As we approach the dreaded summer heat, some of us shriek with joy whilst some of us think of ways to accelerate the “cooling down” part of the season. Before you reach for your 空调 (kong tiao) remote, we have a big solution for those sweaty brows!
As we approach the dreaded summer heat, some of us shriek with joy whilst some of us think of ways to accelerate the “cooling down” part of the season. Before you reach for your 空调 (kong tiao) remote, we have a big solution for those sweaty brows! Drenching ourselves in water is the best way to cool off, but how can this be feasible in a country with billions of people? Well it’s much easier than you can think! After all, doesn’t swimming in this backdrop look better…
…than this?
We understand that during the peak days of summer when the heat becomes unbearable, the pools in China unfortunately explode into a riot of colours as thousands of people jump in to escape the scorching heat. The popular slang expression used for going swimming is “boiling dumplings”
(煮饺子zhǔ jiǎo zi) because public pools are so crowded that all a person can do is stand on the spot.
Lack of swimming facilities is the main reason why pools are crowded in China, and because of this people cannot enjoy the luxury of swimming, without the luxury of catching an infection or two.
Therefore, we have compiled a list of the most extraordinary swimming pools around China, which will not only serve as a reasonable means to escape the scorching weather, will also be reasonable on your thrifty wallets!
Beijing
Beijing Grand Hyatt Hotel
Club oasis at this five-star getaway features a magnificent resort-style facility, which is conveniently surrounded by lush trees and tropical vegetation, including waterfalls and stone statues. This majestic pool is built indoors but does not look any less than an oasis of the East, tucked away in the capital city. A large space with its boasting pillars, grottos and palm trees which shimmer across a span sapphire water means you are sure to enjoy this escape, and even more so as the chirp of birds and frogs through the sound system immerses you in another world. Enjoy a dip or a swim and complete with a refreshing drink at the poolside for the relaxing time.
Opening hours : 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Access:
i) In house guests
ii) Out of house guests – Call for bookings.
Address: 1 E Chang’an Ave, DongDan, Dongcheng Qu, Beijing Shi, China, 100006
Phone : +86 10 8518 1234
CITIC Hotel’s Splash Recreation Club
An outdoor pool surrounded by tall vibrant trees and traditional pagodas. The CITIC Hotel offers a fresh pool experience with both indoor and outdoor pools, a sand beach volleyball court, a playground for children, a poolside bar and a restaurant. The designated area provided for swimming is decent and caters to sunbathers alike. Lounging chairs are available as this location is less crowded than some other more popular pools. A big plus for this hotel is that it’s close to the airport, which means if you’re travelling in from another city, only a few minutes by cab can easily shuttle you to a stress-free getaway!
Opening hours: Monday-Sat 10 am – 10 pm
Access
i) Open to in house Guests
ii) Entrance Fee for non-guests: Adults RMB 100; Kids RMB 50 (over 1m – under 1m for free)
Address: 北京顺义区小天竺南路9号中信酒店北京
Address: No.1, Daxue Road Haoyuan （North Gate）, 9 Capital International Airport, Beijing
Phone: +86 10 6456 5588
Grand Millenium Hotel
The luxurious 5-star hotel is elegantly located in Beijing Fortune Plaza, close to the new CCTV Headquarters. It boasts an indoor swimming pool, pampering spa services and 4 dining options. The spacious area is convenient and provides comfort and privacy for families.
Access:
i) In house guests
ii) Out of house guests – Call for bookings.
Address: 7 E 3rd Ring Rd Middle, GuoMao, Chaoyang Qu, Beijing Shi, China
Phone: +86 10 8587 6888
Reagent Beijing
Located in the Dongcheng area with, good Metro access, this tranquil and luxurious retreat is just a 3-minute walk from Wanfujing shopping street, The Regent Beijing offers 5-star facilities of a spectacular indoor pool and spa.
Access:
i) In house guests
ii) Out of house guests – Call for bookings.
Address: China, 北京市东城区 DongDan, 金宝街99号 邮政编码: 100005
Phone: +86 10 8522 1888
The Emperor Beijing Qianmen
Overlooking Tiananmen Square, The Emperor is elegantly placed in a central yet quiet location of Beijing. The hotel is tastefully water-themed with their rooftop pool facilities to in house guests.
Access:
i) In house guests
ii) Out of house guests – Call for bookings.
Address: 87 Xianyukou St, Dongcheng Qu, Beijing Shi, China
Phone: +86 10 6701 7790
The Westin Beijing Chaoyang
Set in the popular Sanlitun entertainment area, the luxurious Westin Beijing Chaoyang offers a spacious indoor swimming pool with high rise ceilings, overlooking the busy streets below. Guests can recline on an oversized soft loveseat with pillows and cabana tops to enjoy Westin’s fresly squeezed juices, signature cocktails or even a light spa cuisine from their poolside bar and cafe, Splash. This is the perfect environment for a lisuirely time out. The pool shares showers and lockers with the hotel are adjoining WestinWORKOUT® gym.
Opening hours: 6am – 11pm
Access:
i) In house guests
ii) Out of house guests – Call for bookings.
Address: 7 E 3rd Ring Rd N, SanYuan Qiao, Chaoyang Qu, Beijing Shi, China, 100027
Phone: +86 10 5922 8888
Chengdu
Qingcheng Mountain Liushan Hotel
Situated in Dujiangyan, Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain is the perfect place to experience Chengdu and its surroundings. With its location just 62 km from the city center and 50 km from the airport, this 5-star hotel attracts numerous travellers each year. With its convenient location, the hotel offers easy access to the city’s must-see destinations. The ambiance of Six Senses Is reflected by the pool facilities available for guests ranging from private pools, outdoor and indoor pools, coupled by a fitness centre, sauna, and spa, making this an excellent choice to spend the summer season.
Access:
i) In house guests
ii) Out of house guests – Call for bookings.
Address: 7 E 3rd Ring Rd Middle, GuoMao, Chaoyang Qu, Beijing Shi, China
Phone: +86 10 8587 6888
The Shangri-La
Situated in the center of Sichuan’s capital city, the Shangri-La Chengdu offers spectacular views of the Jinjiang River and of Chengdu’s bustling metropolis. The health club is outfitted with indoor swimming pool, saunas, steam rooms, whirlpools and an extensive array of cardiovascular equipment. The hotel is approximately 30 minutes from Shuangliu International Airport (CTU).
Access:
i) In house guests
ii) Out of house guests – Call for bookings.
Address: 9 Binjiang E Rd, HeJiangTing, Jinjiang Qu, Chengdu Shi, Sichuan Sheng, China, 610000
Phone: +86 28 8888 9999
Chongqing
Banyan Tree Chongqing Bei Bei
This resort screams luxury and everything perfect about escaping the summer heat. Located amongst picturesque sceneries, the hotel provides beautiful outdoor pool facilities, as well as private villa facilities, based on individual preferences and packages. Couple’s getaways are also offered to ensure a romantic or a casual weekend with your loved one(s).
Access:
i) In house guests
ii) Out of house guests – Call for bookings.
Address: No.101 Wenquan Road, Chengjiang Town, 400700 Chongqing, China
Phone: +86 23 6030 8888
Sheraton Chongqing Hotel
This elegant indoor pool offers optimal relaxation. Under a beautiful arched glass ceiling for natural light and views of the sky while you swim and a blue-floored pool beckons for some exhilarating laps or a leisurely dip. A massaging whirlpool is connected to the main pool for relaxing and soothing tired muscles.
A row of lounge chairs on the attractive pool deck provide ample room to kick back and relax post-swim alongside a wall of windows overlooking the city and Yangtze River. Just outside the windows, an outdoor veranda—cheerfully furnished with blue cane chairs, tables, and red umbrellas—allows you to enjoy some fresh air and sun while admiring the views
Opening Hours: 6am-10pm
Access:
i) In house guests
ii) Out of house guests – Call for bookings.
Address: China, 重庆市南岸区 NanBin Lu MeiShiJie, 南滨路78号 邮政编码: 400060
Phone: +86 23 6277 7777
Guangzhou
The W
WET® is the name of the pool at the W. This indoor pool is located on the 29th floor overlooking the bustling city below. There is also a Jacuzzi provided in which guests can chill in or lounge on the plush poolside chairs and ottomans.
A wall of floor-to-ceiling windows also illuminates the space with natural light and amplifies the room’s creative mix of organic materials—from smooth woods to tactile marble to live flora.
Access:
i) In-house guests enjoy exclusive access to WET®;
ii) out-of-house guests are subject to a daily fee of 380 CNY.
Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Address: China, Guangdong Sheng, Guangzhou Shi, Tianhe Qu, 珠江新城冼村路26号 邮政编码: 510623
Phone: +86 20 6628 6628
EFOREA: SPA – Hilton Guangzhou Tianhe
A haven of relaxation, the spa encompasses a range of exclusive facilities. Design elements include an exquisite ice fountain, the Vichy shower room, reflexology room and Swiss shower jets. Sauna and steam rooms provide a place to relax and reflect. Patrons can unwind in the outdoor infinity-edge swimming pool, take a dip in the hydro pool or be pampered with a relaxing treatment using local botanical resources.
Access:
i) In house guests
ii) Out of house guests – Call for bookings.
Opening Times: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
Address: China, 广东省广州市天河区林和西横路215号 邮政编码: 510500
Phone: +86 20 6683 9999
E-mail: guangzhoutianhe.info@hilton.com
Guilin
Shangri-La
Set amidst the finger-like, limestone karsts overlooking the placid waters of the Li River, this hotel offers guests unparalleled comfort in one of China’s most scenic cities. Guests have the use of an indoor heated swimming pool and an outdoor freeform pool and a children’s pool. Nearby lies the famous Diecai Mountain, and steps away, guests can find bustling street markets packed with products of silk, crystal, and jade. The Shangri-La Guilin is about thirty five minutes away from Guilin’s Liangjiang International Airport (KWL), making it ideal haven for commuters from other cities!
Access:
i) In house guests
ii) Out of house guests – Call for bookings.
Address: 111 Huancheng North 2nd Rd, Qixing Qu, Guilin Shi, Guangxi Zhuangzuzizhiqu, China, 541004
Phone: +86 773 269 8888
Hangzhou
Amanfayun
Opened in Spring 2010, the Amanfayun is the second Aman property to open in China and is situated in the outskirts of Hangzhou, surrounded by tea fields, natural forests, quaint villages and a pilgrimage circuit of five significant Buddhist temples. The Amanfayun has a large outdoor pool positioned in landscaped gardens. Guests can enjoy drinks and ordering light meals by the pool.
Access:
i) In house guests
ii) Out of house guests – Call for bookings.
Address: China, Zhejiang Sheng, Hangzhou Shi, Xihu Qu, 西湖街道法云弄22号
Phone: +86 571 8732 9999
The Four Seasons
The resort boasts views of Hangzhou’s West Lake scenic areas, also referred to as “Heaven on Earth.” The choices of swimming pools provided come between an “Infinity pond” – which is part of a calm garden oasis that overlooks picturesque West Lake and an indoor pool, where comfortable daybeds are perfect for lounging after an invigorating swim or a refreshing dip. Landscaping offers privacy, and beverages and snacks are available to enjoy pond-side.
Access:
i) In house guests
ii) Out of house guests – Call for bookings.
Address: 5 Lingyin Road Hangzhou 310013, China
Phone: +86 571 8829 8888
Rose Garden Resort & Spa
Nestled in pretty gardens, close to the Qiantang River and the famous Six Harmonies Pagoda, Hangzhou Rose Garden Resort & Spa is an intimate resort with just 50 well-proportioned rooms and one suite. With a stunning view, the hotel provides an indoor and outdoor pool, tennis courts and a gym overlooking the gardens, this is a serene haven with the Wuyun Mountain as a magnificent backdrop makes this place yet another perfect destination to travel and beat the summer’s heat.
Access:
i) In house guests
ii) Out of house guests – Call for bookings.
Address: 128 Zhijiang Rd, Xihu Qu, Hangzhou Shi, Zhejiang Sheng, China
Phone: +86 571 8766 7188
Nanjing
Regalia Resort & SPA Nanjing Tangshan
On the outskirts of Nanjing lies a gem. Secluded in its own haven the resort provides a beautiful outdoor pool facility with deck chairs facing a stunning sky view. Stone structures and ancient architecture surround the pool area, allowing guests to receive the ultimate ancient experience of old Nanjing. If you’re looking for some real peace and quiet from the hustle and bustle of the city, then this stunning place is just for you.
Access:
i) In house guests
ii) Out of house guests – Call for bookings.
Address: 388 Yingtian St, Qinhuai Qu, Nanjing Shi, Jiangsu Sheng, China, 210006
Phone: +86 25 5188 5688
Lahsa, Tibet
St Regis Lhasa Resort
“She ain’t nothin’ but a goldswimmer”
Perched atop a scenic hill in Chinese Tibet is the St. Regis Lhasa Resort, a decadent vacation destination that is home to the world’s only gold-plated pool. Known as the Gold Energy Pool, this elegant relaxation is pool is covered in thousands of little gold tiles to create the sensation of stepping into a bath of pure luxury. Children are allowed in the pool with supervision, but the pool is mainly for meditation and relaxation, and not horseplay. Which is unfortunate since it looks a lot like something straight from an Indiana Jones adventure.
Access:
i) In house guests
ii) Out of house guests – Call for bookings.
Address: No.22, Jiangsu Road Lhasa, Tibet (Xizang) 850000 China
Phone Number: +86-891-680 8888
Sanya , Hainan
The Mandarin Oriental: With the hotel located at the edge of this tropical Island
the infinity pool is not only exposed to the island’s perfect year round weather, but also to brilliant views coupled with the sounds of nature, which is the perfect combination needed to cool off in the summer heat. The Mandarin Oriental, known for its brilliant customer service, will ensure your needs are fulfilled even if it would include, a cocktail in one hand and a selfie stick another! The views here are guaranteed to make your Facebook and Instagram friends jealous, as you snap away with updates of the best way to enjoy a summer in China!
Access:
i) In house guests
ii) Out of house guests – Call for bookings.
Address: 41 Yuhai Rd, Jiyang Qu, Sanya Shi, Hainan Sheng, China
Phone: +86 898 8820 9999
Anantara Sanya Resort
The resort is nestled cosily between two kinds of paradise with lush mountains bowing to the serenity of the South China Sea. This hotel provides the ultimate level of luxuary without the need of an infinity pool. Guests can lose themselves in a sea of azure while basking in the sun or soaking in their outdoor private bath tub. As you can see, the rooms, suite or villas are equivalent to that of a personal oasis, unparalleled by other hotels in Hainan, and comprises luxurious fabrics, a rain shower, teak furnishings, and modern amenities to fulfil all of your vacation desires and steer your mind away from the scorching heat! With a view like this, I doubt anyone would care how high the temperature goes outside! Just bring on those margaritas!
Access:
i) In house guests
ii) Out of house guests – Call for bookings.
Address: 6 Xiaodonghai Rd, Jiyang Qu, Sanya Shi, Hainan Sheng, China, 572000
Phone: +86 898 8888 5088
Haitang Bay Gloria Resort
Yet another infinity pool to help cool off and enjoy the summer heat. The outdoor pool overlooks a forest ground of palm trees into an open sky. This is another ideal way to relax and wind down as the temperatures rise.
Access:
i) In house guests
ii) Out of house guests – Call for bookings.
Address: Haitang, Sanya, China
Phone: +86 898 3888 8855
Shanghai
Holiday Inn, Pudong
A spectacular outdoor swimming pool! Well…while not technically outside, the swimming pool, located on the 24th floor, juts out from the building with glass windows panelling the bottom of the pool, creating what the hotel dubs a ‘pool in the sky’ and a swimming experience that enables you to look down to the pavement below from within the water. It’s a little unnerving watching pedestrians from below looking up to take photos of you as you swim above their heads, but the hotel reportedly consulted aerospace designers and expert architects to ensure that the structure was safe and secure, and it results in one of the most memorable swims in the city.
This pool tops our price list as ENTRY is 10,000RMB per year for a membership card INCLUDING Access to pool and gym
Access:
i) In house guests
ii) Out of house guests – Call for bookings. Address: 1088 Xiuyan Rd, Pudong Xinqu, Shanghai Shi, China, 201315
Phone: +86 21 3829 1888
Purple Mountain Hotel
The Purple Mountain Hotel might not be in the most glamorous part of town – stranded in a nondescript part of Pudong somewhere between Lujiazui and Century Park – but this means that it’s excellent rooftop pool often flies under most people’s radars when the sun comes out. There are two pools – one for adults and one for kids – with views across the eastern side of the city from the fifth floor terrace they sit on. As with many pools around town, bringing a swimming cap is compulsory, but it’s a minor annoyance for what is likely to be a largely undisturbed, uncrowded swim.
Access:
i) In house guests
ii) Out of house guests – 150RMB for adults, 80RMB for kids : Call for bookings
Address: 778 Dongfang Road, Pudong District Shanghai, China,
Phone: +86 21 6886 8888
The Longmont
Located on the 26th floor, the large panoramic indoor infinity pool commands unrivalled views of the city’s skyline and a state-of-the-art fitness centre also provided in their health club. Sauna and Jacuzzi facilities are available for guests to indulge after a pool session. The high panel ceilings give the pool area a brightened feel and allow you to cool down as well as, to soak up some sunrays!
Open 6:00am – 11:00pm daily
Access:
i) In house guests
ii) Out of house guests – Call for bookings
Address: 1116 Yan’an W Rd, Changning Qu, Shanghai Shi, China, 200050
Phone: +86 21 6115 9988
The Four Seasons
Located on the East side of the Huangpu River, the hotel is indeed built as a state of the art, where its luxury swimming pool is located at the top floor with uninterrupted views of Shanghai. The scene-stealer here is definitely the infinity pool with Shanghai skyline views: one of the finest swimming experiences you will have in your life. The hotel’s spa is also worthy of our attention with their whirlpool baths. Definitely a must visit during the summer season, as Shanghai’s blue skies and sunsets can easily be admired from these heights!
Access:
i) In house guests
ii) Out of house guests – Call for bookings
Address: 500 Weihai Rd, Jingan Qu, Shanghai Shi, China, 200041
Phone: +86 21 6256 8888
Sofitel Hotel Sheshan Oriental
With both indoor and outdoor pool facilities, the area provided to guests is very, very big. Well suited for romance and families, access to additional services such as sauna, steam room and fitness centre makes it hard to overstate the luxe factor at this lovely pool. As well as the crystal-blue swimming territory, the outdoor pool is surrounded by a man-made sandy beach, rows of loungers, bars, palm trees and faux-Mediterranean architecture. It’s a little bit of a journey from the centre of town, but it sure is worth it. But this level of decadence doesn’t come cheap; entry is 250RMB just for the pool. A far better option is to get the brunch deal however; fork out 556RMB for the brunch buffet, including free-flow Champagne and drinks, and you can get all-day access to the pool as well, dishing up plenty of tanning and indulgence. Definitely worth it.
Access:
i) In house guests
ii) Out of house guests – 280RMB/ 556RMB including Brunch – Call for bookings.
Address: China, 上海市松江区泗陈公路3388弄
Phone:+86 21 3761 8888
Suzhou
The Intercontinental Hotel
The infinity pool is located at the top of the hotel. The infinity pool allows the guest a full view of the city skyline. The intercontinental is one of the world’s best hotels groups. What better way than to spend a hot scorching summer’s day at the top of your city. We all know for sure, the view is always better from the top!
Access:
i) In house guests
ii) Out of house guests – Call for bookings.
Address: 288 Wangdun Rd, Wuzhong Qu, Suzhou Shi, Jiangsu Sheng, China, 215028
Phone: +86 512 6285 8888
Xian
Sofitel on Renmin Square
Located within the Xian City Walls on the former Imperial Palace grounds, the hotel is close to all the main famous historical sites on offer. This heritage building was completely refurbished in 2014 into an ultra-luxury hotel. The pool is constructed blending French and Sino-Russian architecture; a true heritage feel exudes from the detailed exterior. Everything from the service, the detailed inlaid floors, and chandeliered ceilings places this hotel in a league of its own. If you’re in Xian, this pool is a must visit!
Access:
i) In house guests
ii) Out of house guests – Call for bookings.
Address: 319 Dong Xin Street, Xi’an, SA, China
Phone: +86 29 8792 8888
Shangri-La
Set in lush landscaped gardens, the Shangri-La Xian offers tranquility with quick access to the city sights. Not as extravagant, however, very convenient for those with families and children. The pool facilities are spacious and indoors with large panel windows to let enough sun through, yet still maintain a comfortable environment during the summer season. In addition to the swimming pool , The hotel also has a state-of-the-art health center, a luxurious spa, with sauna and steam rooms. Shangri-La Xian is approximately 30 minutes by car from the Xianyang Airport (XIY).
Access:
i) In house guests
ii) Out of house guests – Call for bookings.
Address: China, Shaanxi, Xi’an, Yanta, 科技路38号乙
Phone: +86 29 8875 8888
Yunnan
Anantara Xishuangbanna Resort & Spa
Set in thick forests, the Anantara enjoys peace and tranquility. It’s an area rich in folklore with restored Buddhist temples and ancient hill tribe towns. In addition to its location and surroundings, their facilities are equally astonishing. A stunning pool provides a centerpiece for the resort courtyard garden, beset by palms and water features. Towels are provided and there are plenty of sun loungers and tables for poolside dining. This visual is the perfect way to get away from the city and indulge in pure relaxation in Yunnan!
Access:
i) In house guests
ii) Out of house guests – Call for bookings.
Address: Menglun Parking Area, Mengla Xian, Xishuangbanna Daizuzizhizhou, Yunnan Sheng, China, 666303
Phone: +86 691 893 6666
Songstam Tacheng
With its modest architecture, this low valley location is hours from the nearest city, allowing visitors to connect with nature and truly relax into the rhythm of rural living. Facilities are simple, however their infinity pool is a gem for guests looking to relax with a commanding view of the surrounding mountainous terrain. This is as close to the countryside one can get to in the heart of Yunnan. Definitely a place worth visiting during your stay in China!
Access:
i) In house guests
ii) Out of house guests – Call for bookings.
Address: Hada Community, Qibie Village, Tacheng Town, Weixi County., Tacheng, YN, China
Phone: +86 887 301 1333
