Have a splashing summer

Bi Sheng, 8 years old, was one of the first visitors to the Water Cube pool.

By Chen Zao

 

 

 

 

Beijing Today checks out four popular pools for this summer.

Water Cube

The Olympic Village Water Cube’s warm-up pool is open to the public through October 1. Swimmers need to present their health cards. If they do not have one, they can tae a health exam at the Water Cube to check their body temperature, blood pressure and heart rate. People also need to have a deep water swimming certificate to use the two-meter deep pool. Those who do not have it can take a test for 20 yuan.

Swimmers can only enter through the Water Cube’s northwest gate.

Advantage: Water cleanliness is maintained according to international standards

Disadvantage: More expensive than other pools and does not have water game facilities

Where: Olympic Green, Beichen Lu, Chaoyang District
Open: Thursday-Sunday, 2-9 pm
Cost: 50 yuan for two hours
Tel: 8437 0112

Xiedao Sea View City Water Park

The water park houses the city’s largest wave pool and a broad “beach” where people can play free of charge. Visitors can bring a volleyball, football, tent or beach umbrella.
This children’s water paradise also has a water slide and a waterwheel.

Near the beach area is a barbecue and buffet service, but the cost is not covered by the admission ticket.
Advantage: Complete facilities, including hot water for showering.

Disadvantage: Too crowded during holidays

Where: 1 Xiedao Lu, Chaoyang District

Open: 9 am – 10 pm
Cost: 60 yuan for adults; 40 yuan for children
Tel: 8433 5608

Youth Lake Water Park

The park, which is divided into northern and southern areas, has four outdoor pools with different depths, including a children’s wading pool.

Advantage: Convenient public transportation

Disadvantage: Does not have water game facilities for children and hot water for showering

Where: Andingmen Wai Dajie, Dongcheng District
Open: 9 am – 5 pm
Cost: 20 yuan
Tel: 6841 1485

Tuanjiehu Water Theme Park

The park has a swimming pool, wave pool, a large water slide and one made of colorful marble. It also has children’s castle and water slides and Coconut Island for kids.

Advantage: Complete facilities and ideal for children

Disadvantage: Too crowded during holidays

Where: 16 Tuanjiehu Nan Li, Chaoyang District
Open: 10:30 am – 7:30 pm
Cost: 20 yuan (Monday-Friday); 25 yuan on weekends
Tel: 6506 1364