Where glass towers meet turquoise waters—discover Shanghai’s aquatic gems, from Olympic-sized lanes under futuristic domes to open-air pools framing the Bund’s neon skyline. Here, every stroke washes away the urban hustle.
Where glass towers meet turquoise waters—discover Shanghai’s aquatic gems, from Olympic-sized lanes under futuristic domes to open-air pools framing the Bund’s neon skyline. Here, every stroke washes away the urban hustle.Whether you're chasing laps, lounging under shade, or splashing with family, Shanghai's pools offer more than water—they offer a retreat. From Olympic-sized venues to chic hotel decks, discover places where you can swim, relax, and beat the heat—without leaving the city.
🏊 Must-Visit Aquatic Arenas
1. Shanghai Swimming Center (徐家汇体育公园)
Size & Specs : 50m × 21m competition pool + training pool + kids’ zone. Depth: 1.2m–3.1m, with wave-inspired architectural curves.
Tech Highlights : 24/7 silicon-algae filtration (zero chlorine smell), underwater LED mood lighting.
Foreigner Access : Walk-ins welcome (¥80). No reservation needed—scan passport at self-service kiosks.
Transport : Metro Line 11 → Shanghai Swimming Center Station Exit 3 (2-min walk).
Pro Tip: Visit weekdays 12–2 PM for near-empty lanes!
2. Oriental Sports Center - "Moon Bay" (东方体育中心)
Size & Specs : Outdoor : 50m × 25m pool + 25m × 30m diving well (6m depth); Indoor : 50m × 25m pool + kids’ splash zone.
Seasonal Magic : Outdoor pool only open July–Aug—swim under fireworks every Friday night!
Foreigner Access : ¥25 (outdoor), ¥60 (indoor). Show passport for bundled discount tickets.
Transport : Metro Lines 6/8/11 → Oriental Sports Center Exit 5 → follow signs to "Moon Bay".
3. North Bund Community Fitness Center (北外滩市民健身中心)
Size & Specs : 10-lane 50m pool (5 deep/5 shallow), AI anti-drowning cameras + smart wristband lockers.
Perks : Free AR goggles showing real-time stroke analytics!
Foreigner Access : ¥60 via WeChat mini-app "iSports"—upload passport photo once.
Transport : Metro Line 12 → International Cruise Terminal Exit 1 (5-min walk).
🌟 Hidden-Gem Pools
1. PROSWIM Academy (徐汇区南丹路)
For Tech Nerds : 25m pool with 52-level resistance currents (¥220/hr)—simulate open-water swimming.
Bonus : Underwater treadmills + recovery ice baths.
2. Jing’an "Sky Pool" (静安区康定路)
- Address : 6th Floor, No. 151 Kangding Road, Jing'an District
- Rooftop Oasis : 50m pool suspended 25m above street level—swim with cloud views.
Night Swim : 7–9 PM Tue/Thu with live jazz (¥100 extra).
3.Changning Warm Water Pool（长宁区愚园路）
- Address : 1041 Yuyuan Road, Changning District
- Features : 25 × 14 m warm pool & 9 × 4 m kid’s section (26–28 °C year-round).
- Cost : ~¥35–¥50 per session; ideal for families and comfort.
🎫 Ticket Hacks for Foreigners
| Venue | Cost | Booking | Discounts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai Swimming | ¥80 (day) | Walk-in | Kids <1.3m: 50% off |
| Moon Bay (Outdoor) | ¥25 | On-site only (July–Aug) | None |
| North Bund | ¥60 | WeChat "iSports" (EN interface) | Seniors >65: Free AM entry |
| PROSWIM | ¥150/hr | Call +86 21 6469 8888 (EN-speaking) | 10% off for hotel guests |
🛟 Swim Smart: Pre & Post-Swim Tips for a Smoother Dip
💧 Before
Avoid swimming on a full stomach. Eat a light meal or snack at least 1 hour in advance—something easy like fruit, yogurt, or a sandwich.
Take a quick shower before entering the pool—this isn’t just a hygiene thing; it helps reduce the amount of chlorine the pool needs to use.
Remove makeup and lotions to prevent skin reactions and pool contamination.
Tie up long hair or wear a swim cap (some Shanghai pools require this).
Bring essentials : Flip-flops, goggles, towel, and a lock for your locker. Some pools may not provide toiletries, so carry your own.
🧖 After
Rinse off right away with clean water to remove chlorine and prevent dry skin. Pay extra attention to your eyes and ears.
Moisturize well. Chlorinated water can leave your skin feeling tight—carry a small bottle of body lotion or aloe gel.
Dry your ears thoroughly —a few drops of water can cause "swimmer’s ear" in humid climates like Shanghai. Tilt your head and gently towel dry or use a hair dryer on low heat.
Stay hydrated. Swimming can be deceptively exhausting—drink water or warm tea afterward.
For evening swimmers : Avoid cold drafts after your session and take a warm shower before bed—it helps relax muscles and prevent soreness.
⚡ Insider’s Survival Kit
1.Beat Crowds
Moon Bay : Arrive at 6 PM for golden hour swims + fewer tour groups.
2.Gear Up :
Rent speed suits (¥50) at PROSWIM—faster laps in resistance pools.
Buy antibacterial flip-flops (¥15) at all venues—avoid floor fungi!
3.Post-Swim Fuel
Shanghai Swimming Center : "Wave Café"’s protein smoothies (¥45) + Bund-view terraces.
North Bund : 白玉兰广场 ’s "Dragon Noodle" post-swim feast (¥78 crab roe noodles).
4.Avoid :
Weekend afternoons at Jing’an Sky Pool—selfie crowds overwhelm lanes.
Cash payments—90% venues accept Visa/Alipay TourCard.
Whether you're looking to beat the summer heat, get back into your fitness groove, or simply enjoy a relaxing float after work, Shanghai’s indoor pools offer something for everyone. From cozy warm-water gems to Olympic-sized lanes with skyline views, it’s all just a metro ride away. Just bring your swim cap—and maybe a waterproof phone case!