Shanghai offers a number of waterways for paddleboarding and kayaking. From village creeks to urban river loops and park lakes, here are some of the best spots to get out on the water.

Cenbu village

Address: Cenbu village, Jinze town, Qingpu district

Tucked along the shores of Dianshan Lake, Cenbu village is often called the "little Amazon of Qingpu". Its lush greenery forms arches over the waterways, creating a tunnel-like feel. The village offers a 4-kilometer paddling loop through rice paddies, reeds, and old residences, with professional coaches available for beginners.

Zhangjiang water loop

Address: around Zhangjiang AI Inno Park, Pudong New Area

The water loop links multiple waterways in the Zhangjiang area, including the Sanba River, Hengmian River, Zhihui River, and Xiaozhangjiabang River. The waterways in the first phase have a total length of 11.8 km. Visitors can enjoy paddleboarding and kayaking at three waterfront activity platforms along this route.

Danba Art Dock

Address: No 2690 West Guangfu Road, Putuo district

The dock area has been transformed into a summer water park featuring sunset paddleboard yoga, paddleboarding with pets, stand-up paddle polo, and water music cruises.

New Jiangwan City Culture and Sports Park

Address: Intersection of Zhenghe Road and Guoxiu Road, Yangpu district

Situated in northern Yangpu, this 170,000-square-meter park features dedicated areas for culture, sports, green spaces, and water-based activities. The water sports center is professionally managed to guarantee safety and fun for visitors of different ages, offering activities such as paddleboarding and kayaking.

Nianfeng Park

Address: East side of the intersection of Nianfeng Road and Huti Road, Fengxian district

With its prime waterfront location on Jinhai Lake in Fengxian, this park has become a go-to spot for water fun. The water sports area, operated by Direction Kayak ASSN, offers stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, training, and races.

Panlong Xintiandi

Address: No 8 Alley 123, Panding Road, Qingpu district

As dusk falls, Panlong Xintiandi comes alive with lights reflecting on the water. Professional camps organize paddleboarding and kayaking, inviting participants to glide through the illuminated waterways.

Anzhuang village

Address: Anzhuang village, Zhujiajiao town, Qingpu district

Adjacent to Dalian Lake and Dianshan Lake in Zhujiajiao town, Anzhuang village offers a welcoming environment for first-timers, with calm, expansive waters that make it easy to balance.

Jiabei Country Park

Address: No 5051 Huyi Highway, Jiading district

The park offers paddleboarding day camps for children, where young participants receive thorough safety training and step-by-step skill instruction, making it a family-friendly destination.

Meilan West Lake Park

Address: No 750 Meilanhu Road, Luodian town, Baoshan district

Shendong Water Sports Club at Meilan West Lake Park offers activities for all skill levels, from easy jet kart rides for beginners to paddleboarding, kayaking, motorboats, and powered surfboards for those seeking more of a challenge.

Yingdong Resort

Address: Yingdong Resort, Chenjia town, Chongming district

Yingdong Resort's Donghu Lake spans 16.67 hectares, roughly the size of 23 soccer fields. With its wide, clear waters, the lake is ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating.

Sources: Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism, scenic spots and venues mentioned above