Our yearly Shanghai Pools Guide is back! We've called every venue to verify that all details are up to date for 2026.
A quick note about the photos: All photos were originally taken by us at the real locations. Some have had an AI glow-up—better quality, fewer distractions and, occasionally, a slightly less sad Shanghai sky. The pools and venues are real.
Amara 上海安曼纳卓悦酒店
The pool at the Amara Signature Hotel on Changshou Lu in Jing'an has a central location, and it's open to the public, which means it's going to be crowded on the weekends. Central pools are best visited during the week if you're lucky enough to have a working schedule that allows for a sneaky pool day on a Tuesday. There's a small kids' pool as well. Seasonal passes are also available.
Opening Hours: 8am-6pm
Price: 188rmb/person, 2180rmb for a monthly pass
Ambassy Club (Xuhui) 上海鸿艺会
A dependable pool destination, Ambassy Club has indoor and outdoor pools that get really busy on weekends. However, if you can beat the crowds, you can take a ride down their water slide or just chill out poolside on one of their beach chairs. The indoor pool requires a swimming cap, but not the outdoor one. Bring your own towel to both.
Opening Hours: 11am-6pm (Mon), 9am-6pm (Tues-Sun)
Price: 300rmb for adults; 160rmb for kids under 14
Ambassy Club (Pudong) 浦鸿会
This is the Ambassy Club in Jinqiao, pricey but coming to us with a bit more of a resort kind of feel. Previously, it was only open to members, but now it's open to the public. It's open daily except on rainy days. A few pluses: good F&B options; both indoor and outdoor pools; and, yeah, it gets busy on the weekends, but not overly busy. It's also very kid-friendly, with pools and play areas for families.
Opening Hours:11am-9pm (Mon); 9am-9pm (Weekends).
Price: 600rmb for adults; 300rmb for kids.
Chateau Star River Pudong Shanghai 上海浦东星河湾酒店
Chateau Star River Pudong Shanghai is part of a hotel, with big Venetian-style rooms and a small outdoor pool that tends to fill up fast with families on weekends. There's also an indoor pool and a mini playground. Not a bad pick if you're looking for somewhere kid-friendly to escape the heat and survive a summer weekend.
Opening Hours: 7am-11pm, open until the end of August
Price: 53rmb for first-time visitors (Meituan), 258rmb for regular adult admission, or 1,980rmb for a 20-visit pass.
Conhong Shanghai Hongqiao Hotel 上海虹桥康虹酒店
Set in a quiet villa neighborhood near the Hongqiao Airport, Conhong Hotel's outdoor pool offers a calm, leafy spot for a summer swim. It's surrounded by greenery, not too busy even on weekends, and has a bit of that old Shanghai charm thanks to the hotel's retro deco style, popular with hotel guests and the occasional family. At just 60rmb, it's honestly a steal for the setting, but fair warning, it's not the most metro-friendly place. You'll want to drive or be cool with a 40-minute cab ride from downtown.
Opening Hours: 10am-9pm
Price:60rmb for adults, 40rmb for kids
C3H Fitness Club C3H运动俱乐部（慧芝湖店）
Inside a residential compound, this neighborhood pool is a solid option for anyone looking for a clean and easy swim without having to travel far. It has both indoor and outdoor pools, with the outdoor pool being the highlight — it's spacious (over 30 meters long), usually not too crowded, and makes for a much more relaxed swim. The facilities feel relatively new, with bright surroundings, clean water, comfortable water temperature, and tidy changing rooms and showers. It can get busier with kids during summer, but overall it's a good-value choice for a casual swim, especially if you live nearby.
Opening Hours: The indoor pool opens in the morning, and the outdoor pool is open from 3pm until 9:30pm.
Price: A one-time trial pass is available on Dianping for 90rmb, while a seasonal pass costs around 600rmb after that. Although the outdoor pool is only open until the end of August, it still works out as a pretty good deal if you're looking for a summer swimming spot and plan to go regularly.
Grand Plaza Club House (Xuhui) 四方俱乐部
Also known as "The Maya Pool". It doesn't get more central than this classic pool destination on Julu Lu. It's not the biggest pool in town, but it's great for tanning and socializing, even mid-week pool days. A ticket will get you in, rent you a towel (something a bit rare for Shanghai pools), and give you access to the sauna and jacuzzi. The price goes up on the weekend, as does the turnout. There is a small shop in the lobby that has some nice grub for you to eat poolside under one of the shaded tables to the right-hand side, but many people order waimai or bring their own food and drinks. Nice and simple. We like it.
Opening Hours: 9am-10pm, open until the end of September
Price: 150rmb on weekdays; 200rmb on weekends; 80rmb for kids under 1.2-meters-tall
Haifu Garden 海富花园
Pudong people are really spoiled for choices when it comes to affordable pools, and here's another one. Although Haifu Garden is in a residential compound's clubhouse, non-residents can also buy tickets to swim. A single-entry pass costs around 54rmb. There are also swim classes available, and the surrounding area has plenty of food spots if you want to grab food after your swim.
Opening Hours: 1-8:30pm
Price: 60rmb
Hilton Shanghai Fengxian 上海奉贤前昇希尔顿酒店
Hidden way out in Fengxian (an hour to an hour and a half by car from downtown), the Hilton has a surprisingly chill outdoor pool that's open to non-hotel guests for just 98.8rmb (oddly specific). It's part of a resort-style property inside an eco-park, and while it takes nearly two hours on the metro to get there, the vibe makes up for it. Even on a summer weekend, the pool stays quiet; most people stick to the packed indoor pool, leaving the loungers, umbrellas, and calm water outside almost empty. Towels are included, and the setup feels way nicer than most downtown options. Peaceful, clean, and a total steal if you're willing to make the journey.
Opening Hours: 10am-7pm
Price: 98rmb
Hongkou Outdoor Swimming Pool 虹口游泳池
This one's an old-school public pool and a bit of a local classic. Lots of neighborhood people come here. Pretty sure it's the only one in Hongkou on our list (we've kind of lost track at this point). It's technically outdoors, but there's a big cover over it, so you get shade without being fully inside. The price is super decent, 30rmb for kids, 60rmb for adults. It's definitely on the older side, and not super well-equipped (someone mentioned there's no hair dryer), but it does the job. After you're done swimming, you can relax on the astro turf lawn. Only open during the summer.
Opening Hours: 9am-8pm
Price: 60rmb for adults, 30rmb for kids
Hyatt Centric Zhongshan Park Shanghai 中山公园凯悦尚萃酒店
This pool sits on the 7th floor of the Hyatt Centric near Zhongshan Park (newly opened in 2024) on the roof. This is a large pool with a great view and a downtown-ish location.
Opening Hours: 7am-6pm
Price: 300rmb for a day pass, 2,188rmb for a 10-visit pass, 2,688rmb for a monthly pass.
InterContinental Shanghai Harbour City 上海滴水湖洲际酒店
This one is beautiful but way out in Lingang (around an hour and a half to two hours by car), practically at the edge of Shanghai. It's part of the InterContinental Resort sitting on its own private island in Dishui Lake, which gives it one of the more unique views you'll find at a hotel pool in the city: lake on one side, infinity pool on the other. You don't have to be a hotel guest to swim; they sell day passes, which might be the better choice. Reviews of the hotel stay itself are pretty mixed. Still, for a quiet swim with a rare view, it's something different if you're willing to make the long trip out.
Opening Hours: 9am-6pm. The outdoor pool is open until October.
Price: 200rmb for adults, 100rmb for kids under 14.
JW Marriott Tomorrow Square (People's Square) 上海明天广场JW万豪酒店
Another really well-known pool in central Shanghai. Great place to drink a Pina Colada poolside on a rooftop, but the pool size and the 388rmb entry fee for adults make it a little on the steep side for what it actually is. You need to bring your own swim cap and goggles, but they provide towels, slippers, body wash, and bottled water for free (wow!).
Opening Hours: 8:30am-9:30pm
Price: 388rmb
Kimpton Qiantan Shanghai 上海金普顿前滩酒店
This one's in Qiantan, inside a newer hotel, so the whole place feels fresh, clean and well looked after. The pool has a rectangular 28m x 6m layout, with views of the Huangpu when the weather's clear. It closes early (7pm), so no late swims. The water is clean, the space is tidy, and the vibe is pretty relaxed. Just be prepared to share it with the occasional photo shoot. Entry includes a light meal (wellness vibes, apparently). The only catch is the price: at a higher-end hotel, this one is definitely not the cheapest option around. Book ahead via their WeChat mini-program: search "上海金普顿前滩酒店" and switch to English once you're in.
Opening Hours: 8:30-7pm
Price: Weekdays: 418rmb for a 4-hour session (9am–1pm or 2–6pm). Weekend availability isn't showing on their mini program for now.
Le Meridien Shanghai Sheshan 上海佘山世茂艾美酒店
Located in the scenic Sheshan National Tourist Area, this pool offers a peaceful outdoor space for families. With a heated kids' pool and sandy beach area, it's a great outdoor pool for relaxing with a more tranquil environment than some of our other options on this list. Their facilities include towel and float rentals, showers with toiletries, and private changing rooms. The only downside? It's not exactly convenient. Driving from downtown can take up to an hour, and the metro isn't a direct option; after getting off at Sheshan Station, you'll still have over 4km to go before reaching the hotel. So, unless you're already in the area or don't mind the extra legwork, this one takes a bit of planning.
Opening Hours: 8am-8pm
Price: 168rmb
Nanjiao Hotel 南郊宾馆
This one's more water playground than lap pool — shaded splash zone, tipping bucket, water guns, and slides make it a solid pick for kids. It's compact but does the job. Towels and shower products included; caps required. You can bring your own floaties and toys. The hotel isn't exactly central, and service can be hit or miss, so unless you're nearby or already staying there, the ticket price might feel like a stretch.
Opening Hours: 10am-9pm
Price: 168rmb for one child and one adult. Kids can join the activities, while adults are only there to supervise.
New Star (Minhang) 纽斯洗浴（金汇店）
New Star is a Korean bathhouse in Minhang. Their indoor spa facilities are a nice bonus if you're visiting for the first time. The spa is gender-separated, and the place also has an outdoor pool, a good Korean restaurant, and draft beer served in iced mugs. You could easily spend a whole day in there, and you can even stay overnight if you feel like it. The outdoor pool has a kids' water playground; however, swim caps are required.
Opening Hours: 9am-6:30pm
Price: 92rmb on Dianping
Oland Club 圣堡健身会所
Way out in Qingpu, Oland Club is a solid pick for families — especially those already living out that way. There's a large outdoor space with both shallow and deep pools, so it works for all ages. It's far from the city center, which means fewer crowds, more loungers, and a more laid-back vibe.
Opening Hours: 10am-10pm
Price: 150rmb for adults, 100rmb for kids under 1.3m
Purple Mountain (Pudong) 上海金陵紫金山大酒店
Purple Mountain has a big pool surrounded by lots of space with decent views of the city. This makes it an ideal spot for a swim on a hot day. Unfortunately, guests are required to wear a swimming cap, which could mess with your vibes if you're trying to look hot.
Opening Hours: 10am-10pm
Price: 200rmb for a day pass
Qiantang International SPA 乾汤国际SPA
Similar to New Star, this outdoor pool is part of a larger spa complex; just buy a ticket, and you're in. It's in Pudong's Jinqiao area, not too far from the Jinqiao Metro Station, so it's relatively easy to get to (though it still makes the most sense if you live on the east side). You'll get all the typical bathhouse perks here, and most reviews say it's clean and well-maintained. It's also kid-friendly, with a small waterslide and an indoor play area. The spa itself is open 24 hours, and you can even spend the night, but the pool has limited hours. Entry is more affordable than some of the other options on this list. Swimming caps are required.
Opening Hours: 11am-10pm
Price: 86rmb for one adult and one child, more options on Dianping.
Radisson Blu Resort 上海虹桥西郊庄园丽笙大酒店
A spacious pool near Hongqiao, popular with families for its shallow, kid-friendly area and European-style touches like a mermaid fountain. Facilities are clean and functional, and towels, slippers, and showers are provided (free stuff!). No parking fees, and food delivery is easy with plenty of restaurants nearby. The space is occasionally used for pool parties from event promoters like Space Panda. Check event listings to see if one is coming up. If you're going with kids, it's better to go on a weekday when there aren't events happening to avoid the crowd.
Opening Hours: 9am-7pm, open during summer
Price: 380rmb for adults, 190rmb for kids
Shang-Mira Garden Pool 美丽华花园
Inside the Shang-Mira compound, this pool is surprisingly easy to get to, just a 3–4 minute walk from Shuicheng Lu Station on Metro Line 10 (take Exit 2). Look for the Starbucks at the entrance, head straight in, and keep walking until you spot the pool on your left. Climb the steps to the plaza, and you'll find the entrance to the gym center, which leads directly to the pool. Most of the swimmers are local residents from the compound or nearby neighborhoods, so the vibe is laid-back and neighborly. Swim caps are required, and there's a lifeguard on duty. It's 100rmb per person on weekdays and 150rmb on weekends, not bad for a clean, convenient spot in Gubei with no taxi drama required.
Opening Hours: 7am-9pm
Price: 100rmb for weekdays, 150rmb for weekends
Shimao Riviera Garden Pool 世茂滨江花园
It is a huge pool in Lujiazui (Pudong) with a sandy beach and lots of beautiful landscaping. In the past, it has been a go-to place for weekends because of its sizable beach area. An extra bonus is that the entry fee gets you access to their gym and indoor pools, too. It's also right in the middle of a market area where you can pick up supplies. Not open on rainy days. No cap needed, huge plus.
Opening Hours: 10am-6pm
Price: 200rmb for adults, 100rmb for kids under 1.5m
Xuchang Swimming Pool 许昌游泳池
Hidden inside a residential compound near Pingliang Lu in Yangpu, Xuchang Swimming Pool is the kind of place that feels like a throwback to summers from years ago. The semi-outdoor 25-meter pool has both shallow and deep areas, with the latter reaching around 2 meters. The facilities are simple, but the water quality is decent, and the atmosphere is relaxed. The crowd is mostly nearby residents and students on summer break, with regulars coming for their daily swim rather than a leisurely poolside hangout. At just 20rmb per session, it's one of the most affordable public pools in Shanghai. Don't expect fancy facilities or a picture-perfect setting. This is a straightforward place to actually swim, cool off, and spend a summer afternoon in the water.
Opening Hours: Currently only open during the summer months (July and August), from 12 to 4pm, with a covered outdoor area and cold showers available after swimming.
Price: 20rmb
Xuhui Xincheng 徐汇新城
Xuhui Xincheng (徐汇新城) is a residential compound in southwest Shanghai, not far from the Shanghai South Railway Station. It's on Longwu Lu, but there's no metro station within walking distance; the closest one is Luoxiu Lu on Line 15, so it's mainly convenient for people living in the area. But the upside is it's affordable. An option if you live in the area and need a place to take your kids to tire them out for a bit over the summer.
Opening Hours: 9am-12pm, 3-9pm
Price: 40rmb for adults, 120rmb for two adults and one kid
yushu garden 御墅花园
Changning residents, this one's for you. Inside a compound but open to everyone, this pool's got a classic 25-meter pool with deep and shallow ends, and a pool for the little ones. The price is super affordable. If you live nearby, this place is perfect and really easy on the wallet. They also offer swim classes if you want to improve your skills. Swimming caps are required.
Opening Hours: 8pm-9:30pm
Price: 42 rmb on Dianping
