Cool off at Shanghai's Water Parks

With the mercury rising well above comfortable levels, finding ways to cool off in the summer inevitably becomes one of the top priorities for most people in Shanghai. Unfortunately jumping into the Huangpu River is not an option, even if it is the main water source intersecting the city. However, the good news is that there are a number of water parks in and around the city that offer fun amenities for the whole family- and of course lots of water for that essential cool off.

Tropical Storm Water Park

Tropical Storm Park is located at Xinzhen Lu and Gudai Lu. The park has countless lakes, rivers, beaches and streams which means there’s certainly no shortage of water sources for that much anticipated cool-off dip. Tropical Storm is one of the largest open air water parks in Asia. The park also boasts Shanghai's longest man-made beach. If that’s not enough, you can also ride the 150 meter long “Pirate Slide”, go in a wave pool, scuba dive, and go through winding tunnels under the ground.

Add: 78 Qibao Xinzhen Lu, Minhang District, Shanghai

Phone: 021 6478 3333

Hours:

Getting There: Take theTropical Storm Direct Bus from the Xinzhuang metro stop. Or take bus 763 and 753.

Note: You cannot bring in food from outside of the park and restaurants in the park are quite expensive.

Shanghai Sanjiagang Haibin Park

Sanjiagang is located in Pudong New District on the east end of Huaxia Donglu near the Pudong Airport. It is the closest water park to the Shanghai city center. You can go swimming, BBQ on the beach, fish, kayak, have a bonfire, camp on the beach, watch movies on the water, play volleyball, and listen to musical perforrmances.

Location: Pudong New District, 6015 Huaxia Donglu East, Sanjiagang Haibin Square, Shanghai

Phone: 021 6890 9803

Hours: 08:00 – 20:00

Ticket Prices: 50 RMB for adults; 38 RMB for children under 1.2 m

Where to eat: Shanghai No. 1 Seafood Street. Eat freshly caught seafood that you can either have cooked for you or BBQ yourself

Where to stay: Beach houses run from 150 to 580 RMB/night. You can also rent or bring your own tent and camp out

Getting there: Take the Sanjiagang-Cailu Route from the Lujiazui Line 2 & 5 entrance

Note: You cannot bring your own food into the park

Shanghai Angel Beach Resort

Angel Beach is located in Chongming County on the east side of Hengsha Island, widely known as the least polluted part of Shanghai. The resort has the first seaborne driving range and golf course in eastern China. There are go-carts that you can take into the wild grasslands and forests nearby. A tennis court, volleyball court, swimming pool, karaoke parlor, ping-pong tables, saunas, and mahjongg tables all provide you with endless entertainment.

Add: Dongbin Lu, Hengsha Island, Chongming County, Shanghai

Phone Number: 021 5689 5858

Reservation Number: 021 6283 2494

Website: http://www.52921234.com/tsht/index.htm (Chinese only)

Where to Stay: There are 29 different cottages that you can stay in. Each is made in its own style. Prices are around 280 RMB, but you can bargain.

Getting There: Take the ferry from Wusong Dock to Hengsha Island – 23 RMB.

Ferry times: 7:10am, 8:25am, 9:45am, 10:45am, 11:45am, 1:10pm, 2:15pm, 3:05pm. Take a cab from Hengsha Dock to the resort for 15-20 RMB.