Temperatures are rising at a rapid rate in Shanghai these days and a refreshing escape is in order. If you're looking for us this summer, you'll find us pool side (a cocktail may or may not be in hand) at one of these amazing destinations in our fair city.

1. 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: Spring thru Autumn. Indoor: year-round. Outdoor: Mon: 11 am-7 pm, Tues-Fri: 9 am-7 pm, Sat & Sun: 8 am-7 pm Indoor: Mon: 11.30am-7pm, Tues-Fri: 9.30am-7pm, Weekend: 8am-7pm.
Cost: RMB150/adult and RMB80/child. Members only, but members can bring a maximum of 3 friends per time (limited to twice a month). 

See a listing for Ambassy Club.

2. Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai

Located in Lujiazui, this pool offers sweeping views of the Huangpu River and the Shanghai skyline. The 20-metre long, 160-sqm indoor swimming pool is located on the top floor and is kept at a constant temperature of 27°C year round. You'll love the natural light that streams through the glass ceiling overhead.     

Open: 7am -11pm.
Cost: Free for in-house guests, Single entry: RMB318/per person, Annual membership: RMB17,500/per person (incl. gym use).

See a listing for Grand Kempinksi Hotel Shanghai.

3. Hongkou Swimming Pool (outdoor)

The huge 1,400 sqm pool can accommodate nearly 600 swimmers, but even with all that space, you might still get splashed. Luckily for those who prefer to “really swim,” ample lanes are provided. A few slides wind their way around as well.

Open: July 1-Aug 31, 9am-9pm.
Cost: RMB35 in the daytime, RMB40 for night swimmers (both have 2-hour time limit). 

See a listing for Hongkou Swimming Pool.

4. Hyatt on the Bund (indoor)

A 25m swimming pool is a good start, but what to do afterwards? Following your invigorating swim (and/or hour spent floating on your back) visit the Yuan Spa’s built-in hair salon or juice bar. You deserve it, probably.

Open: Year-round, 6am-11pm
Cost: RMB290 + 10% service charge and 6% VAT on the total for a day pass. Membership: RMB15,000/year.

See a listing for Hyatt on the Bund.

5. 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, 8am-9pm
Cost: TBD (Varies with events, typically RMB50–RMB200).

See a listing for Jinshan Urban Beach.

6. 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: May-October. Indoor: Year-round, 6am-11pm
Cost: RMB280/adult, RMB150/child under 12. Quarterly and half year memberships also available. Free for hotel guests. 

See a listing for JW Marriott Tomorrow Square.

7. Mandarin City (outdoor)

With a swim-up bar that serves 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 to drape your towel – it fills up quick. During parties, occasional drink deals are offered with the entrance fee. 

Open: June-Oct, 7.30am-9pm
Cost: RMB80, RMB50/kids.

See a listing for Mandarin City.

8. 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 for the whole family all the more delightful.

Open: Outdoor: June-the end of Oct. Indoor: Year-round. Outdoor: 10am-7pm, Indoor: 6:30am-10pm.
Cost: Weekdays: RMB 280, half price for kids between 1.2m and 1.4m. Free for hotel guests and gym members. 

See a listing for Le Meridien Sheshan Shanghai.

9. New Star (outdoor and indoor)

Not only do they offer hot tubs, cool baths, steam and dry saunas, showers, a restaurant and a lounge, but you can also 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: May-September (while weather permits), 9am-6pm
Cost: RMB88 to drop in.

See a listing for New Star.

10. New World Shanghai Hotel (outdoor)

It’s the largest hotel pool in Puxi and, while pricier than some of the ground-level spots, 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 Oct, 6am-11pm
Cost: RMB200/person, per time or a half year membership card RMB6,000.

See a listing for New World Shanghai Hotel.

11. Oasis Riviera (outdoor and indoor)

For the Gubei bunch, it’s not as nice as its next-door Mandarin 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 Mandarin City.

Open: July-Sep. 10am-8.30pm
Cost: RMB60 to drop in.

See a listing for Oasis Riviera.

12. Purple Mountain Hotel (outdoor)

This round rooftop pool sees a number of 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 busy. 

Open: June-Sep. 7am-10pm
Cost: RMB160, varies depending on pool parties. Free for hotel guests.  

See a listing for Purple Mountain Hotel.

13. Shanghai Grand Plaza (outdoor)

Cheap and convenient, if 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. Make sure to bring everything at once – they won’t let you back in once you leave.

Open: Year-round, 9am-9pm
Cost: Weekdays: RMB100, Weekends: RMB150. 

See a listing for Shanghai Grand Plaza.

14. Shanghai Sun Island Golf & Spa Resort (outdoor and indoor)

Surf’s up dude! This massive pool makes waves with its “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, Weekdays: 11am–10pm Weekends: 10am-11pm
Cost: Weekdays: RMB80/members, RMB130/non-members, Weekends: RMB120/members, RMB200/non-members.

See a listing for Shanghai Sun Island Golf & Spa Resort.

15. 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 outside 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, Outdoor: 9am-7pm. Indoor: 7am-10pm.
Cost: RMB120/adults, RMB60/kids.

See a listing for Shimao Riviera Garden Pool.

16. Sofitel Shanghai Sheshan Oriental (outdoor and indoor)

Dotted with islands and playgrounds, the outdoor swimming pool extends 4,400sqm 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-round, Outdoor: 8am-7pm, Indoor: 7am-10pm.
Cost: RMB300/person. Free for hotel guests.

See a listing for Sofitel Shanghai Sheshan Oriental.

17. Sunny Beach Bihaijinsha (outdoor)

The largest artificial beach in China with 650,000sqm of water and 80,000m 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-Sept, 8am-9pm.
Cost: Mon-Thurs: RMB40, Fri-Sun: RMB60. Half price for kids under 1.3m. 

See a listing for Sunny Beach Bihaijinsha.

18. 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 it’s 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. Outdoor: 9am-9pm, Indoor: 7am-10pm.
Cost: Members only. RMB25/guest, RMB15/children 1.5m and under.

See a listing for Yanlord Garden Lujiazui.

19. 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: Year-round, 8.30am-8pm.
Cost: RMB200. 

See a listing for Vizcaya Club.

Pool information has been updated. Original article by Erik Crouch.