Chunli Homestay: Turning your weekend into a warm family gathering.

The true meaning of weekends is not about rushing to distant places but about spending slow-paced, quality time with your loved ones. In the fast-paced city of Shanghai, Chunli Homestay offers a unique sense of "slowness"—free from the formality of hotels and the politeness of restaurants, it feels just like home. It's the perfect place to transform a family or friends' weekend gathering into a heartwarming experience. As soon as you push open the wooden door of Chunli Homestay, the stone-paved courtyard immediately puts you at ease. Shadows of old sycamore trees fall on wicker chairs and tables, while hydrangeas bloom vibrantly in the corners. Elders quickly settle down, basking in the sun, brewing their own tea, and chatting about "the last gathering being last year." Meanwhile, children are drawn to the swing and the resident cats in the courtyard, their laughter echoing off the eaves, instantly setting the tone for a lively reunion. Inside, the homestay is thoughtfully designed with family in mind: the high-ceilinged living room features a long wooden table that seats over a dozen people, a sofa so soft you’ll want to sink into it, and a coffee table always stocked with seasonal fruits and snacks. The kitchen is even more equipped than your own, with a gas stove, oven, and slow cooker. Aunties can showcase their cooking skills with braised pork, cousins can bake buttery cookies, and even those who usually avoid the kitchen can lend a hand—because the warmth of a gathering often lies in the shared moments of cooking. Here, weekends are free from schedules and compromises, allowing everyone to find their own rhythm: • Elders can relax on the balcony’s wicker chairs, play cards, or take a leisurely stroll to the nearby old street market to bring back freshly baked sesame buns. • Kids can count stars through the attic skylight, draw in the study, or sneak tastes of freshly made desserts in the kitchen, their laughter filling the house. • Young adults can venture out—there’s a metro station nearby for trips to Xintiandi for coffee or Tianzifang for unique finds, all within half an hour. Or, they can stay in, binge-watch shows, chat with siblings, and let the week’s fatigue melt away on the sofa. By evening, the long table gradually fills with homemade dishes: the glistening braised pork, the fresh aroma of steamed fish, and the tomato scrambled eggs "made by the kids." The clinking of chopsticks and glasses creates a symphony of warmth. Elders serve food to the younger ones, while the younger ones pour drinks for the elders. Under the soft glow of warm lights, everyone’s smiles seem even brighter. After dinner, the family gathers to look at old photos or play games like "Who’s the Spy," even coaxing laughter from the usually serious grandpa. Sunday morning comes without the intrusion of alarms. Someone buys pan-fried buns from the alley, someone else prepares white porridge with pickles, and everyone enjoys a slow breakfast in the courtyard, dressed in cozy loungewear. Kids cling to the doorframe asking, "When can we come back?" Elders muse about bringing hometown bamboo shoots for the next gathering, and even the homestay owner smiles, saying, "I’ll always save the best spot in the courtyard for you." Isn’t this the essence of family gatherings? No need to worry about outfits or etiquette—just relax, slow down, and enjoy being together. Even sitting idly with your loved ones feels perfect. This weekend, don’t let "being busy" be an excuse. Come to Chunli Homestay and turn the laughter of your family, the warmth of the kitchen, and the sunshine in the courtyard into cherished memories—because the best days are always the ones spent together. Chunli Homestay in Shanghai, waiting to help you make your weekend feel like home.