Get your skates on!(2)

Star skaters

The soft opening of the 1,250-square-meter Shanghai Century Star Skating Club inside the Mercedes-Benz Arena was held in May 2010. The arena was opened to coincide with the start of the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai. Located in the basement of the arena, this is the only ice rink in Shanghai that meets the standards for holding international-level ice hockey competitions.

As well as retired coaches from the Chinese national ice-skating team who offer professional guidance to customers who want to improve their skating skills, the arena also offers a rental service for ice "bumper cars." Organizers thoughtfully cordon off an area of the rink when there are customers "driving" on the ice. Trained rescue staff are also on hand so that novice skaters don't have to worry about their, and other people's, safety. In addition, the club also offers graded levels of skating lessons, as well as a skating "school" for children. The prices charged depend on the skills of the individual instructors. Skating shoes' sizes go up to 47, and the rink also includes gloves, socks, pads and helmets into the admission price.

Opening hours: Monday to Thursday, 10:30 am to 9:30 pm; Friday to Sunday, 10 am to 10 pm

Address: B2, Mercedes-Benz Arena, 1200 Expo Avenue 世博大道1200号梅赛德斯奔驰文化中心B2层

Tickets: From 60 yuan per person

Call 2025-5831 for details

The ice fans cometh

The Shanghai University Students International Ice Hockey Arena in Songjiang district mainly targets the university students there. And although it is certainly a trek from the center of the city, this is the home of the official Shanghai Ice Hockey Team. The 1,860-square-meter rink has seating for 8,400 viewers.

If you want to improve your skills, training classes are available after the rink has closed to the general public. Figure skating lessons cost 260 yuan ($41.28) for 45 minutes, and ice hockey classes are 180 yuan for 45 minutes.

Opening hours: 1 pm to 8 pm

Address: Songjiang University Sports Center, 2000 Wenxiang Road

文翔路2000号松江大学城体育中心

Tickets: 75 yuan per person including skate hire; 40 yuan for students

Call 6782-7272 for details

Call 6548-3358, 6359-6692 or visit www.sunshinezero.com for details