The Best Spas In Shanghai For Every Budget

No matter how little or how much you’re looking to spend, there’s a Shanghai spa that’s perfect for you.

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Bargain relaxation

New Star Spa

Double Rainbow Massage House

A mainstay in Shanghai’s Former French Concession neighborhood, Double Rainbow Massage House is a no-frills Chinese massage parlor that stays cheap without compromising quality. Though a massage at Double Rainbow does not come with a private room or complimentary beverages, the treatment from blind masseurs leaves even the most weary refreshed. Prices begin at RMB60 (US$8.50).

Budget-friendly

Zen Massage

Zen Massage’s mission is to provide guests with an “escape from the rigor and stress of life in the city, and to restore…body, mind, and spirit.” Located in a cozy and traditional lane in the former French Concession, Zen Massage offers everything from a traditional Chinese massage (RMB178 (US$26) for 60 min.) to the popular aroma oil body massage (RMB258 (US$38) for 60 min.) The latter lets you choose from a range of essential oils, such as the fatigue-alleviating grape seed oil or the immune system-enhancing jasmine oil.

Dragonfly Spa

Now with locations China-wide, Dragonfly Spa got its start right on Shanghai’s Xinle Road. The spa, massage parlour, and beauty salon has attracted so many fans, in fact, that some have even tattooed the company’s signature dragonfly logo onto their skin. The original location, still arguably the best of the chain, offers five floors of relaxation, including a so-called “Love Nest” for couples. Services range from Western-style massages to traditional Chinese medicine rejuvenations, facials to waxing, manicures to eyelash extensions. Though the spa reaches the upper range of the budget-friendly spots in Shanghai, its unparalleled service makes it worth it every time.

Subconscious Day Spa

Despite its name, Subconscious Day Spa is much more than just a day spa. Sure, they specialize in massages and body treatments, but they also offer pilates, demonstrating their commitment to your health and wellness. Those looking for a foot massage can’t go wrong with Subconscious’ range of Chinese to Swedish-style rub-downs. Others will delight in the milk bath or the Chinese Manual Therapy deep tissue massage, set at the reasonable RMB120 (US$17.50) for 30 minutes and RMB360 (US$53) for 60 minutes, respectively.

Treat Yo’self

The Peninsula Spa

Awarded a five-star rating by the Forbes Travel Guide 2018, the Peninsula Spa at the Peninsula Hotel may very well be Shanghai’s fanciest spa. Here, a 50-minute massage (offered in a range of styles) comes at the bank-breaking RMB880 (US$129), but the high price tag isn’t for nothing. With highly trained massage technicians and only the highest quality treatment products courtesy of French luxury skincare brand Biologique Recherche, the Peninsula Spa truly offers a five-star wellness experience.

Anantara Spa

One of the few Shanghai spas to be able to compete with the Peninsula, Anantara Spa at the Puli Shanghai has mastered the art of relaxation, offering massage techniques from China, Thailand, and India. Located in the heart of the bustling Jing’an district, the Puli is a retreat, and tucked away inside is somewhere so tranquil that guests will be transported to the beaches of Thailand itself. Being a hotel spa, Anantara – like the Peninsula – doesn’t come cheap. In fact, those looking for the spa day of their dreams should be prepared to shell out over RMB1000 (US$145).

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.