The best beaches close to you

Beachgoers take to colorful tents for shade at Fengxian Beach.[Photo provided to Shanghai Star]

There are many tempting beaches in and around Shanghai to enjoy sun, sea and fresh air. Here are a few places where you can flaunt your latest bikini and indulge in a little escape from the concrete jungle. Just go armed with sun block.

Bund Beach

Can you imagine sun bathing with a cocktail in hand with the Bund skyline in the background? Head to the Bund Beach, the only beach right in the city center.

It is an artifi cial beach, the size of half a soccer fi eld, and is dissected by a bar down the middle. For the more active, there is beach volleyball and a wading pool for children and adults to make a splash.

And, for those who want to sun tan in moderation, there are brollies and beds with semi-transparent screens.

"It feels so cool to be able to sunbathe here with the view of the skyscrapers across the Huangpu River. It's like being on holiday in Europe," says Aaron Stone, from the United States.

"Parents like to come with children during the day and there are more expats in the evening and night. We usually have around 500 people on a sunny weekend," says Annie Fu, from Shanghai Wharf Commercial Management, the managers of the beach.

A special wedding package was introduced last summer as beach weddings become more popular.

"The newlyweds usually have a ceremony here in the afternoon before a reception, Chinese or Western style," Fu says.

Fashion parties and music and beer festivals are often held on the beach. There are soccer games and special deals for happy hour during the World Cup season.

Address: 421 Waima Road, Huangpu district

10 am to 10 pm, open seven days a week

50 yuan ($8) per person including a complimentary soft drink