Family Guide
Wednesday, 27 May 2009 05:05
Written by Lindsey Salatka

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Winter sport options in Shanghai are better now than they have ever been with the arrival of the China Sharks professional hockey team and the new full-sized Songjiang University Student Sports Center Rink, where they play. This is only the most prestigious among many ice rinks available for everyone from beginners to figure skaters in the city, with most offering lessons. Both adult and child hockey leagues are getting quite popular. In addition, the Indoor Skiing Site at Yinqixing is the second largest in the world (after Tokyo) and includes a gentle slope for beginners, while offering skiing and snowboarding lessons. The Yinqixing venue hosts a variety of ski clubs and offers discounts to Friday and Saturday night skiers.

Ice Skating and Hockey

Champion Ice Rink (two locations), 6/F, New World Shopping Mall, 2-68 Nanjing Xi Lu near People’s Square, and Bailian Shopping Mall, 7/F, 8 Songhu Lu, Yangpu District. Both are open 10am-9:30pm (10pm on weekends). These rinks are too small for hockey but perfect for beginner skaters. They have instructors for hire, but currently no one who speaks English. The 2nd location will accommodate beginner or 3-3 hockey as well as basic or figure skating. Lesson prices depend on the number of people per class. The entrance fee is RMB 25-45 / person for a 90 minute session, depending on when you go. The price includes rental skates. There are prepaid card options that are cheaper and transferable, with information on the card info and the ice cleaning schedule available at www.championrink.com.

Shanghai University Students International Ice Hockey Arena, Songjiang University Student Sports Center, Wenxiang Lu 2000, Songjiang. This is the first full sized arena in Shanghai, providing a base for all adult hockey leagues and for the newly created professional team, the China Sharks, which is part of the Asian Professional Hockey League. Information about the adult league schedule and information can be found at www.icehockeyshanghai.com, which also explains where hockey equipment can be purchased. The pro team schedule is detailed at www.chinasharks.com.
Hongkou Rink is closed this year, with all hockey league events now played in Songjiang.

The Shanghai Stadium Rink, located next to the stadium south of Xujiahui, is not fully enclosed, so bring along your hat.  

Super Rink, Super Brand Mall, 68 Lujiazui Lu, open 10am-10pm, lesson prices RMB 65 / 2 hours (RMB 50 on Mondays), includes skates and insurance. This 840 sqm rink accommodates kids’ hockey and public skating. Basic skating lessons are available.

The Shanghai Red Guard Youth Hockey Club is a well organized, non-profit organization with 60 kids that runs practice sessions and a junior and senior league, with player allocation based on skills, size, and age and with safety in mind. They also have a traveling elite team who tour to Nanjing, Beijing, Harbin, Qiqihar, Hong Kong and Korea to play in tournaments and exhibition games, and sponsor the kids from Harbin and Qiqihar to play.

To get involved e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Practice and games take place at the Champion Rink, Bailian Shopping Mall 7th Floor, 8 SongHu Rd, Yangpu Districtand Songjiang University City Arena, 2000 Wenxiang Lu, Songjiang District.

Unicorns Hockey (contact Fergus at 6854 6427 or 167 181 6145) organizes ice and inline hockey for ages 6-14.

Skiing

Yinqixing Indoor Skiing Site, 1835 Qixin Lu near Gudai Lu (6478 8666 or 3415 1788, www.yinqixing.com). Entrance fees include rental equipment, with Friday and Saturday night discounts.  Lessons cost from RMB 150-280 / hr depending on private or group lesson.  Snowboarding lessons cost RMB 280-520 / hr. A map is available at the website.

The Shanghai Freestyle Club, 308 Julu Lu (www.freestyler.com.cn) has members ranging from 3-63 years old. 

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