Hedonism at its best

Wonderful as living in an egalitarian utopia may be, it’s sometimes nice to get away from it all and enjoy a little taste of luxury.

Now, we’re not talking about the plebeian pleasures of foot massages or fine dining here; such extravagances will do in a pinch, but fail to deliver in moments of truly-deserved immoderation. No, we’re talking about the pinnacle of class and sophistication, the very essence of luxury itself: a swim-up bar.

Not to sound like we’ve re-invented the wheel, but is there any greater self-indulgence than floating lazily in a pool while sipping on a cocktail? If there is, we haven’t found it yet. (We’ll keep looking though.)

Located in the heart of the swanky 'Mandarine City' [sic] service apartments in GuBei, this large pool and its attendant bar are relatively unknown, and thus not afflicted with the over-crowding that usually typifies Shanghai’s more eminent locations. Deckchairs are everywhere, so you can stretch out and get a tan, and if you’re hungry, they serve up some of the best French fries to be had in the city. Best of all, the prices are extremely reasonable; access to the pool is only 60 kuai and drinks won’t set you back more than 20 to 30 RMB.

Now if only it would stop raining all the time…

Mandarine City: 788 Hongxu lu, near huaguang lu (名都城, -虹许路788, 靠近华光路). Tel: 6405 0404, swimming pool operating hours from 7.30am to 9pm.