Are you ready for some fun in the sun? We have your guide to the city’s best pools. Get your beach bags ready.
Ambassy Club
Slides, fountains and pool play things galore, this former French Concession private club turns into a child-magnet turn summer time. Even with all the youngsters, the relatively refined atmosphere and good location keeps us coming back. Drop in during the week for a quieter experience.
Open: Outdoor: May-October
Time: Mon-Fri, 6am-10pm, Sat-Sun, 8am-10pm
Cost: RMB100/person, RMB3400/6 month membership
// 1500 HuaihaiZhong Lu, by Wulumuqi Lu (6437 9800 ext 133, www.ambasyclub.com.cn)
Bund Beach
While small, our local ‘beach’ down by the water, more specifically the Cool Docks, has enough to pack in for a full day- especially on Sundays. Sand courts for volleyball, lounge beds, meal and drink options, plus a small pool to cool off in. Once entry is paid, guests can come and go as they please.
Open: May-Dec
Time: Daily from 10am-10pm
Cost: 50 RMB / person
Transportation: A quick cab ride from metro line 9 Xionanmen Station.
// The Cool Docks, Wharf 1846, 421 Waimu Lu by Maojiayuan Lu (180 1640 6805)
Dino Beach
It’s no Wet‘n Wild Waterpark, but decent enough. You’ll find a smorgasbord of slides, a lazy river, inner tubes to float down the lazy river with and of course, hundreds and hundreds of people. There are lifeguards on deck but we recommend you steer clear on weekends for your sanity.
Open: June 20- early Sep
Time: Daily from 10am-11pm (summer time only)
Cost: RMB100-200/person depending on day, Free for kids under .8m
// 78 Xinzhen Lu, by Gudai Lu (6478 3333, dinobeach.com.cn)
Hongkou Swimming Pool
The huge 1,400-sqm pool can accommodate nearly 600 swimmers, but even with all the space you might still get splashed. Luckily for those of you who prefer to swim on the straight, ample lanes are provided. A few slides wind their way around as well.
Open: July 1 – August 31
Time: Daily from 9am-9pm
Cost: RMB35/person, plus RMB6 for medical needs
// 500 Dongjiangwan Lu, by Dong Tiyuhui Lu (5696 0676)
Jinshan Urban Beach
None of the phoney fake sand stuff here; if you want to dive into the sea, frolic in the waves and enjoy fresh seafood, take the trip out to this Shanghai suburb.
Open: June-September
Time: 8am-9pm
Cost: free entry
Transportation: Take Metro Line 1 to Jinjiang Action Park Station, transfer to Shinmei Bus and take a taxi at the terminal.
// 5 Xincheng Lu, by Huhang Gong Lu (5795 3918)
JW Marriott (outdoor and indoor)
Conveniently located in the center of the city, the outdoor pool is shallow and tiny, making this location better for a sophisticated snooze and tan.
Open: June-October (outdoor)
Time: 6:00am – 11:00pm (for both outdoor and indoor)
Cost: Weekdays - RMB200/person, Weekends - RMB300/person
(Price includes access to gym, sauna, and shower)
// 399 Nanjing Xi Lu, by HuangpiBei Lu (5359 4969, www.marriott.com)
Mandarin City
With a swim-up bar that serves both drinks and food, and featuring a relatively large water space, this is a hot spot for pool parties. Come early if you want to get a chair or even a space for your towel.
Open: June-October
Time: Daily from 7.30am-9pm
Cost: RMB80/adult
// 788 Hongxu Lu, by Huaguang Lu (6405 0404 ext. 8612)
Le Meridien Sheshan
Dive into the divine. Located right on the edge of a nationally-protected forest, gaze onto the greenery from the edge of their infinity pool or the real sand beach. They do a great weekend buffet deal, making the lush lounging all the more delightful.
Open: Outdoor: May-October
Time: 10am-7pm
Cost: RMB300/adult
RMB150 child aged 3+
Big Blue Sunday brunch:
Sunday’s full of sloshing, this brunch features over 300 kinds of cuisine, champagne and best of all - pool access.
RMB498/adults
RMB139/child 4-12
// 1288 Linyin Xin Lu, by ShenzhuangJiasong Lu (5779 9999, starwoodhotels.com)
Oasis Riviera
For the Gubei bunch, it’s not as nice as its next door neighbour, but easier to get into. Here you’ll find a great family atmosphere
Open: July-Sep
Time: 10am-8.30pm daily
Cost: Free entry for members, RMB60 per non-member
// 883 ShuiCheng Lu, by TianShan Lu (3208 2003)
Portman Ritz Carlton
Nothing less than chic and swanky, you’ll be part of the privileged if you claim a sunny spot here. Despite being smack in the skyscraper-filled city center, the regal Riviera still gets plenty of sunshine.
Open: June-Sept
Time: 6am-11pm
Cost: Members only
RMB35,00 annual family health club membership includes 2 adults and 1 child.
// 7/F, Portman Ritz-Carlton, 1376 Nanjing Xi Lu, by Xikang Lu (6279 8888 ext 5922)
Yanlord Riverside Garden, Hongqiao
Possibly the best pool in Hongqiao, the outdoor pool is huge and there’s also a man-made beach. Pays to know someone to get in, as entry is affordable. A foreign convenience store over the road stocks well-priced food and drink and poolside treats.
Open: mid-June to mid-September
Time: 9am-9pm
Cost: free for members, RMB80/guest of member
// 388 Furongjiang Lu, by Tianshan Lu (5206 9188)
