When you think of Hong Kong, the first things that come to mind are probably shopping, dim sum and the city’s stunning beaches. But what many people don’t know is that the former British colony also has a great variety of picturesque pools, from one of the world’s highest to an indoor complex with skyline views.

Some of these pool experiences are accessible to the general public, while others have more swanky restrictions, including only being open for hotel guests or costing hundreds of dollars for day passes. But despite the higher price tags, these hotels and pools are well worth it for a dip in their iconic water features, whether you’re looking to swim laps or just lounge around.

Located in Hung Hom, Kerry Hotel’s rooftop pool offers unobstructed Victoria Harbour views from its sleek design. Non-hotel guests can purchase a day pass for the pool which is open on weekdays for four hours and weekends for seven hours, starting at $500. Hang out by the pool to soak in the scenery and watch the Ngong Ping cable cars zip by before heading to the rooftop bar, Red Sugar, for drinks and snacks.

The newest swimming pool in Hong Kong has been built with an innovative technology, making it the first in Asia to use a translucent insulated tensile membrane, designed by Birdair and contracted through a Shanghai-based company called Sinoleaf International Ltd. The structure is shaped like a seashell to maximize ventilation while maintaining the temperature of the water.

Aside from its unique design, the Pao Yue Kong Swimming Pool in Wong Chuk Hang is a vast complex with pools for all kinds of swimmers. You can do laps in the main pool, practise dives in the diving pool or even just take your kids for a splash in the two kid’s pools with slides and water features.

With the coronavirus pandemic causing pools across the city to shut, many people are asking if it’s safe to go swimming in Hong Kong. Although there have been no cases of the virus being transmitted via pool water, local swimming associations say that it will have a catastrophic effect on elite swimmers in a few years time, when they will need to train at these closed facilities.

In the meantime, here are some of the most impressive pools that you can still enjoy in the heart of the city – some are open, some are not, and some may require a visit to the spa first!