved the big swimming pools as well as our private pool in our large garden. It felt almost like home.
For a change of scenery, we've also had great staycations right here at home. We love the Puli in Jing’an. The service was outstanding, the hotel is beautiful, rooms are modern, and the pool is spectacular.
Favorite Place to Shop
The best place to shop is online. I buy most of the packaged goods from pinstore.com or epermarket. For fresh groceries, I utilize the local wet market down the street from my home. For everything else, there is the All Powerful, All Amazing Taobao!
For fun-shopping, we like to hit up Huai Hai Lu. Or we enjoy browsing the labyrinth of shops in Tian Zi Fang.
Favorite Area of Shanghai
Our family went to Chongming Island in the summer. It turned out to be one of the best family day trips we’ve made in Shanghai. Chongming Island is only a 1.5 hour drive from Pudong and it literally felt like we were transported into another province. If you are craving greenery, clearer air, blue skies, then Chongming Island is your ticket.
Our kids loved their visit to the Mahota Farm, an active organic farm with an eco-tourist theme. We got a tour of the farm (given in English) and the kids got to get their hands dirty planting vegetables, feeding goats and pigs and just generally being entertained by the surroundings. We learned about organic farming and even had a hotpot meal prepared with farm vegetables and meats. It was truly a refreshing experience.
Favorite Place for Adventures
Right here in Shanghai is where you can find endless adventure. Whether it’s entering the plethora of shops under the Science Centre, or bargaining up a storm at the Lu Jia Bang fabric market, or trying your hands at picking out live fish at the local wet market, adventure is just lurking around the corner.
Favorite Place to Relax
My couch by my window overlooking the Huang Pu is my favorite place to unwind with a mug of hot chocolate and a good book. Home sweet home.
Favorite Memory of Shanghai
Shanghai is full of memories for us. Every bit of it - the good and the ugly – will forever be etched into our memory. There is no crowning moment but there are many unforgettable moments, like the birth of our second child, like the first time I heard myself speak Chinese without hesitation, like the many laughs I shared with my friends who have now become family. Shanghai is a place that will always hold a very unique and wonderful place in our memory.
