Shanghai Massage Guide: Urban Oasis from Thai Kneading to Zen Spa

Puxi’s Inner Loop offers a massage mosaic: century-old TCM clinics, Thai royal-endorsed studios, and skyline-view spas. Whether you’re a workaholic or a wellness aesthete, there’s a therapy tailored for you.

For those looking to relieve muscle tension, traditional Chinese massage (Tui Na) is a must-try. Using deep tissue pressure and acupressure techniques, these treatments help improve circulation and energy flow.

- Address: 2F, 60 Taicang Rd, Huangpu District 

-Average Price: 300–500RMB

30 branches with herbal compresses & cupping; a "7-Eleven" of TCM.

-Address: 3F, 586 Madang Road

- Average Price: 150-250RMB

Thai massage combines acupressure, stretching, and yoga-like movements to relieve tension and improve flexibility. Unlike oil-based massages, it is performed fully clothed on a mat. This traditional therapy promotes relaxation and energy balance.

Royal Thai Embassy-certified; uses elbow-and-knee acrobatics.
-Address:B1, SOHO Fuxing Plaza, 388 Madang Rd.

-Average Price: 300-400 RMB

Bali-style villas with collagen-boosting treatments.

-Address: 3F, Area A, Jing'an Business Centre, No.68 Yuyuan Road

- Average Price:500-800 RMB

Shanghai offers a range of high-end massage experiences, from luxurious hotel spas to premium wellness centers. These treatments often feature aromatherapy, deep tissue techniques, and exclusive skincare products. Perfect for those seeking relaxation in an elegant and serene setting.

Located within The Langham Xintiandi, The Spa at Chuan offers a range of signature spa, massage and skincare treatments designed to nourish the body and mind and restore harmony and balance. A team of therapists use specialised techniques to help you relax and rejuvenate.

-Address: B1, The Langham Xintiandi, 99 Madang Rd.

-Average Price: 800-1500RMB

Free ice cream & no upselling; foot baths with movie screenings.

-Address: No.793 Julu Road

- Average Price: 400-600RMB

Blind massage in China is a traditional practice where visually impaired therapists use highly developed touch sensitivity to relieve muscle tension and improve circulation. These massages are often deep and therapeutic, offering an authentic and effective healing experience.

CBD storefronts with 60RMB/hr neck relief
-Address: 1065 West Beijing Road

- AveragePrice: 60-100RMB

Targets sciatica with 20 years’ expertise.

-Address: 1898-1904 North Sichuan Road

-Average Price: 80-120 RMB

Relax in the mineral-rich waters of the hot springs, which often feature hot spring baths, spa treatments and traditional Chinese health therapies, making it a tranquil place for everyone to unwind.

Separate wet and dry design + underfloor heating, excellent experience in winter. Adopting Japan's water quality cultivation technology, it provides a variety of baths such as open-air rock baths and kettle baths, as well as a children's playground, a 3D cinema, and a Korean-style nail salon, making it suitable for a ‘light holiday’ for the whole family.
Recommended branches:
-Baoshan Branch: No. 5288 Gonghexin Road

- Average Price: 95 RMB (original price 189 RMB)
-Changqing Store: No.1200, Changqing Road, Pudong, China

-Average Price: same as Baoshan

Avoid peak hours: The most crowded hours are between 7-9pm on weekdays, while lunch breaks are cleaner.
Hygiene and safety: Prefer shops that display the Public Places Hygiene Licence.
Hidden Benefit: Some high-end hotel spas are open to non-residents, so you can experience the ‘Day Return Package’.

In this concrete jungle, massages are Shanghainese’s secret weapon against burnout. May you press “pause” here.