Beaches beckon sun-seeking summer visitors

Sun Island Beach

Many children are deeply interested in sand — they can play on a beach for a whole day, building their castles and drawing sand pictures. Great imagination can be displayed with those tiny grains.

Although there are many indoor beaches built around the city, the true fun is always at outdoor beaches along the water, with natural sunlight.

Here are some good outdoor beaches in Shanghai — some natural, some man-made — for people to enjoy this summer.

Sunlight Beach

Shiliupu, Huangpu District

It's an artificial beach at the side of the Huangpu River. It's a good place to spend a summer night enjoying the views of the Bund and skyscrapers in Pudong's Lujiazui.

It's not a big beach but it has various facilities including beach volleyball and a swimming pool. It's the closest beach to the city center.

Address: Shiliupu Dock, near Maojiayuan Rd, Huangpu District

Open hours: 10am-10pm

Admission: 50 yuan (including a soft drink), free for children under 1.3 meters

White Beach

Daning Lingshi Park, Zhabei District

The park, one of the biggest of its kind in Puxi, is a perfect place for a family outing on the weekend.

There is a white sand beach in the park, which is mainly for children to play or newly wedded couples to take wedding pictures. It's a popular place among local residents, so be ready for crowds on holidays.

Address: 288 Guangzhong Rd, near Gonghexin Rd

Open hours: 5am-6pm

Admission: 2 yuan

Tel: 5665-3804

Jinshan City Beach

Jinshan District

This big, artificial seaside beach in suburban Jinshan District is open for free.

Plentiful services and facilities are available for a charge, including hot bath, beach chair lease, BBQ, water scooters and beach volleyball.

Expect huge crowds on the beach on weekends and holidays.

Address: 5 Xincheng Rd, Jinshan District

Open hours: 8am-9pm

Admission: Free

Tel: 5795-3918, 3369-6313