If you remember the North Bund ice rink from previous winters at SMP Mall, this isn't the same one, but it might trigger a bit of déjà vu. This rink is a separate setup, moved closer to the river, literally onto it. Sitting on a docked ship at the Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal, you can skate with the Huangpu River under your feet and the full Lujiazui skyline in front of you. One moment you're wobbling on the ice, the next you're staring at the Oriental Pearl and ferries gliding past. It feels surreal, in a very Shanghai way.
The ice is real, and the setup is beginner-friendly: helmets, protective gear, skates, and little seal-shaped skating aids are provided. There's a nice contrast between the cold river wind and the warmth that builds once you start moving, a rare "yes, it's winter" feeling in Shanghai. When legs get tired, it's easy to lean on the barrier and watch the boats, water, and city lights doing their thing.
On weekends and holidays, the rink joins a bigger "riverside winter" setup with figure skating shows, artificial snowfall, and small seasonal markets. An hour on the ice is enough to work up a light sweat, but it's the kind of spot where you linger, especially after dark when everything reflects off the river. It's a different vibe from the mall version, and the views are hard to beat.
Line 12, International Cruise Terminal Station, Exit 3Jan 1 – Feb 28, 2026 | Daily 10am-9pm (multiple 1.5-hour sessions)
Tips: Bring your own cut-resistant gloves if you have them, or you will have to spend 20rmb more to buy them on site.
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Looking for more options? See our full list of ice-skating rinks in Shanghai.
