New to Shanghai and want to know where other families go to enjoy all this city has to offer? Welcome to Our Favorite Things, where we spend time with a family who have been in Shanghai long enough to have their favorite places and then share them with you.
Meet the Schärer family - Pernilla, Stephan, Malin (13), Linus (11) and Emelie (9) – who have had extensive experience in Shanghai. Living here from 2009-2011 and then returning again is 2013, they have established a full life that has the children thriving in an array of activities, in particular fencing, surrounded by the many friends they have made throughout the years. Pernilla (from Sweden) teaches pilates through her business Rise&Shine Pilates, while Stephan works in the robotics industry. With a love of baking that has her kitchen emitting the most delicious aromas, Pernilla is never far from whipping up a cake to share with friends over a cup of tea.
Our favorite…
Coffee spot: Kommune Cafe
Sunday brunch: The Cathay room at the Fairmont Peace Hotel
Date night: The Chop Chop Club
Place for a bike ride: Along the channel in Jingqiao
Dessert: Our kids love the crepes at La Creperie
Long weekend getaway: Guilin
Shopping spot: Hongqiao Flower Market or little stores in the former French concession
Family-friendly restaurant: Kagen for some delicious Teppanyaki and their all you can eat menu
Kids birthday party venue: Mad Science for some great experiments
Experience for visiting friends: Untours Street Eats Breakfast Tour - great guides and lots of fun
After dinner nightcap: House of Blues and Jazz for some live music and El Ocho for a craft cocktail or whisky
Under the radar: The Commodity Market by Yuyuan Garden
Things about living in Shanghai: Friends, our children’s school and always discovering new things
Find more Our Favorite Things here.