Beijing's Best Pools and Water Parks
One perfect way to beat the heat is to swim it out – incidentally also the best way to get your exercise without overheating. This summer, go for a swim somewhere new, at one of these hotel pools, public pools, water parks, and spas. Whether you’re going by yourself early in the morning, or want to have fun with friends all day long, these are the best spots to cool down and chill out.
HOTEL POOLS
The Emperor at Qianmen
This outdoor pool, on the rooftop of the Emperor Hotel, faces the Forbidden City – can you even imagine a better view during your swim? A pool experience like no other.
RMB 258 (three hours).
Daily 11am-midnight. 87 Xianyukou Jie, Dongcheng District (6526 5566)
东城区鲜鱼口街87号
The Kempinski Hotel Beijing Pulse Health Club
The site of our cover shoot, this 18th floor natatorium overlooks the Sanlitun embassy area and the northeastern part of the city. The pool is suitable for a quick dip or light laps.
RMB 300 (adults), RMB 150 (kids under 15).
Daily, 6am- 10pm. 50 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang District (6465 3388)
朝阳区亮马桥路50号
Waldorf Astoria Beijing
An intricately designed indoor pool perfect for a more luxurious swim or relaxing dip. The pool here is quiet, and the water quality is monitored and cleaned on a daily basis.
RMB 18,000 (year), RMB 2,200 (month).
Daily 10.30am- 4.30pm. 5-15 Jinyu Hutong, Dongcheng District (8520 8989)
东城区金鱼胡同5-15
Westin Chaoyang Heavenly Spa
Experience city views and an ambiance of luxury at this 25-meter indoor pool, perfect for early morning or late night swims due to its long opening hours. The water here is on a 24-hour filtration system to ensure hygiene levels are up to standards.
RMB 19,800 (year, adults), RMB 8,800 (year, kids under 12), RMB 11,800 (half year, adults).
Daily 6am-11pm. 7 Dongsanhuan Beilu, Chaoyang District (5922 8888)
朝阳区东三环北路7号
PUBLIC POOLS
Sino-Japanese Friendship Center (21st Century Theater)
An Olympic-sized swimming pool popular with serious swimmers, this pool’s water is filtered using a mild salt solution, eliminating chlorine irritation and smell. The pool can be chilly, so warmup first. Bathing caps are mandatory for all swimmers.
RMB 98 for a single use, discount for multi-swim purchases.
Daily 9am-9pm. 40 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang District (6466 4805)
朝阳区亮马桥路40号
Dongdan Swimming Pool
This well-mananged indoor pool has great facilities. Busy in the mornings, but evenings tend to be peaceful. Water here is on a filtration system, and the pool is one of the city’s better public options.
RMB 50 (adults), RMB 30 (kids and students).
Daily 10am-9pm. A2 Dahua Lu, Dongcheng District (6523 1241)
东城区东单大华路甲2号
WATER PARKS
Crab Island
Family-friendly Crab Island has the option for fishing, go-karting, a zoo, an organic farm, aqua bumper boats, a lazy river, a wave pool, and an artificial beach. There’s a water circulation system in place, and the water is filtered and sterilized throughout the day.
RMB 60 (adults), RMB 40 (kids between 1m and 1.4m), Free (kids below 1m).
Daily 9am-8pm. 1 Xiedao Lu, Chaoyang District (8433 5566/5588)
朝阳区蟹岛路1号
Happy Magic Watercube Park
As the former site of the 2008 Olympics water sport competitions, the Happy Magic Watercube Park has now been turned into a water playground. There is a wave pool and a bunch of slides at varying intensities. The water is cleaned on a daily basis.
RMB 260 (adults), RMB 220 (kids between 1.2m and 1.5m), Free (kids below 1.2m).
Daily 10am-9pm. 11 Tianchen Donglu (in Olympic Park, near the Bird’s Nest), Chaoyang District (8437 8086)
朝阳区北四环中路奥林匹克公园内（近鸟巢）
Happy Water Rubik’s Cube
The biggest open-air water park in the city, Happy Water Rubik’s Cube is worth the trip to Fengtai District. The park has many rides including flumes, raft rides, and a wave machine, guaranteeing that you won’t even remember how hot it is outside. The park is fitted with a water filter that operates 24 hours a day.
RMB 230 (adults), RMB 180 (kids between 1.2m and 1.5m), Free (kids below 1.2m).
Daily 10am-6pm. 11 Xiaotun Lu (next to Meishikou Lu), Fengtai District (8860 9999)
丰台区小屯路11号（近梅市口路）
Hot Spring Leisure City
Located in Changping District, Hot Spring Leisure City features mineral hot spring spas with rich geothermal resources and has been the site of many crazy water-themed parties. There’s also a huge hotel and conference center attached to it, as well as a number of different restaurants and entertainment options.
RMB 178, RMB 128 (online), RMB 100 (kids between 1.4m and 1.2m), Free (kids under 1.2m).
Daily 9am-10pm. Beiqijia, Changping District (8178 8888)
昌平区北七家
Tuanjiehu Water Park
Tuanjiahu Water Park, one of the most central water parks listed, is not big but still boasts a beach and wave pool. There are also paddle boats, and other entertainment options such as roller-skating. The water facilities are linked up with a 24-hour filtering device.
RMB 50 (weekdays), RMB 60 (weekends).
Daily 10.15am- 8pm. 16 Tuanjiehu Nanli, East Third Ring Road, Chaoyang District (8597 4677)
朝阳区东三环东路团结湖南里16号结湖公园内
Qingnianhu
The perfect combination between water park and public pool, this centrally located swimming pool offers the option to swim for exercise or for fun. If you get bored of the pool, there are also slides of different intensities to keep you entertained.
RMB 40 (adults and kids above 1.3m), RMB 30 (kids below 1.3m).
Daily 9am-5pm. Andingmen Waidajie, Dongcheng District (8411 6321)
东城区安定门外大街
Written by Margaux Schreurs and Patrick Li
Photos courtesy of The Emperor Hotel Qianmen, Waldorf Astoria Beijing