Shanghai's best swimming pools and waterparks open this summer

One of the most popular outdoor pools in Old Xuhui, Grand Plaza Club House is situated inside the same compound on Julu Lu as Mexican restaurant Maya, thus known widely as the ‘Maya pool’. Though it’s a small swimming area with not much surrounding poolside space and packs out quickly with sun-seekers, it’s hard to beat for location and convenience for many. 

Opening hours 9am-9pm daily.

Entry 150RMB (Mon-Fri); 200RMB (Sat-Sun).

A one-time trial affair unless you’re a member (or with one). This pair of indoor and outdoor pools are inside a private club complex that includes squash courts and a gym. The indoor pool is perfect for serious swimmers who want to do rounds without disturbances while the outdoor one is shallow, family-friendly and great for soaking up some Vitamin D. It’s a lively scene with lots of kids on the weekends. 

Opening hours Indoor pool: 7am-9pm (Mon-Fri); 8am-9pm (Sat-Sun). Outdoor pool: 11am-6pm (Mon-Fri); 8am-9pm (Sat-Sun).

Entry Until June 30: 150RMB; 80RMB (child). From July 1: 300RMB; 160RMB (child).

Part of a posh Pudong residential complex, the Shimao Riviera Garden pool is situated inside a clubhouse which is largely used by the occupants of seven towers’ worth of luxury serviced apartments. These surround the outdoor pool and so along with the general footfall through the compound, it means there’s little to no privacy when swimming al fresco. However, the space itself is appealing with an enormous aquamarine pool (plus wave machine), faux-beach, deckchair area, and bar for the parents. Given it’s part of a residential property, the pools fill up with kids come evenings and weekends. 

Opening hours Indoor: 7am-10pm. Outdoor: tba (open from July).

Entry 200RMB; 100RMB (child under 1.5m).

The original branch of New Star is one of our favourite bathhouses in the city, but it may not seem like an obvious place to head to when temperatures outside are hitting the mid-30s with a hefty dose of humidity on top. Yet hidden out the back of the main bathing area is a great outdoor swimming area with a small section for kids, a medium-sized pool for adults and a handful of sun loungers on the side. It’s not the biggest outdoor pool in the city, but rarely is it overcrowded. On that note, New Star Pudong also has a pretty big pool if you want to escape the crowd. 

Opening hours Jinhui 9am-6pm (until August 31); Pudong 10am-8pm (until August 31). 

Entry 118RMB (includes bath, sauna and access to the pools). 

Established in 1974, this pool spans 1,050sqm with a standard outdoor swimming pool and a small kids' pool with deck chairs and umbrellas. It's a popular swimming school for locals, so expect children learning to swim.

Opening hours 3-5pm, 7-8.30pm daily.

Entry 40RMB. Swimming caps mandatory.