Temperatures are sweltering in Shenzhen and a refreshing escape is in order. If you're looking for us this summer, you'll find us pool-side (a cold beer may or may not be in hand) at one of these amazing destinations in our fair city.
Bring cash to cover the modest entrance fee at the Bao'an Gymnasium, not to mention a RMB50 deposit for a locker. In return you'll get up to 7.5 hours of access to either an indoor or outdoor pool, both of which can get very crowded on hot days.
Open: Daily 2.30-10pm Jun 1-Oct 15, 2.30-9pm Apr 25-May 31
Cost: RMB35 indoor, RMB20 outdoor
See listing for Bao'an Gymnasium.
The 18-meter-long swimming pool may not suit serious lap swimmers, but for most of us it is more than enough. Also included is a sauna room and a steam room.
Open: Daily, 6am-10pm
Cost: RMB200 (day pass)
See listing for Crowne Plaza Hotel Suites Landmark Shenzhen.
With several lanes to choose from and an impressive size, this indoor pool is perfect for doing laps – just be sure to beat the weekend crowds by coming early.
Open: 6.30am-12pm, 2.30-9pm
Cost: RMB40
See listing for Futian Gymnasium.
This 50-meter-long stadium pool is clean and well-maintained, but opens only at 3pm. Swimmers are advised to arrive early to avoid the crowds. It's also notable for having quality swimming instructors.
Open: Daily 3-10pm
Cost: RMB40
See listing for Lianhua Gymnasium.
Yet another popular swimming destination, the Sports Center offers sizable indoor and outdoor pools, both of which are covered in the price of entry. As with other public places, though, beware of crowds in the afternoon and on weekends.
Open: 7-9am, 2-10pm Apr-Sep; 7-9am, 3-9pm Oct-Mar
Cost: RMB40
See listing for Nanshan Cultural and Sports Center.
Swim by the sea in this exclusive outdoor pool with ample chairs and umbrellas for lounging. A couple lanes are set aside for the athletic, while the rest of the pool is suitably deep for splashing around, if not diving.
Open: 7am-10pm
Cost: RMB60 for non-residents
See listing for The Peninsula Club.
The Portofino pool features an outdoor children's pool, an indoor area for lap swimming – which is usually being used for lessons on the weekends – and an outdoor lap swimming area. Chill out under the cross-pool bridge or get tanned on the wooden lounge chairs surrounding the water. The would-be poolside bar sits unused, meaning you're free to bring your own food and drink.
Open: Daily, 8.30am-10pm
Cost: RMB80 (day pass)
See listing for Portofino International Apartments.
Enjoy superb views of Shenzhen's CBD from the rooftop of the downtown Ritz-Carlton – just be prepared to pay the price.
Open: Daily, 6am-11pm
Cost: RMB500
See listing for The Ritz-Carlton, Shenzhen.
Part of a massive sports center complex and stadium, there are two indoor swimming pools here geared towards the more athletic. Temperature controlled year-round, the 50-meter-long pool is 2 meters deep while the 25-meter-long pool is only 1.2 meters deep. Both have 10 lanes.
Open: Daily, 7-9am, 3-10pm
Cost: RMB40
See listing for Shenzhen Bay Sports Center.
Shenzhen Swimming and Diving Gymnasium has three main areas: training pools for athletes, a diving pool and an outdoor swimming pool for recreation. Whether you're pro level or here for fun, there's a sport for you in the 25-meter training pool or on the outdoor waterslides.
Open: Daily, 6.30am-9.30pm during summer; 6.30am-8.30pm fall through spring
Cost: RMB50
See listing for Shenzhen Swimming and Diving Gymnasium.
In the heart of Futian, and a short stroll from Coco Park, the ninth-floor swimming area at Sheraton Shenzhen Futian Hotel includes an outdoor pool and a well maintained indoor pool stretching 25 heated meters. Membership is required and includes access to the gym.
Open: Daily, 9am-10pm outdoor pool, 7am-10.30pm indoor pool
Cost: RMB168 non-members
See listing for Sheraton Shenzhen Futian Hotel.
Both the indoor and outdoor pools are relatively small, but also less crowded than the more popular Shenzhen swimming spots. The facilities are clean and well maintained, although some Dianping reviews give mixed comments about the staff.
Open: Daily, 2.30-9.30pm indoor pool, 4pm-8.30pm outdoor pool
Cost: RMB55 indoor, RMB30 outdoor
See listing for Tian An Digital City Club.
While many hotel pools in the city are closed to 'outside guests,' you can swim here for a more or less reasonable price. Bathed in natural light, boasting a city view and with poolside food ordering, the pool also features sauna and steam rooms.
Open: Daily, 6am-11pm
Cost: RMB233
See listing for The Westin Shenzhen Nanshan.
The fifth-floor swimming pool offers a view of the heart of Shenzhen and has an adjacent area for children. It's outdoors, so check the weather before you head over. Lockers are provided and snacks are served from a nearby juice bar.
Open: Daily, 7am-10pm
Cost: RMB200
See listing for Wongtee V Hotel.
This tree-shrouded apartment complex pool is something of a hidden gem, drawing those who aim to avoid the crowds at better-known locations. If you're not bothered by leaves in the water, consider stopping by for a relatively quiet swim.
Open: 10am-10pm Sat-Sun, 3-10pm Mon-Fri
Cost: RMB35 non-residents, RMB30 residents
See listing for Champs Elysees Club.
The views of neighboring apartment complexes and malls may not be stunning, but the pool's fairly spacious and the water clean. Plus, those interested in buffing up can sign up for additional fitness classes.
Open: Daily, 7.30am-10.30pm
Cost: RMB30
See listing for You + Swimming Fitness Club.
[Images via Angel Song, Dianping, Hotels.com, Sina.com, Sohu.com]
This article originally appeared online as '9 Swimming Pools Perfect for Summer in Shenzhen' on July 4, 2017. It has since been updated and republished.
Did we miss your favorite spot? Use your well-pruned fingers to sound off in the comments section below!
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