That Year, We Rented an English-Style Villa and Spent an Unforgettable Chinese New Year in the Midst of a Pandemic
Meta Description: Discover how 5 families turned a pandemic-era Chinese New Year into an unforgettable villa getaway in Shanghai's Obo Saint Castle Court. A heartwarming story of family, food, and finding sanctuary in uncertain times.
Introduction: A Pandemic New Year Like No Other
The Chinese New Year of 2020 was destined to be etched into everyone's memory. While most people were trapped in their cramped apartments, anxiously scrolling through pandemic case numbers on their phones, our five families—fifteen people in total—unexpectedly found ourselves in an English-style villa, isolated from the world yet wrapped in profound warmth.
This was not a planned luxury getaway. It felt more like a collective "sanctuary" arranged by fate. And it all began with a seemingly casual suggestion from my sister.
How a Family Villa Rental Became Our Pandemic Sanctuary
A Bold Proposal: Rent a Villa for a Family Reunion
As the New Year approached, my sister floated an idea in the family group chat: "This year, let's skip the door-to-door New Year visits. Let's rent a villa, have all the families stay together, celebrate the New Year with lots of noise and fun, and even hit up Disneyland."
Honestly, the moment she proposed it, everyone's eyes lit up. Just imagine—no more trudging through the cold wind on New Year's Day carrying gift baskets, no more waiting in long lines at crowded restaurants. Instead, a dozen of us would live under one roof, waking up naturally every day, cooking whatever we felt like eating, with the kids running wild in the yard and the adults chatting and playing cards in the living room. Wasn't this the ideal New Year?
Even better, the villa my sister picked was in Shanghai's Pudong New Area, just a ten-minute drive from Disneyland. So the five families agreed without hesitation, and the "New Year Villa Crew" of fifteen people was officially formed.
Back then, none of us had any idea that a global pandemic was silently creeping closer.
[Link: Best family-friendly villa rentals in Shanghai for Chinese New Year]
The Pandemic Hits: Cancel or Go?
As the Lunar New Year's Eve approached, news about the novel coronavirus kept pouring in, and its rapid spread was terrifying. Watching the rising numbers on the news, we briefly considered canceling the rental.
But the reality was that we had already stocked up on New Year supplies, packed our bags, and paid the villa's rent. More importantly, it was rare for the whole family to get together, and no one wanted to give up this reunion so easily.
In the end, we decided: let's go.
Looking back now, that decision felt almost like fate. By the time we arrived at the villa, Shanghai had just begun implementing strict control measures. And our location—Obo Saint Castle Court (Ōubó Shèngbǎo Yuàn), in the outskirts of Pudong—was sparsely populated, with tight community security. It was practically a natural "quarantine paradise."
Disneyland was obviously out of the question. Shaojialou (Shàojiālóu) and Disney Town were also closed. It would be a lie to say we weren't disappointed. But soon we discovered that the villa itself was a world full of wonders.
Part 1: Obo Saint Castle Court — An English Countryside Retreat in Pudong
Obo Saint Castle Court (Ōubó Shèngbǎo Yuàn)—the name itself carries a touch of European romance. Located at 328 Lanxue Road in Pudong New Area, the entire community consists of over a hundred unique standalone villas, each with its own character.
As you enter the neighborhood, the first thing you see is a wide main road lined with neatly trimmed greenery. Walk further in, and you'll find a sunken activity plaza. On nice days, it's a favorite spot for elderly residents to play chess and chat, and for kids to run around.
The most breathtaking feature is the English-style sloping lawn at the center of the community. In winter, the grass turns a golden yellow, soft underfoot like a thick carpet. I couldn't help imagining that in spring, it would be a vibrant expanse of emerald green. Kids flying kites on the lawn, adults lying on the grass soaking up the sun—just the thought of it was beautiful.
The overall landscaping is quite impressive. While there aren't many potted flowers or ornamental plants, every touch is perfectly placed, making you want to stop and admire it.
The most unique aspect? Obo Saint Castle Court is surrounded by a moat, separating the community from the outside world, connected only by a single bridge. At the bridge's entrance stand two dignified stone lions, their playful expressions making you want to reach out and touch them. This design gives the whole neighborhood a distinctly European castle vibe. Living here, you almost feel like the lord of the manor.
During the pandemic, security was exceptionally strict. Guards took temperatures and registered every person entering or leaving. Non-residents and non-tenants were strictly prohibited. This tight control actually made us feel safe—in such uncertain times, nothing mattered more than security.
[Link: Top English-style villa communities in Shanghai for a weekend getaway]
Part 2: Pumpkin Villa — Our Temporary Home
The villa we rented was number 107 in the community, with an adorable name: "Pumpkin Villa." It was a two-story standalone building with seven bedrooms—three on the first floor and four on the second. The entire villa could comfortably accommodate fifteen to sixteen people, with plenty of space.
Stepping through the front door, the first room on the left was a bedroom, which we later jokingly called the "guard's room." It was too close to the living room. Every morning, the older folks woke up early and talked loudly, so I—someone who prefers sleeping in—hardly got a single lie-in. But looking back now, that "forced early rising" feels oddly heartwarming.
To the right were the dining room and living room, along with a beautiful bar counter. The entire first floor was an open-plan design, with large floor-to-ceiling glass windows facing the courtyard. On sunny days, the whole living room was bathed in warm sunlight. Sitting on the sofa with a cup of tea and a book was pure bliss. Rainy days had their own charm, too—watching raindrops hit the courtyard pavement through the glass, listening to the steady patter, brought an inexplicable sense of calm.
Slow Times in the Courtyard
Pumpkin Villa's courtyard was spacious. In one corner stood a wooden swing chair. My mother-in-law and my own mother loved sitting there, basking in the sun, gently swinging while chatting about family matters. The kids ran around the yard, occasionally squeezing onto the swing and asking the adults to push them higher.
As night fell, warm yellow light spilled from the villa into the courtyard, creating an incredibly cozy scene. In that moment, I suddenly thought: this is what home looks like.
The "Men's Brigade" in the Kitchen
Speaking of this villa trip, I have to mention the "spectacle" in the kitchen—all the chefs were men. Grandpa and the other grandfather were the head chefs, while my brother-in-law and husband assisted. The women, surprisingly, became the helpers. They brought all kinds of ingredients from home and bought more at the nearby supermarket, cooking up delicious meals for us every day.
For Shanghai people, a New Year's feast is incomplete without "全家福" (quánjiāfú, or "Family Reunion Soup"), made with Sanlin pork skin, egg dumplings, fried fish, mushrooms, and meatballs—so savory it makes your eyebrows tingle. There was also bamboo shoot braised pork, boiled shrimp, steamed yellow croaker, Buddha Jumps Over the Wall (Fótiàoqiáng, a luxurious soup), and braised eggplant. Every dish tasted like home.
The dish I dreaded most was eel braised with ricefield eel (mányú shāo huángshàn). Looking at those slippery fish segments, I just couldn't bring myself to take a bite. But my family devoured it with gusto, teasing me for not knowing a good thing when I saw it.
Dinner was the liveliest time of the day. The long dining table couldn't seat all fifteen of us, so people formed their own groups and ate in shifts. Some simply walked around the table with their bowls, squeezing in wherever the dish they wanted was served. This "buffet-style" dining actually made the atmosphere more relaxed and fun.
[Link: Traditional Shanghai New Year dishes you must try at home]
The View from the Second Floor
The second floor of Pumpkin Villa housed four bedrooms, each with its own unique character. Our room had a large bay window overlooking the courtyard and the English-style lawn beyond. Every morning, I'd wake up to the sight of golden winter grass and clear blue skies—a view that made even the pandemic feel distant.
The master bedroom on the second floor featured a private balcony where we'd sip coffee in the morning and watch the community come to life. The kids loved the bunk-bed room, treating it like a mini-adventure. And the elderly relatives appreciated the quiet rooms away from the living room's bustle.
The Unforgettable Moments That Defined Our Pandemic New Year
What made this Chinese New Year unforgettable wasn't the luxury of the villa or the proximity to Disneyland. It was the simple, profound moments of togetherness:
- Morning tea sessions where three generations gathered around the dining table, sharing stories and laughter
- Afternoon card games that turned into rowdy tournaments with everyone cheering
- Evening walks around the community's moat, watching the sunset paint the English-style villas in golden hues
- Midnight snacks where the "men's brigade" would whip up impromptu noodle soups for late-night cravings
- The collective relief of being safe, together, while the world outside was in chaos
Frequently Asked Questions About Villa Rentals for Family Gatherings
Q1: How many people can a typical English-style villa in Shanghai accommodate?
Most standalone villas in communities like Obo Saint Castle Court have 5-7 bedrooms and can comfortably accommodate 10-16 people. Some larger villas can host up to 20 guests. Always confirm the exact sleeping arrangements and bed types before booking.
Q2: Is it safe to rent a villa during a pandemic or health crisis?
Yes, villa rentals can be safer than hotels because you control your environment. Look for communities with strict security measures, private entrances, and good ventilation. Always check the property's cleaning protocols and cancellation policies.
Q3: What should I prepare for a multi-family villa stay?
Bring groceries, cooking ingredients, board games, and personal items. Many villa rentals provide basic kitchen equipment, but confirm beforehand. Also, pack comfortable clothes and outdoor gear if the property has a garden or courtyard.
Q4: Can I still visit Disneyland if I stay in Pudong's villa communities?
Many villa communities in Pudong are within 10-20 minutes of Disneyland. However, during the pandemic, Disneyland and surrounding attractions like Disney Town may close. Always check current operating status before planning your itinerary.
Q5: What are the best times to rent an English-style villa in Shanghai?
Chinese New Year, National Day holidays, and summer weekends are peak seasons. For a quieter experience, consider off-peak periods like late autumn or early spring. During the pandemic, many families found that renting a villa offered a safe, private celebration alternative.
Lessons Learned: Why a Villa Rental Became Our Pandemic Lifeline
Looking back, that Chinese New Year in Pumpkin Villa was one of the most meaningful experiences of our lives. It taught us that:
- Family togetherness can transform even the most challenging circumstances into cherished memories
- Simple pleasures—home-cooked meals, card games, and courtyard chats—are often the most valuable
- Safety and connection are not mutually exclusive; in fact, they can reinforce each other
- A well-chosen rental can become a sanctuary when the world feels uncertain
Your Turn: Plan Your Own Unforgettable Family Villa Getaway
Are you inspired to create your own family sanctuary? Whether it's for Chinese New Year, a summer reunion, or a pandemic-safe celebration, renting an English-style villa in Shanghai's Pudong area offers:
- Privacy and space for multiple families
- A home-like environment with full kitchen facilities
- Beautiful natural surroundings for relaxation
- Proximity to attractions like Disneyland (when open)
- The priceless gift of quality time with loved ones
Don't wait for a pandemic to remind you what matters most. Start planning your family villa getaway today. Check out [Link: Best villa rental platforms in Shanghai] for available properties, or [Link: How to choose the perfect villa for a multi-family reunion] for expert tips.
Because sometimes, the best memories are made not in spite of challenges—but because of them.
Have you ever rented a villa for a family gathering? Share your experience in the comments below, or tag us in your family reunion photos using #VillaFamilyReunion.
