BUND BEACH

Rocking out to hip-hop with sand underfoot and the Shanghai World Financial Center on the other side of the river makes for quite an ambiance. The Ice Cream Truck held their first pool party of the year at The Cool Docks’ “beach” last Saturday, with disco funk and house beats adding to the festivities of a 5-a-side beach football tournament also taking place on the Bund. Acid Pony Club was on hand to provide sonic aid for TICT’s 5th anniversary bash. Back in May, a Cinco De Mayo party here pretty much ushered in the summer vibe with music from a mariachi band and free shots of Jose Cuervo. Tickets for such events go for around 100-150 yuan, and more are in the pipeline.

Add: The Cool Docks, Wharf 1846, 421 Waima Road near Maojiayuan Road, the Bund

Tel: 5404-2532 (Ice Cream Truck) Open: 11am-10pm

SHANGRI-LA PUDONG

Weekly pool parties kick o this Sunday to mark the opening of the hotel’s new iKandy UltraLounge at the outdoor terrace on level 5 of the Grand Tower. Tickets cost 150 yuan and include a glass of Mumm Champagne. From Thursday to Saturday the venue will operate as a poolside lounge. It boasts a “Palm Beach” ambiance with candy pink decor, rattan furniture and soft beats. Expect eye candy from the in-crowd as they sip its signature Apple & Elderfl ower Collins at this oasis of cool in Lujiazui.

Add: 33 Fucheng Road, Pudong

Tel: 6882-8888 (ext: 6888) Open: 11am-8pm

SHIMAO RIVIERA GARDEN

Only residents of the seven swanky high rises can now enjoy this elaborate man-made beach and pool at weekends. But it remains open to the general public on weekday for 120yuan “unless it’s very crowded,” the management says. The Hawaiian Beach is one of six “world theme parks” at this plush complex including a Chinese Suzhou Garden and German Swan Lake. Great place to eat, swim and get a tan, although the food isn’t cheap.

Add: 1-2 Weifang West Road, near Pucheng Road, Pudong

Tel: 6888-8108 Open: 7am-10pm (daily)

MANDARINE CITY

Popular among Koreans, Japanese and Italians, this rockabutting pool at a serviced apartment complex in Gubei offers decent mojitos at its swim-up bar and fairly standard fare such as pizza and sandwiches. Equally fun for the whole family or a few friends, but can get pretty busy at the weekend when the sun’s out. A day pass costs 100 yuan for adults, 60 yuan for kids.

Add: Mandarine City, 788 Hongxu Road, near Huaguang Road, Gubei

Tel: 6405-0404 ext: 8612 OPEN: 8am-7pm (June), 7am- 8pm (July)