Splash! Where to cool off in Beijing
Although it's not quite the hottest day that Beijing's seen this summer (it already reached 39.4 deg. earlier this month) still, temperatures today are likely to push past 35 degrees (95 to Americans). With this in mind, we've put together an up-dated list of outdoor swimming pools and water fun parks that Beijingers can splash around and cool off in. Given that we're now in the "Olympic Period" some of the cheap outdoor pools located in universities or close to Olympic venues are not open to the public. This means that the Workers' Stadium Pool, Chaoyang Park Pool and Tsinghua University Pool are all closed. Also, although they're having trouble enforcing the regulations, city authorities are encouraging people not to swim in any of lakes that dot Beijing's parks and tourist sites. Finally, bad news for those beach-starved residents who are dying to dive into some salty water, a plan to construct a saltwater pool in Beijing back in 2005 does not seem to have made it past the planning stages. Keep reading below for a list of the best places to cool off this summer:
Tuanjiehu Beach Pool
Conveninently located just east of the east Third Ring Road, this big, clean pool boasts a "beach" (small and muddy), food stations and water slides. The pool entry fee provides unlimited use on weekdays and three hours on weekends. To avoid the crowds, try to get there about 30 minutes before closing. More pictures available here.
Mon-Fri RMB 20, weekends RMB 25, RMB500/30 times. Free for kids under 80cm.
Daily 10.30am-8.30pm. 16 Tuajiehu Nanlu (inside Tuajiehu Park), Chaoyang District (8597 467)
朝阳区团结湖公园内
Magic Water World
More kids playground than swimming pool, expect to get splashed at this water park that features a water "disco," a 5-a-side-soccer pool, air castles and heaps of other wet and wild activities to keep the kids amused. The recent tbjkids water-splashing Fun Fest was held there.
RMB 60, free for kids under 1m.
Daily 10am-6pm, from Aug 9-24 open 10am-8.30pm.
North Eastern corner of Ditan Park, just north of Lama Temple subway stop , Dongcheng District (8262 4677) www.magicww.com
奇幻飙水乐园,东城区地坛公园的东北角安定门外大街甲2号
Crab Island or City Seaview
Inside this resort is a substantial fake beach with parasols overlooking a large pool. After a swim and a game of beach volleyball, visit the concession stand to pick up beers and chuan'r (lamb, chicken, squid, etc.), which you barbecue on the onsite grills. RMB 60/day, RMB 40 for children under 1.4 m. RMB 780 for unlimited use until Aug 31 for family of three.
Daily 9am-10 pm. Xiedao Dujiacun (take the Weigou exit off the Airport Expressway and follow the signs), Jichang Lu, Chaoyang District. (8433 9689 or 8432 5188) www.cityseaview.net
城市海景, 朝阳区机场路蟹岛度假村
Splash Recreation Club
The Sino-Swiss Hotel's Splash boasts a large outdoor-indoor pool, a sand volleyball court, a playground, a gym, ping-pong tables, a poolside bar and a restaurant. The hotel also has squash and tennis courts as well as a sauna. Reports from forum users suggest that the place is not crowded and "there are a hundred sun lounges to choose from, you can take your own picnic, there are nice change rooms with good showers ... a gym and all other amenities included." There's also a free shuttle bus that departs from Dongzhimen Subway, Sanlitun North and the entrance to Hard Rock Cafe from 9.30am daily.
RMB 100 per weekday (adult), RMB 130 on weekends, children over 4 half price, free for children under 4. RMB 780/20 times (3 month limit).
Daily 6am-10pm. Sino-Swiss Hotel, 9 Xiao Tianzhu Nanlu, Shunyi District. (6456 5588 ext 1217) www.sino-swisshotel.com
浪花俱乐部, 顺义区小天竺南路9号国都大饭店
Caribbean Lagoon
This recently opened beach park might not be easy to get to, but it features water slides (reportedly designed by the same people behind the Disney Water parks in the US), a wave pool and more. Eating and accommodation options also available.
RMB 150, kids under 1.4m free.
Daily 9.30am-4.30pm. 118 Yanshuitou, Yanqi Zhen (directions in Chinese here), Huairou County (5867 9210/11) www.caribbeanlagoon.com.cn
加勒比海浪水上乐园，怀柔区雁栖镇泉水头118号
Closed:
Workers' Stadium Swimming Pool
Chaoyang Park Swimming Pool
Tsinghua University Outdoor Swimming Pool
Links and Sources
Colors: "This is Beijing’s last outdoor swimming pool. If it disappears, our summer disappears." image
Beijing Today: List of Beijing swimming pools from 2007
Beijing Daily: 昆明湖边“禁游”牌难挡“游”客雅兴
