Splishin’ and a splashin’

It's hot out! Diving right in we've outlined our favorite places to splish and splash in Shanghai. Have at it!

Ambassy Club (outdoor and indoor)
Slides, fountains and pool play-things galore, this former French Concession private club turns into a child-magnet come summertime. 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 to Oct. Indoor: year-round.
Time: Outdoor: Mon: 11.30am-7pm, Tues-Fri: 9am-7pm, Sat-Sun: 8am-7pm. Indoor: Mon-Fri: 6.30am-9pm, Sat-Sun: 8am-9pm
Cost: Only for membership, but members can bring friends. Day passes are priced at RMB150/adult and RMB80/child. Members can bring a maximum of 3 friends per time (limited to twice a month).
1500 Huaihai Zhong Lu, by Wulumuqi Lu 淮海中路1500号, 近乌鲁木齐路(6437 9800 ext 133, www.ambassyclub.com.cn)

Bund Beach (outdoor)
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 (see p8). 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, 10am-10pm.
Cost: RMB50/person. Children under 1.3m free. Prices differ during events.
Transportation: A quick cab ride from Metro Line 9 Xionanmen Station.
The Cool Docks, Wharf 1846, 421 Waima Lu, by Maojiayuan Lu 外马路421号, 近毛家园路(180 1640 6805)

Dakang Indoor Water Resort (indoor)
While you won’t get too much sun at this mini version of Dino Beach, it’s a good place to bring kids for an afternoon. Inside you’ll find a wave pool, water slides, family lanes, a kiddie wading pool and a high-diving platform. Endless fun abounds.
Open: Mid-June to Sep.
Time:June: 10am-5pm; July-Sep: 10am-9pm.
Cost: Weekdays: RMB80/person; weekend: RMB88/person for two hours.
Transportation: Metro Line 1 to Gongkang Lu Station, transfer to Dakang Indoor Water Resort shuttle bus.
555 Gongkang Lu, by Changlin Lu共康路555号, 近长临路(5640 6962)

Dino Beach (outdoor)
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 life guards on deck, but we recommend steering clear on weekends for your sanity.
Open: June 20-early Sep.
Time: Mon: 1pm-12am, Tues-Thurs: 10am-11pm, Fri-Sat: 10am-12am, Sun: 10am-11pm.
Cost: RMB120-200 (prices higher Fri-Sun). Free for kids under .8m.
78 Xinzhen Lu, by Gudai Lu七宝镇新镇路78号热带风暴2号门, 近顾戴路(6478 3333, www.dinobeach.com.cn)

Hongkou Swimming Pool (outdoor)
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-Aug 31.
Time: Daily, 9am-9pm.
Cost: RMB35 in the daytime; RMB40 for night swimmers (both for two-hour time limit).
500 Dongjiangwan Lu, by Dong Tiyuhui Lu东江湾路500号,近东体育馆(5696 0676)

Jinshan Urban Beach (outdoor)
None of that phony 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. You have to pay to get on the beach in the summer, but it’s free other times of the year.
Open: June-Sep.
Time: 8am-8pm.
Cost: Free entry.
Transportation:Take Metro Line 1 to Jinjiang Action Park Station, transfer to Shimei Bus and take a taxi at the terminal.
5 Xincheng Lu, by Huhang Gong Lu金山区新城路5号, 近沪杭公路(5793 6507)

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: Outdoor: June-Oct. Indoor: year-round.
Time: 6am-11pm, both.
Cost: Weekdays RMB200/person, weekend RMB300/person. Price includes access to gym, sauna and shower.
Party package: RMB650/person, includes RMB300 F&B voucher including fruit cups, salads, wraps, champagne, wine, beer, soft drinks and ice cream. Fri-Sun includes JW hot dogs and burgers. Daily, 10am-10pm.
399 Nanjing Xi Lu, by Huangpi Bei Lu上海明天广场万豪酒店南京西路399号, 近黄陂北路(5359 4969, www.marriott.com)

Mandarin City (outdoor)
With a swim-up bar that serves both drinks and food, and featurimg 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 to drape your towel – it fills up quickly. During parties, occasional drink deals are offered with the entrance fee.
Open: June-Oct.
Time: TBD. Last year: 7.30am-9pm.
Cost: RMB80/person.
788 Hongxu Lu, by Huaguang Lu 虹许路788号, 近华光路(6405 0404 ext. 8612)

Le Meridien Sheshan Shanghai (outdoor and indoor)
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-Nov. Indoor: year-round.
Time: 10am-7pm, outdoor; 7am-10pm, indoor.
Cost: Mon-Fri: RMB200/person, Sat-Sun: RMB300/person. Free for hotel guests.
Big Blue Sunday brunch: Sunday’s full of sloshing, this brunch features over 300 kinds of cuisine, FF Mumm champagne, gym access, indoor pool and wifi, plus a complimentary sculpture park ticket. RMB398+15%/adult, RMB160+15%/child 3-12. (Sunday, 11.40am-2.30pm)
1288 Linyin Xin Lu, by Shenzhuang Jiasong Lu 佘山林荫新路1288号, 近沈砖嘉松公路(5779 9999, www.starwoodhotels.com)

The Mansion (outdoor)
A party house with beach, pool and cheap drinks, plus outdoor movie nights, karaoke and acoustic concerts planned for the future. On Fridays and Saturdays, stick around to see the party move inside to a lounge room and basement club for Weekly New World Parties with underground music, DJs and more. Private events can be scheduled.
Open: Year-round, weather permitting.
Time: Daily, 2-10pm.
Cost: RMB100, includes 3 drinks.
B18, 2388 Hongqiao Lu, by Hongjing Lu 虹桥路2388号B18, 近虹井路(186 0177 3399)

New Star (outdoor and indoor)
Not only do they offer hot tubs, cool baths, steam and dry saunas, showers, a restaurant and lounge, but you can get fit in their gym or go for an afternoon snooze in one of their cabanas. Not a bad deal, even if it isn’t located directly in the city center.
Open: Summer.
Time:TBD.
Cost: RMB68, includes sauna.
No. 1, Lane 258 Jinhui Nan Lu, by Wuzhong Lu 金汇南路258弄, 近虹泉路(3432 0777, 3432 1717)

New World Shanghai Hotel (Outdoor)
It’s the largest hotel pool in Puxi and while pricier than some of the ground-level cool spots, it is quiet and has a fantastic view. An ample number of lounge chairs and a decent-sized outdoor terrace promise a relaxing afternoon escape.
Open: May to mid-Oct.
Time: 8am-9pm.
Cost: RMB168 for a one-time trial, RMB250/person per visit or RMB3,000/30 visits. Includes: gym, sauna and shower.
Summer promo: First 30 people to book Sunday brunch at Nong Cafe receive free pool access, plus a glass of wine by the poolside. Sunday brunch: 11.30am-3.30pm (RMB198/person or RMB238 with free-flow house wine, plus 15%. Kids 6-12 get 50%-off, kids under 6 are free).
1555 Dingxi Lu, by Changning Lu 上海巴黎春天大酒店, 定西路1555号, 近长宁路(6240 8888, www.newworldmayfair.com)

Oasis Riviera (outdoor and indoor)
For the Gubei bunch, it’s not as nice as its next-door neighbor, but easier to get into. Here you’ll find a more family-friendly atmosphere, but if you’re looking for fun in the sun, you’ll find it 10 blocks south at Mandarine City.
Open: July-Sep.
Time: Indoor: 10am-8.30pm. Outdoor: TBD.
Cost: RMB60/day. 3,500/year pass.
883 Shuicheng Lu, by Tianshan Lu 水城路883弄, 近天山路(3208 2003)

Portman Ritz-Carlton (outdoor and indoor)
Nothing less than chic and swanky (read: pricey), 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: Outdoor: May-October. Indoor: year-round.
Time: 6am-11pm, both.
Cost: Members only. RMB18,888/membership for the first 88 guests who apply. That includes the use of both the indoor and outdoor pools, fitness center, sauna and squash court (racket rental not included), plus an Urban Retreat Spa coupon valued at RMB5,000, 20% saving on sport goods and 10% saving on food and beverages. Hotel guests can bring a friend and for RMB250/adult, RMB100/child.
7/F, Portman Ritz-Carlton, 1376 Nanjing Xi Lu, by Xikang Lu 上海波特曼丽嘉大酒店, 上海商城, 南京西路1376号, 近西康路(6279 8888 ext 5922)

Purple Mountain Hotel (outdoor)
This round rooftop pool sees a number of pool parties every summer. When the atmosphere isn’t filled with pumpin’ beats and partiers, you’ll find this a good place to catch some sun as the skyscrapers don’t block the rays. There’s also a kiddie pool that’ll keep the rugrats cornered.
Open: June-Sep.
Time:7am-10pm.
Cost: Free for hotel guests. Approx: RMB80/person, varies depending on pool parties.
778 Dongfang Lu, by Zhangyang Lu上海浦东紫金山大酒店, 东方路778号, 近张杨路(6886 8888, www.pmhotel.com.cn)

Shanghai Grand Plaza (outdoor)
Cheap and convenient, while tiny and not as fancy as some of the other cool pools, it’s easy to reel in a group of friends to gather here. Not to mention, margaritas and sangria await right upstairs at MAYA. Make sure to take everything in that you need – they won’t let you back in once you go out.
Open: Year-round.
Time: 9am-9pm.
Cost: RMB80 on weekdays, RMB100 on weekends, includes access to gym and sauna.
568 Julu Lu, by Shaanxi Nan Lu 巨鹿路568号,陕西南路(6289 4835)

Shanghai Racquet Club (outdoor and indoor)
Situated above the club tennis courts is a more relaxing environment: exotic plants and palm trees, an outdoor pool and man-made beach with volleyball net. A pavilion-shaped pool bar serves meals and cocktails which can be charged to a membership card.
Open: Outdoor: May-end of Aug. Indoor: year-round.
Time: 9am-6pm, outdoor; 7am-10pm, indoor.
Cost: Members only (RMB60,000/membership). Full-time, year-long members can bring a limited number of friends for free Mon-Fri.
Transportation: A quick cab ride from Xujing Dong Station on Metro Line 2. For members and guests, a free shuttle bus runs from the Kerry Center via Carrefour Gubei 8 times a day, every day.
555 Jinfeng Lu, by Baole Lu华漕镇金峰路555弄, 近保了路(2201 0188, www.src.com.cn)

Shanghai Sun Island Golf & Spa Resort (outdoor and indoor)
Surf’s up dude! This massive pool makes waves has ‘real imported sand’ beaches and twisty slides. More of a luxury weekend getaway than a day trip, you can also go rock climbing, play on their 36-hole golf course, rent go-karts and ride horses.
Open: Outdoor: Mid-June-Oct, Indoor: Year-round.
Time: Outdoor: TBD. Indoor: 10am-10pm.
Cost: Outdoor: RMB160/weekdays, RMB200/weekends. Indoor: RMB125/two hours (weekdays), RMB155/two hours (weekends).
2588 Shentai Lu, Zhujiajiao Town 神态路2588号,朱家角镇(6983 3888)

Shimao Riviera Garden Pool (outdoor and indoor)
Plenty of swimming space and a fair-sized stretch of beach; when we head here, we stay all day. A few volleyball courts are usually set up and there’s also a workout pool inside, but with a bar serving up cocktails and beer (albeit on the pricier side) you won’t find too many of us swimming in those lanes.
Open: Outdoor: May-Oct. Indoor: year-round.
Time: 10am-6.30pm, outdoor; 7am-10pm, indoor.
Cost: RMB150 (RMB120 off season)
1-2 Weifang Xi Lu, by Pucheng Lu潍坊西路1-1号, 近浦成路(6888 8108, www.shimaousa.com)

Sofitel Shanghai Sheshan Oriental (outdoor and indoor)
Dotted with islands and playgrounds, the outdoor swimming pool extends 4,400 sqm and is bordered by a beach with real sand from Vietnam. The poolside bar offers choices of beer, champagne and cocktails and there is also an indoor heated swimming pool.
Open: Outdoor: May-Oct. Indoor: year around.
Time: 8am-7pm, outdoor; 6am-10pm, indoor.
Cost: RMB250/person.
Pool party: Pool-side bar open Sat-Sun (10am-6pm). Outdoor BBQ available in June, Fri-Sat (6-9.30pm). RMB398+15% for seafood BBQ and FF soft drink.
3388 Sichen Lu, Sijing Town泗陈公路3388弄泗泾镇松江区(3761 8888 ext. 1526, www.sofitel.com)

Sunny Beach (Bihaijinsha)
The largest artificial beach in China with 650,000 sqm of water and 80,000 m of sand, its name – which means blue sea and golden sand – is particularly apt. There are water trikes, volleyball nets and surfboards for rent. Just like a real beach. Food is also welcome, so take along your picnic baskets.
Open: June 21-Sep 9.
Time: 8am-9pm.
Cost: Mon-Thurs: RMB40/adults, Fri-Sun: RMB60/adults. Half price for kids under 1.3m.
Transportation: Take Metro Line 1 to Xinzhuang Station, transfer to Xinhai Bus to Shuizha Staion.
39 Haiou Lu, by Jinhuitang Lu, Fengxian Haiwan Tourist Area奉贤区海湾旅游区海鸥路39号, 近金汇塘路(5712 7811)

Yanlord Riverside Garden Hongqiao (outdoor and indoor)
Possibly the best facility over in Hongqiao, the outdoor pool is massive and there’s also a man-made beach. Pays to know someone to get in as entry is cheap, cheap, cheap. A foreign convenience store stocks well-priced bottles of wine, ice cream and other poolside treats.
Open: Outdoor: mid-June to mid-Sept. Indoor: year-round.
Time: 9am-9pm, outdoor; 7.30am-10.30pm, indoor.
Cost: Members only: RMB20/adults, RMB10/children 1.5m and under.
388 Furongjiang Lu, by Tianshan Lu 芙蓉江路388弄,近天山路(5206 9188)

Yanlord Garden, Lujiazui (outdoor and indoor)
On the opposite side of town you can find the twin pool of the Yanlord pair. It offers two decent-sized outdoor infinity pools plus a Jacuzzi with a small palm tree in the middle. Although no beach, it has one of the greenest compounds in Shanghai. You won’t hear us complaining!
Open: Outdoor: June 20-Sept. Indoor: year-round.
Time: 9am-9pm, outdoor; 7am-10pm, indoor.
Cost: Members only. RMB20/adults, RMB10/children 1.5m and under.
99 Puming Lu, by Shangcheng Lu 浦明路99弄,近商城路(5876 9988)

Vizcaya (outdoor and indoor)
Look sexy in the sun at this Spanish-style villa with pool. It’s pretty shallow (.8-1.5 m) but large and impressive and even the kids’ side pool is something to ogle. The indoor pool is similarly sized and heated, so even when the temperature begins to fall, you can still escape to this saucy spot.
Open: Both, year-round.
Time: Daily, 9am-8pm.
Cost: Residents and members only – may bring guests at RMB200/person.
1988 Yushan Lu, by Jingxiu Lu 玉山路1988号, 近景秀路(5030 4519 ext. 133)