Rowing in Shanghai

By the Watta Team · Updated July 2026

Shanghai's rowing community is growing alongside China's increasing investment in the sport, with clubs on the Huangpu River and Dianshan Lake. The city's international fitness scene includes numerous CrossFit boxes and premium gyms with Concept2 ergs, catering to expats and locals alike who are embracing indoor rowing.

Rowing Life in Shanghai

Shanghai rowers train on the Huangpu River and at Dishui Lake, with a competitive university scene and growing recreational interest. Hot, humid summers and cold winters both push training indoors, making the erg a year-round tool.

When to Row in Shanghai

On-water rowing in Shanghai depends on local seasons and water conditions. Most rowers combine club sessions with indoor erg training to stay consistent year-round, using the erg for structured work when the water is unavailable or conditions are poor.

Rowing Clubs & Programs

Shanghai Rowing Club

A community rowing club for expats and locals on Shanghai's waterways, offering social rowing, competitive opportunities, and erg-based training sessions.

Shanghai Jiao Tong University Rowing

The university rowing programme competes at national collegiate level and trains on the Huangpu River, fostering the next generation of Chinese rowers.

Gyms with Concept2 Ergs

  • +CrossFit Slash in Jing'an -- one of Shanghai's top CrossFit affiliates with Concept2 RowErgs and structured rowing programming.
  • +Will's Gym Shanghai -- a premium Chinese gym chain with Concept2 ergs at multiple locations across the city.

HYROX & Functional Fitness

Shanghai has hosted HYROX events as part of the series' expansion into Asia. CrossFit Slash, F45 locations, and international-standard functional fitness studios across the city offer HYROX-specific training featuring the 1,000m row station.

Training Toolkit for Shanghai Rowers

Track Every Erg in Shanghai with Watta

Whether you train at a club on the water, a CrossFit box, or your home gym in Shanghai, Watta turns every Concept2 session into actionable data. Snap your PM5 screen after a workout, get a 0-100 Effort Score, see your heart rate zones, and compare your progress on the leaderboard — no manual spreadsheet needed.

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