Qingpu offers wide, quiet streets, plenty of green space, and community pools and clubhouses. If your own compound is not enough, Qingpu residents frequent Shanghai Racquet Club’s pool, tennis courts and gym. Families enjoy dinner at the club’s restaurants or Spanish fare at the cosy La Mesa (5119 1266) on Gaojin Lu. The Thirsty Monk is popular for drinks (5988 9983), or take the 20 minute drive to Hongmai Lu pedestrian street for an evening out. Le Meriden hotel in adjacent Songjiang, 20 minutes by car, boasts a large pool and generous weekend brunch. Next to the hotel is the Moon River Art Park, a popular destination for families with children featuring sculptures, mazes and a lagoon, as well as plenty of green space to play.­­­­