Vlog: Cooking, coffee, crafts and fruit picking at a Shanghai village

The term "Shanghai village" might sound like an oxymoron, and that's probably what makes spending time there so appealing.

Yesterday I spent the day in Lianmin, a small village with a population of just 3,400 about an hour's drive away in Pudong disctrict. There you'll find Suyu, a group of small minsu (or guest houses) where you can bask in the peace and quiet without actually having to leave Shanghai.

Despite the cute decor and comfortable rooms, you'll also be spoiled for choice for things to do during your stay. There are plenty of activties you can take part in, including making pizza, picking grapes, eating farm-fresh, giant watermelons, and making your own ceramics.

With many still not game enough to head too far in their travels, Shanghai villages are the perfect chance to get away from the city, without getting away from the city.