5 Ways to Beat the Heat in Shanghai

5 Ways to Beat the Heat in Shanghai
By Andrea Scarlatelli , eChinacities.com

Just like we knew it would, spring has quickly devolved into summer-like weather. So now instead of contemplating which al fresco dining place we’ll frequent for lunch, we have to worry about heat stroke. Luckily there are quite a few options for those looking to cool down a bit. So the next time the heat waves are rising from the pavement and the patch of grass that city officials like to call a “park” is packed, consider these alternatives to beat the heat.

1) Take scuba diving lessons
Jumping into a giant pool of water is an obvious way to refresh yourself from the scorching sun. But if you’re looking for something a bit more out of the ordinary – or just want something more active than sipping cocktails in a crowded pool – check out the Big Blue Dive Club. They offer open water SCUBA certification classes which means the next time you feel like jetting off to Thailand or the Philippines, you can take advantage of their crystal blue waters in a brand new way. Once you get your certification, you can join Big Blue Dive Club on their monthly diving trips or just organize a big group of friends and head out on your own. Not a bad way to spend a summer.

Big Blue Scuba Diving ShanghaiView In Map
Add: No. 10, Lane 10, Jinbang Lu, near Hami Lu, Shanghai
地址:上海市金浜路10弄10号, 近哈密路
Tel: 021 6291 2110
Website: www.big-blue.cn

2) Eat (a lot of) ice cream
Yes, I know ice cream in Shanghai is generally an overpriced, shoddily done “treat,” but if you look beyond the usual suspects (I’m looking at you, Haagen Dazs), there are actually some delicious, fun, and pretty reasonably priced offerings right here in the city. One such place is Bing, a small sorbet joint run by Dutch owners. All their offerings are completely natural and made in house. The best part? You get to add any ingredients you want, which range from the ordinary (fresh fruit, green tea) to the downright intriguing (champagne, red pepper). Once you choose your fillings, they blend it and freeze it for you on the spot. Voila! Your very own sorbet! If you’re in the mood for something a bit richer, try Le Crème Milano, a gelato shop that offers over 40 flavors at a time. Made in small batches to guarantee freshness, all flavors are made with non-fat milk (so you can feel slightly better about eating flavors like dark chocolate or cheesecake).

Bing View In Map
Add: Tianzifang, No. 4 Lane 274 Taikang Lu, near Sinan Lu, Shanghai
地址:上海市田子坊泰康路274弄4号, 近思南路
Tel: 021 159 2199 9516
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs, 12:00-19:00, Fri-Sun, 12:00-20:00

Le Crème MilanoView In Map
Add: 434 Shaanxi Nan Lu, near Yongjia Lu, Shanghai
地址:上海市陕西南路434号, 近永嘉路
Tel: 021 6433 5208
Opening hours: Mon-Thur 12:00-22:00, Fri, 12:00-23:00, Sat, 11:00-23:00, Sun, 11:00-22:00
Website: http://www.lecrememilano.com/

3) Ski indoors
For those adventurous spirits, trying your hand (feet?) at indoor skiing may be just the thing for a cold blasting alternative. Yingqixing Indoor Skiing resort features slopes with up to 17 degree inclines and snow piles up to 50 centimeters high. The venue is aimed more towards beginners to moderate skiers, but people of all ability levels can appreciate the break from the summer heat. Instructors are available to give lessons (for a price) so there really is no excuse not to get started down the slopes this summer!

Yingqixing Indoor SkiingView In Map
Add: 1835 Qixing Lu, near Gudai Lu, Shanghai

地址:上海市七莘路1835号, 近顾戴路,上海银七星室内滑雪场
Tel: 021 6478 8666

Website: http://www.yinqixing.com/
Opening hours: Mon-Thu and Sun, 09:30-22:30; Fri-Sat, 09:30-24:00 (ticket counter closes at 21:00)
Price: Weekdays: 98 RMB/hour, 138 RMB/2 hours, 198 RMB/3 hours; weekends: 118 RMB/hour, 158 RMB/2 hours, 218 RMB/3 hours; weekend night hours (Fri-Sat): 158 RMB/hour

4) Drink summer’s coolest cocktails
Sometimes a stiff drink can be a great way to end a day full of fun physical activity (see Scuba Lessons and Indoor Ski Slope above). And sometimes a stiff drink can be a great way to end a day full of sitting and doing absolutely nothing. Regardless, a chilled cocktail can be just the thing, especially if it’s served in a room set at minus ten degrees. That’s what you get at The Snow Bar, a Lujiazui based bar that embraces the cold all year round. Put on the heavy winter coats they provide at the door and enter into what is essentially a fake igloo to down some very expensive (but cold!) vodka shots. Or go for the tried and true Basil Drop martini at Citizen (also available at their companion spot, Sichuan Citizen). A heady mixture of fresh basil and citron vodka, the herb and alcohol mixture is beyond refreshing.

The Snow Bar View In Map
Add: You Long Garden, Fucheng Lu, near Shibu Jie, Shanghai
地址:上海市滨江富城路由窿花园, 近拾步街
Tel: 021 5877 7500
Opening hours: 17:00-24:00

CitizenView In Map
Add: 222 Jinxian Lu, near Shanxi Nan Lu, Shanghai
地址:上海市进贤路222号, 近陕西南路
Tel: 021 6258 1620
Opening hours: Daily, 11:00-00:30

5) Sweat it out with spicy food
Although it might feel counterintuitive, eating spicy food on a hot day will actually cool you down. Sweating is your body’s way of regulating your temperature, so you’ll actually feel better afterwards. So why not take advantage of Shanghai’s plethora of spicy food joints to put this theory into action? Yuxin is a highly respected Sichuan restaurant that is ideal for large private parties. Or hit up everyone’s favorite, the reliable Di Shui Dong. While the spice level on certain dishes can sometimes be tepid, request some extra hotness from your server and let the waterworks begin.

Di Shui DongView In Map
Add: 2/F, 56 Maoming Nan Lu, near Changle Lu (branch), Shanghai
地址:上海市茂名路56号2楼, 近长乐路口, 滴水洞
Tel: 021 6253 2689  
Opening hours: Daily, 11:00-23:00

Yuxin Chuan CaiView In Map
Add: Zhaoshangju Square, 3/F, 333 Chengdu Bei Lu, near Weihai Lu, Shanghai
地址:上海市成都路333号, 招商局广场3楼, 近威海路, 渝信川菜
Tel: 021 5298 0438
Opening hours: Daily, 11:00-14:00; 17:00-21:30 

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Keywords: beat the heat in Shanghai

1 Comments

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Chongqingren

I like ice cream.

Jul 05, 2013 17:57 Report Abuse