Haikou Woman's ID Stolen by Illegal Migrant 17 Years, Reunited

After 17 years without ID, Haikou woman reunites with father, discovers Vietnamese illegal migrant stole her identity for marriage and bank accounts. DNA test now allows new ID and baby's birth certificate.

Tags:

• Identity Theft
• Haikou
• Illegal Migrant
• Family Reunion
• ID Restoration

Source: OT-Team(G), 红星新闻

After spending 17 years separated from her family and living without any valid identification, a woman from Haikou has finally reconnected with her father with the help of police. The case has also uncovered a years-long identity theft scheme in which her household registration and identity were allegedly used by a Vietnamese national who had entered China illegally.

The woman, identified by the pseudonym Xiaofang, made her first contact with her father on June 18 through a police-arranged video call. According to her family, her father recognized her immediately after seeing her on screen for the first time in nearly two decades.

• Left Home at 16 and Lost Her Legal Identity

Xiaofang, whose registered name is Wang Moufang, was born in Haikou, Hainan Province, in 1993. She said her parents divorced when she was young, and she was raised by her father, uncle and grandparents. Due to financial hardship, she dropped out of school during her first year of junior high.

In 2009, at the age of 16, she left home with people from her village to look for work, taking temporary jobs in Haikou, Sanya and later Xi'an.

"At first I simply didn't want to go home," she said. "Later, when I wanted to return, I had no ID card, and I couldn't make my way back."

Without a national ID card, she was unable to obtain formal employment or access many basic public services. She could not open bank accounts, register mobile phone services, buy train tickets or check into hotels. To avoid questions about her missing identity documents, she adopted the unofficial name "Xiaoli," which she used for years without any legal registration.

• Newborn Child Unable to Obtain Birth Certificate

In 2025, Xiaofang met her boyfriend, identified as Mr. Wang. Their child was born at a hospital in Xi'an in April.

Because Xiaofang had no valid identification, hospital staff notified police. Local officers were unable to locate any household registration records under her information, preventing the issuance of the child's birth certificate and delaying household registration procedures.

Mr. Wang spent weeks trying to trace her identity through authorities in Xi'an before eventually contacting police in Haikou.

According to Mr. Wang, local police initially informed him that Xiaofang had already married and transferred her household registration to Wenchang, another city in Hainan. The information surprised the couple, as Xiaofang had never married.

On June 18, police provided contact information for her father, leading to the emotional family reunion.

On June 25, Mr. Wang drove Xiaofang and their newborn more than 2,100 kilometers from Xi'an to Haikou. The following day, her family hosted a banquet to celebrate her return after 17 years.

• Police Discover Identity Had Been Used for Years

The family's reunion soon led to an even more startling discovery.

After finding her original household registration booklet and birth certificate at home, Xiaofang reported the suspected identity theft to Shishan Police Station under the Xiuying Branch of the Haikou Public Security Bureau on July 2.

Police officially opened an administrative investigation on July 6.

According to Mr. Wang, investigators informed him on July 7 that Xiaofang's identity had been fraudulently used for years by a Vietnamese woman who had illegally entered China. Police described the woman as a "three-illegal" migrant—a term commonly used in China to refer to foreigners involved in illegal entry, illegal residence and illegal employment.

Investigators believe the woman was smuggled into China by human traffickers, commonly known in Chinese as "snakeheads." According to police, the smugglers allegedly worked with an intermediary who obtained a Chinese resident identity card using Xiaofang's personal information.

Authorities have since seized the suspect's Chinese identity card, bank cards and other documents, and have asked relevant government departments to revoke fraudulently obtained documents, including her identity card and marriage certificate.

• Identity Allegedly Used to Build an Entire Civil Life

According to information provided to Mr. Wang by police, the Vietnamese woman allegedly registered a marriage in Wenchang in 2013 while using Xiaofang's identity.

The following year, Xiaofang's household registration was transferred from Xiuying District in Haikou to Wenchang without her knowledge.

For more than a decade afterward, the suspect is believed to have continued using Xiaofang's identity to obtain bank cards, mobile phone numbers and accounts on major Chinese digital platforms, including WeChat and Alipay.

The case has raised broader questions about how Xiaofang's personal information was obtained and how someone was able to acquire official identity documents under another person's name. Mr. Wang said he hopes investigators will determine how the information was leaked and whether others were involved in facilitating the fraudulent registration.

• DNA Test Required Before New ID Can Be Issued

To restore Xiaofang's legal identity, police have arranged a DNA test to confirm her relationship with her father. Authorities say a new identity card can only be issued after the test results are completed.

On July 14, staff at Shishan Police Station confirmed to reporters that the DNA testing had been completed and that a new ID card would be processed once the biological relationship is officially verified. They added that the identity theft investigation remains ongoing.

For Xiaofang, obtaining a legal identity is now essential not only for rebuilding her own life after 17 years without official documentation, but also for allowing her newborn child to receive a birth certificate and complete household registration procedures. Meanwhile, police continue investigating how her identity was allegedly stolen and used for more than a decade by an illegal migrant.

Shanghai Robot Cops ： AI Traffic Management with English Voice Alerts

Shanghai deploys humanoid traffic robots at two intersections. They detect jaywalking, speak English, answer questions, and self-charge. A pilot project from World AI Conference, may expand citywide.

Tags:

• Shanghai
• AI Traffic Robots
• Humanoid Police
• Expat-Friendly
• Smart City Pilot

Did You See the Robot Cops in Shanghai? They Speak English (And They'll Call You Out)

If you haven't walked past the World Expo Center lately, you're missing one of Shanghai’s most futuristic—and slightly hilarious—new sights.

Yes, Shanghai has officially deployed humanoid traffic management robots at two busy intersections. And they are very serious about their job.

What They Actually Do

These AI officers are packed with visual recognition tech. They read traffic signals in real time, use standard hand gestures to direct vehicles, and can spot violations such as:

• Jaywalking

• E-bike riders without helmets

• Crossing beyond the stop line

• Illegal passenger-carrying

  
  

When they detect an offense, they issue an instant voice warning—clear, firm, and polite:

“This comrade, for your safety, please do not run the red light!”

Yes, They Speak English

For expats and international visitors, this is where it gets interesting.

The robots support both Chinese and English—and they're not just programmed with a few fixed phrases. They have a full database of the surrounding area, including metro stations, landmarks, and traffic routes. They can also answer questions about vehicle registration and accident procedures.

So whether you're lost or just curious, you can actually hold a conversation with them.

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Smart Enough to Charge Themselves

One practical question many people ask: how do they stay powered all day?

Each intersection has a dedicated charging booth. When the battery runs low, the robot autonomously walks back to its station and plugs in—no human intervention required. This allows for 24/7 operation without downtime.

A Pilot with Citywide Ambitions

This initiative launched during the World AI Conference and is a collaboration between Shanghai's traffic authorities and local tech company SkyEnGen Technology.

According to police officials, the trial phase will gather critical data on performance and reliability. If successful, the robots could be gradually rolled out to more intersections across Shanghai—making the city a global pioneer in AI-assisted traffic management.

Public Response

Online discussions reflect a mix of amazement and curiosity:

“Shanghai is way too ahead of the curve.”

“The English pronunciation is surprisingly good!”

“Can we make them look a bit less creepy?”

Whether you need directions or just want to see Shanghai's latest tech in action, it's worth a visit. Just remember—cross on the green light.

Source: 新闻坊

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Shanghai Outdoor Pools 2026 ： Prices, Dates & Family Picks

Shanghai outdoor pool guide for 2026: prices from RMB50-418, opening dates until Oct, weekend surcharges, family-friendly pools, and guest pass details.

Tags:

• Shanghai
• Outdoor Pools
• Family-Friendly
• Summer 2026
• Pool Guide

We've had some typhoon excitement, the plum rain season has come to an end, and we have now entered sanfu, the hottest period of the year.

It is a truth universally acknowledged that anyone enduring the sweaty-ass Shanghai summer is in want of some water to plunge into and cool off.

Luckily, there's no shortage of outdoor pools around town. Whether you're looking for a sandy beach, a sun-soaked party spot, or a child-friendly pool with fun slides, our list has it all.

So slap on some sunscreen and inflate those floaties—it's time to take a dip!

Please Note: Shanghai swimming pools are infamous for changing their opening details as the summer progresses.

Where possible, we have provided you with a phone number for you to check on the latest. And don't forget that Dianping is your friend.

Oh, and if you discover any updates to the info provided, please feel free to let us know by scanning the QR code at the end of the article.

Be cool!

Ambassy Club Puxi

Slides, fountains and pool play-things galore, this Xuhui private club turns into a child-magnet come summertime... but you can drop in during the week for a quieter experience. 

The excellent location keeps the masses coming back year on year. And although it is members only, guest day passes are available...

Open: Until Oct 8

Hours:

• Mon: 11am-6pm

• Tue-Sun: 9am-6pm

Cost: Members only, which includes all their facilities

3-months summer membership:

• Single RMB4,100

• Family (2 adults, 2 children) RMB6,000

12-month annual membership:

• Single RMB7,000

• Family (2 adults, 2 children) RMB13,800

Guest pass, maximum of twice a month per person:

• RMB300 adult

• RMB160 kid

Phone: 6437 9800

Ambassy Club, 1500 Huaihai Zhong Lu, by Wulumuqi Zhong Lu, Xuhui District 淮海中路1500号, 近乌鲁木齐中路

Ambassy Club Pudong

Sister to the Xuhui private club above, and on the other side of the river, this outdoor resort-styled swimming pool and poolside patio is another family-friendly choice, with its children's play pool and Jacuzzi.

Part of comprehensive leisure and sports facilities with personalized service, you can also enjoy yourself in the indoor swimming pool all year round, where professional swimming coaches and lessons are also available. 

Open: Until Sep 30

Hours: 9am-9pm*

*Opens 11am Mondays due to cleaning

Cost: 

Each That's Shanghai reader is allowed to purchase up to 4 single entry daypass tickets:

• RMB110 weekdays

• RMB130 weekends

Extra perk: One free summer special drink included with every single ticket

Annual Membership

• Single RMB9,000

• Family (1 adult, 1 child) RMB14,000

Phone: 5895 8017

Ambassy Club, 588 Hongfeng Lu, by Mingyue Lu, Pudong District 红枫路588号, 近明月路

Amara Signature Shanghai

Location! Location! Location!

The Amara Signature Shanghai hotel has built up quite the fanbase over the last few years due to its positioning just off party street Jiaozhou Lu.

They have a small kid's pool too, for the little party people.

Open: Until Sep 30

Hours: 8am-6pm

Cost: RMB168; half price for children under 12

Phone: 6288 9888

Amara Signature Shanghai, 600 Changshou Lu, by Jiaozhou Lu, Xuhui District 长寿路600号, 近胶州路

Grand Plaza

It might be small, and it's not as fancy as some of the other pools in town, but it's cheap, conveniently located, and a great spot to gather with friends.

Open: Until Sep 30

Hours: 9am-9pm

Cost: RMB150 weekdays; RMB200 weekend; RMB80 children under 1.2m

Phone: 6289 4835

Shanghai Grand Plaza, 568 Julu Lu, by Shaanxi Nan Lu 巨鹿路568号, 近陕西南路

InterContinental Shanghai Harbour City

Located on the South Island of iconic Dishui Lake, the new InterContinental Shanghai Harbour City boasts a truly urban resort experience with four swimming pools all open to the public.

As well as an indoor heated pool they have three outdoor pools all located on the lake edge:

• A stunning heated infinity pool with spectacular view over the lake

• A large children's pool

• A full size adult pool

Day usage passes are available as well as quarterly, semi-annual, and annual memberships. The pool is serviced by a fully stocked bar and kitchen to ensure you are kept nourished while you enjoy the facilities.

Open: Until Sep 30

Hours: 8am-8pm

Cost: RMB200 adult, RMB100 child

Phone: 2033 9999

InterContinental Shanghai Harbour City, No. 1 South Island, Lingang New City, by Huanhu Xi San Lu 临港新城南岛1号, 近环湖西三路

Jinshan Urban Beach

Pools are for show, beaches are for pros. None of that 'imported' sand stuff here. This is Chinese sand... and proud!

If you want to dive into the sea, frolic in the waves and enjoy fresh seafood, take the trip out to this Shanghai suburb.

You have to pay a bit more to get on the beach in the summer (just RMB60), but that is the time of year you want to be there!

Open: June 20-Sep 10

Hours: 8.30am-9.30pm

Cost: RMB45 weekdays; RMB60 weekend; half price for children 1.3m-1.5m; free for children under 1.3m

Jinshan Urban Beach, 5 Xincheng Lu, by Huhang Gonglu 新城路5号, 近沪杭公路

JW Marriott Shanghai Tomorrow Square

Conveniently located in the center of the city, the JW Marriott Shanghai Tomorrow Square outdoor pool is the perfect spot for a sophisticated snooze and tan.

Open: Until Oct 7

Hours: 8.30am-9.30pm

Cost: RMB388 adult, RMB200 child (4-12 years old)

Phone: 5359 4969

JW Marriott Shanghai Tomorrow Square, 399 Nanjing Xi Lu, by Huangpi Bei Lu 南京西路399号, 近黄陂北路

Kimpton Qiantan Shanghai

Calling all ballers! The Kimpton Qiantan has an offer on to live it up at their infinity pool for RMB418 a person.

No further description necessary—the picture says it all.

Scan the QR on the poster below to live the VIP life...

Open: Until Sep 30

Hours: 8.30am-9.30pm

Cost: RMB418

Phone: 2086 9877

Kimpton Qiantan Shanghai, No. 9, Lane 199 Qiantan Da Dao, by Yaolong Lu, Pudong District 前滩大道199弄9号, 近耀龙路

L*SNOW Water Park

Welcome to L*Snow—where winter and summer collide in the most gloriously ridiculous way possible!

This place made headlines as the biggest indoor ski slope on the planet, a frosty paradise of powdery peaks and chairlift chills.

Then someone up top—literally—looked at that massive, swooping roof and thought, “You know what this needs? More chaos. And water.”

So they did the only logical thing: they built a full-blown, sun-blazing waterpark on the roof.

That’s right—one minute you’re carving down a mountain in a puffy jacket, and the next you’re dodging splash buckets in swim trunks, all in the same mega building.

It’s part winter wonderland, part tropical getaway, and 100% the kind of architectural madness that makes you think, “Only in Shanghai!”

Open: Until Sep 30

Hours: 10am-8pm

Cost: RMB250

Shanghai L*SNOW Water Park, No.1-5, Lane 2088, Hucheng Ring Lu, Nanhui New City near Qiqing Lu, Pudong District 南汇新城镇沪城环路2088弄-2号， 近杞青路

Mandarin City

With a swim-up bar serving drinks and food, this was a perennial Shanghai summer hot spot. Sadly, management issues has seen it fall into disrepair.

It was back for a brief flicker a couple of summers ago... then shut down again.

Who knows what this summer will hold?

Open: TBC

Hours: TBC

Cost: TBC

Phone: TBC

Mandarin City, 1129 Guyang Lu, by Shuicheng Nan Lu 古羊路1129号, 近水城南路

Le Meridien Sheshan Shanghai

Dive into the divine. Located right on the edge of a nationally-protected forest, gaze onto the greenery from the edge of their infinity pool or the real sand beach. 

They do a great weekend buffet deal, making the lush lounging for the whole family all the more delightful.

Open: Until Sep 30

Hours: 8am-8pm

Cost: RMB168

New Star

Not only do they offer hot tubs, cool baths, steam and dry saunas, showers, a restaurant and a lounge, but you can get a workout in at the gym or go for an afternoon snooze in one of their cabanas.

An exceptional deal, even if it is located a little out west.

Open: From July 5

Hours: 9am-6.30pm

Cost: 

• RMB92 on Dianping

• RMB168

• RMB298 for 2

Phone: 3432 0777

New Star, 258 Jinhui Nan Lu, by Wuzhong Lu 金汇南路258弄1号, 近吴中路

Hyatt Centric Zhongshan Park Shanghai

Surely the largest hotel pool in Puxi and, while pricier than some of the ground-level spots, is quiet and has a fantastic view, with a decent-sized outdoor terrace that promises a relaxing afternoon escape.

Open: Until Oct 7

Hours: 8am-6pm

Cost: RMB250

Hyatt Centric Zhongshan Park Shanghai, 1555 Dingxi Lu, by Yuyuan Lu, Changning District 定西路1555号, 近愚园路

Oland Club

Looking to cool off in the wild, wild west (past Hongqiao Airport) then Oland Club is your place. Located in Qingpu, the pool is family-friendly and has a well-priced restaurant right next door.

Open: June 1-Oct 1

Hours: 10am-10pm

Cost:

• RMB98 on Dianping

• RMB150 adults (taller than 1.3m)

• RMB100 kids (shorter than 1.3m)

Phone: 3980 9290

Oland Club, 111 Lianmin Lu 联民路111号

Playa Maya

A huge water park out in Songjiang with countless slides (just look at them!), wave pools and everything else you'd expect from a massive, super-fun water park.

Open: Until Sep 30

Hours: 9.30am-10pm

Cost: RMB180

Phone: 3355 2222

Playa Maya, 888 Linhu Lu, by Linyin Da Dao 镇林湖路888号, 近林荫大道

Purple Mountain Hotel

This round rooftop pool used to throw huge pool parties every summer, but seems to have matured with Shanghai herself.

When the atmosphere isn't filled with pumpin' beats and party-goers, it's a great place to catch some sun; luckily, the surrounding skyscrapers don't block the rays.

There's also a kiddie pool that'll keep the little ones entertained.  

Open: Until Sep 30

Hours: 10am-10pm

Cost: RMB200 adult, RMB100 child (under 16 years old)

Phone: 6886 8888

Purple Mountain Hotel, 778 Dongfang Lu, by Zhangyang Lu 东方路778号, 近张杨路

Radisson Blu Forest Manor Shanghai Hongqiao

Escape the hustle and bustle of Shanghai and immerse yourself in a 1,000 sqm outdoor pool haven.

This aquatic retreat transports guests to a Spanish-inspired royal escape, encircled by lush coconut groves, charming fountains, a pristine white-sand beach, and architecture reminiscent of the Alhambra Palace—exuding undeniable Mediterranean allure.

Recline on luxurious sun loungers beneath shady parasols, savoring refreshing beverages and delectable snacks from the on-site bar.

Water quality that meets international standards, immaculate changing rooms, showers, and ample storage facilities ensure utmost comfort.

With professional lifeguards on constant watch and playful water toys for children, safety and enjoyment remain perfectly balanced.

Open: Until Aug 31

Hours: 9am-7pm

Cost: RMB380 adult, RMB190 child* 

Phone: 5329 8888

*Free for in-house guests

Radisson Blu Forest Manor Shanghai Hongqiao, 839 Jinfeng Lu, by Tianshan Xi Lu, Minhang District 金丰路839号, 近天山西路

Shang-Mira Garden

You know that big flower egg on the way to Hongqiao Airport? Well just around the corner is Shang-Mira Garden. Located in 'Japanese Town' Gubei, here you can combine a cooling dip with a tasty izakaya experience.

Open: Until Sep 30

Hours: 7am-9pm

Cost:

• RMB100 weekdays

• RMB150 weekends

• RMB2,400 annual membership

Shang-Mira Garden, 87 Shuicheng Nan Lu, by Yan'an Xi Lu, Changning District 水城南路87号, 近延安西路

Shanghai Sun Island Golf & Spa Resort

Surf's up, dude!

This massive pool makes waves with its 'real imported sand' beaches and twisty slides. 

Make it a day trip or luxury weekend getaway, you can also go rock climbing, play on their 36-hole golf course, rent go-karts and ride horses. 

Open: Until Sep 15

Hours: 9am-7pm

Cost: RMB99 weekdays; RMB159 weekends

Phone: 6983 3888

Shanghai Sun Island Golf & Spa Resort, 2588 Shentai Lu 沈太路2588号

Shimao Riviera Garden Pool

This location offers plenty of swimming space and a good-sized stretch of beach. When we head here, we stay all day.

A few volleyball courts are usually set up and they have a wave machine they turn on for extra fun.

There's also a workout pool inside, but when the sun is beating down on the sand, you won't find too many people swimming in those lanes.

Open: Until Sep 30

Hours: 10am-7pm

Cost: RMB200 adult; RMB100 child under 1.5m

Phone: 6888 8108

Shimao Riviera Garden Pool, 1-2 Weifang Xi Lu, by Pucheng Lu 地址 潍坊西路1-2号, 近浦成路

Vizcaya Club

Look sexy in the sun at this Spanish-style villa complex. The pool is pretty shallow (0.8-1.5 meters) but large and impressive, plus even the kids’ side pool is something to admire.

The indoor pool is similarly sized and heated, so even when the temperature begins to fall, you can still escape to this taste of Iberia.

Open: June-Sep

Hours: 10am-7pm

Cost: RMB118 on Dianping

Phone: 136 3640 5605

Vizcaya Club, 1988 Yunshan Lu, by Mingyue Lu, Pudong District 云山路1988号, 近明月路

W Shanghai - The Bund

Indulge yourself on the deck at W Shanghai – The Bund with views of the spectacular Shanghai skyline. 

Offering loungers, snacks and a poolside bar, this is a excellent option for parents and children alike, and is also a favorite for Instagram snappers.

Open: From June

Hours: 10am-6pm

Cost: Free for guests, otherwise members only

• Month membership RMB3,000

• Half-year membership RMB11,000

• Annual membership RMB22,000 per person

• Annual family membership (2 adults, 2 children) RMB35,000

Phone: 2286 9999

W Shanghai - The Bund, 66 Lvshun Lu, by Machang Lu 旅顺路66号, 近马厂路

Yanlord Riverside Garden

Arguably the best value pool on the list, at just RMB50, Yanlord Riverside Garden is very family-friendly, and also has a compound shop right next to it meaning stocking up on snacks and refreshments is super convenient.

Open: From July 1

Hours: 8am-9.30pm

Cost: RMB50

Yanlord Riverside Garden, 2/F, No. 388, 32 Furongjiang Lu, Tianshan Lu, Changning District 芙蓉江路388号32号2楼西部, 近天山支路

Yanlord Garden Pudong

Sister-over-the-river to the pool above, and another cheap family favorite.

Open: Until Sep 30

Hours: 9am-9pm

Cost: RMB59

Yanlord Garden, Lane 99, Puming Lu, by Shangcheng Lu, Pudong District 浦明路99弄, 近商城路

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