A refreshing getaway is in demand as the temperatures in Shanghai are rapidly rising. Despite a new wave of Covid cases, some of the city's indoor and outdoor swimming pools remain open. If you're looking for a relaxing swim this summer, check out these incredible spots.
With Shanghai just recently opening up, many public pools are now closed and many water parks have shut down only after a few days of opening. Here, we have compiled a few pools (many with outdoor facilities) that are still operating to help you overcome the unbearable heat. But make sure also to call ahead as the situation can change quickly.
Due to the recent demand for mass Covid testing, this outdoor pool in Old Xuhui has restricted its pool time from 9am to 5pm. Though equipped with a comparably smaller swimming area and limited poolside space, this pool provides a comfortable experience for a reasonable price. Situated within the center of the city, the clubhouse beats many other pools in this list with its unbeatable location and convenience.
Location: 568 Julu Road, Jing’an District (Near South Shaanxi Road)
Opening Hours: 9am-5pm Daily (As of July 6th)
Entry: 150 RMB (Mon-Fri); 200 RMB (Sat-Sun)
Tel: 6289 4835
A hotspot for locals and foreigners alike, the Vizcaya Club offers Pudong residents a clean and open pool area for both sun-seekers and serious swimmers. Located in the hub of the Pudong expat area, not only does the Vizcaya Club offer an ample environment for soaking up some Vitamin-D, it also includes a beautiful view with a quiet ambience. This is a must-go for families with younger kids as the club has many shallow water areas.
Location: 1988 Yunshan Road, Biyun District (Near Ming Yue Road)
Opening Hours: 10am-6pm Daily
Entry: 177 RMB (Cheaper with Dianping)
Tel: 6045 7576
Perks: In-Club F&B, Private 1-to-1 Swimming Lessons
A local option for those living in the Jinshan area, this pool offers an expansive indoor and outdoor facility with affordable lessons catered towards both children and adults. There are a total of eight wide lanes for the outside pool, allowing space for lap swimmers who are looking for a good workout as well as parents who want to have a refreshing dip with their little ones. But beware of the bathrooms, as they can sometimes be a bit dirty!
Location: 5 WeiYi Road, Jinshan District
Opening Hours: 3pm-8pm Daily
Entry: (Adults) 20 RMB/90 Minutes; (Children) 10 RMB/90 Minutes
Tel: 189 1862 1149
Perks: Private 1-to-1 Swimming Lessons
The Ambassy Club is part of a ritzy apartment complex and is located inside a clubhouse primarily used by its members. However, this pair of indoor and outdoor pools can be accessed publicly if accompanied by one of its members or a day trial for prospective members. This is definitely one of the top pools in this list, and the Puxi venue also has a slide for the little ones to enjoy. Another great bonus of the family friendly Ambassy Club is the shallow depths of pools, suitable for the young-ones to play in while the grownups soak up some Vitamin D.
Puxi Location: 1500 Middle Huaihai Road (Near Middle Wulumuqi Road)
Pudong Location: 588 Hong Feng Road (Near Mingyue Road)
Opening Hours: Indoor pool: 7am-9pm (Mon-Fri); 8am-9pm (Sat-Sun). Outdoor pool: 11am-6pm (Mon-Fri); 8am-9pm (Sat-Sun)
Entry: (Adults) 300 RMB; (Children) 160 RMB
Tel: 6437 9800
Perks: In-Club F&B, Large Shallow Pool Area
With centres such as the Maya Water Park closing due to Shanghai’s recent covid restrictions, this July lost a bit of its summer color. But fear not, for we have found an equally entertaining water park for your loved ones! However, this local facility gets very crowded during the weekends. The entire resort does channel Sanya vibes, and is a very suitable location for a quick getaway (not from the crowd though)!
Location: 2588 Shentai Road, Inside Sun Island Resort
Opening Hours: 9:30AM-8PM Daily
Entry: (Adults) 199 RMB; (Toddlers) 99 RMB
Tel: 6186 9688
Perks: Wave Pool, Faux Beach, Three Huge Slides
Hidden between the nooks of Shanghai’s Primus Hotel, this indoor pool offers a scenic backdrop for the perfect summer day. If you’re feeling a need to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, then this is definitely a must-go. There is also a spa pool directly next to the swimming pool, providing a great setting for a lazy afternoon.
Location: 100 Zhuguang Road (Primus Hotel)
Opening Hours: 7AM-10PM Daily
Entry: 128 RMB (With Dianping Voucher)
Tel: 3979-6629
Perks: Price Set Includes Gym and Spa Access
One of the most luxurious pools in the list, this pool has a beautiful view and a beautiful poolside bar. This pool is currently only open for hotel guests (as of July 6th), but is expected to open soon. The limited amount of day-passes will provide access to the outdoor and indoor pool, the FIT gym, and a locker. The view is best at nighttime, and is a very chill venue for you and your little ones to hang out while enjoying a cool beverage or two!
Location: 66 Lvshun Road, W Hotel - The Bund
Opening Hours: 10AM-10PM Daily
Entry: Currently Only Open to Hotel Guests (Normally 480 RMB from Mon-Thur; 580 RMB from Fri-Sun)
Tel: 2286 9999
Perks: Great View, Poolside Bar, Spa Pool
*Note: All times are subject to change with Shanghai’s new COVID policy