Squint hard at the word ‘glamping’ and you’ll see there are two parts to it: glamour and camping. Literally a compound of those elements, glamping means enjoying the proximity of natural surroundings in a fully serviced setting. It’s waking up to birdsongs without having to sleep through a chilly night on a hard surface and barbecuing in the woods without the fuss of washing up. It’s the great outdoors for the children with comforts for a mom and dad, and a great idea for a family weekend away or getting a group of friends together.
If you haven’t tried it yet, now is the perfect time of year to get into it. We highly recommend Neoroll Glamping (牛路野营), surrounded by thick woods and tucked away inside a national park. This impressive campsite, consisting of private tents with outdoor activities, is situated within the Shanghai Haiwan National Forest Park, located 50 kilometers south of the city facing Hangzhou Bay. Let’s take a look at the site and its properties to get you in the mood for a weekend in the woods.
Accommodation
Neoroll Glamping at Haiwan Park boasts 27 impressive tents, permanently set up and ready for your arrival. Built with an en-suite, living room, bathroom and a bedroom with either a twin or king-sized bed, these 45-square-meter tents provide the ultimate camping experience. Maximum capacity for each tent is four (two adults and two kids under 12) and extra mattresses or sleeping bags are priced at RMB200 each night. The waterproof tents have the necessary air conditioning and ground heating systems to keep you cosy and comfortable in any climate.
Activities
There is an array of complimentary child-friendly activities available throughout your stay, so let the kids explore the grounds and immerse themselves in the fun of being outside. Whether they’re interested in archery, trampoline jumping or the immensely popular bubble football (see title image), every child will be entertained for hours. Other options such as cycling, canoeing, go-karting and horse riding are also available for an additional charge. Outdoor movie screenings take place each night, and requests are taken for a specific film. Want more? The campsite will even set up an inflatable swimming pool to keep your heads cool throughout the hotter months.
Food & Drinks
Before leaving the convenient urban lifestyle behind, it's important to know there's no supermarket or grocery outlet near Neoroll's campsite. So, make sure you go prepared if you foresee the need for any extra sustenance, and think ahead about a stockpile of snacks for the kids.
That being said, Neoroll does serve three meals a day, plus afternoon tea for an extra energy boost. Start the day with breakfast, a simple tray of sandwiches, milk and an egg, priced at RMB20 per set. For lunch and dinner you can alternate between a Korean hot pot and a barbecue meal, both priced at RMB358 and serving a family of three (note that lunch should be booked separately and well in advance). While the former is a one-pot wonder of canned ham, vegetables and instant ramen noodles, it's the barbecue that really brings out the family spirit. Shrouded by the aroma of grilled food and the warm smoke of charcoal, it makes for a precious time to come together, play a game of cards and relax. Tea, coffee and alcoholic beverages are supplied throughout the day at additional charges.
The afternoon tea set offers fruits, biscuits, marshmallows and a selection of hot drinks including Americano, latte, Ceylon tea and hot chocolate. Each set is priced at RMB88 and serves two to three people.
Family package
Glamping packages for a weekend start at RMB1,320 (which includes one night's accommodation + 1 BBQ meal + 3 breakfast sets + 2 park entry tickets + transfer from the main gate to campsite). Children under 1.3 meters enjoy complimentary entry and transfer, while an extra RMB100 per child applies to those over that height. If you're looking to stay during the high season (from March through November), Neoroll recommends booking a month in advance.
Where to find it
Neoroll Glamping’s site is set up inside the Shanghai Haiwan National Forest Park, located at the south end of the Hangzhou Highway and approximately 90 minutes drive from central Shanghai. Access is via Gate 1.
Public transportation
Outbound journey: Take the fast train (K8351 or K8353) from Shanghai South Railway Station bound for Haiwan Forest Park Station, then the Haiwan No 3. bus to Gate 1. Inbound journey: Take the Haiwan No 3. bus back to Haiwan Forest Park Station, and then the K8352 or K8354 train back to Shanghai South Railway Station.
Contact
For more information and bookings, follow Neoroll Glamping via their QR code or email
booking@neoroll.cn
