Shanghai is China's largest city and a global financial hub, where gleaming skyscrapers tower over historic colonial-era buildings along the iconic Bund waterfront. A dynamic metropolis blending East and West, Shanghai offers world-class dining, vibrant arts and culture, and remarkable contrasts between ancient gardens and futuristic architecture.
Top spas
Curated picks for treatments and day spas.
The Peninsula Spa
Three floors of award-winning wellness combining traditional Chinese medicine techniques with European spa traditions. The Swiss shower, vitality pool, thermal suite, and comprehensive treatment menu make this the finest spa experience in Shanghai.
Signature treatment: Traditional Chinese Medicine massage (80 min), Silk Road facial, couples retreat suite
Bulgari Spa Shanghai
The Bulgari Spa brings Italian wellness philosophy to Shanghai with signature Il Cioccolato (chocolate-based) treatments, a stunning indoor pool, and bespoke treatment programs developed exclusively for the brand.
Signature treatment: Bulgari Cioccolato treatment, ESPA-based therapies, signature facial
CHI The Spa at Shangri-La Pudong
CHI Spa draws on the ancient Himalayan healing philosophy of the Shangri-La legends with warm stone massage, aromatic Tibetan salt scrubs, and balancing treatments in tranquil treatment rooms.
Signature treatment: CHI Imperial Herbs massage, Tibetan Singing Bowl ceremony, Himalayan cleansing ritual
Dragonfly Therapeutic Retreat
The most respected and widespread TCM and massage chain in Shanghai, Dragonfly offers expert tui na (Chinese therapeutic massage), reflexology, herbal oil treatments, and aromatherapy in serene zen-inspired environments.
Signature treatment: Tui na therapeutic massage, reflexology, signature Dragonfly herbal oil treatment
Urban Retreat Spa
A curated urban day spa in the Xintiandi neighborhood offering hammam steam treatments, hydrotherapy, Swedish massage, and detox body wraps in a calm, design-forward space popular with Shanghai's professional class.
Signature treatment: Hammam steam ceremony, deep tissue sports massage, anti-aging facial
Wellness retreats
Multi-day immersive experiences.
The Naked Retreat Chongming
Naked Hub's rural retreat center on Chongming Island offers weekend wellness packages with daily yoga, meditation, organic farm-to-table meals, cycling, and forest bathing in a beautifully designed eco-setting.
Longhua Hospital TCM Wellness Program
A medically supervised traditional Chinese medicine program at one of Shanghai's oldest hospitals offering acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, herbal medicine prescriptions, and dietary guidance tailored to individual health goals.
Signature treatments
Local specialties worth seeking out.
Massage
Traditional tui na therapeutic massage from ¥200 ($28) at Dragonfly; full body relaxation massage from ¥300 ($41)
Hammam
Turkish-style hammam steam experience from ¥350 ($48) at urban day spas
Body
Body scrubs and wraps from ¥280 ($39); herbal body wraps specializing in detox and circulation
Facial
Facial treatments from ¥350 ($48) at day spas; luxury anti-aging facials at hotel spas from ¥800 ($110)
Yoga & meditation
Studios, classes, and meditation centres.
YogaSpace Shanghai
Shanghai's most established premium yoga studio with multiple French Concession locations offering hot yoga, vinyasa flow, yin yoga, and meditation classes. Drop-in day passes available.
PURE Yoga Shanghai
International yoga brand with world-class instructors offering a full spectrum of yoga styles plus barre, Pilates, and meditation. Multiple studios in Jing'an and Puxi.
Fuxing Park Morning Tai Chi (free)
Join local residents for free morning tai chi practice in Fuxing Park daily from 6:30-9AM. No instruction or booking needed — simply follow along with the regulars.
Wellness travel tips
Get the most from your wellness experience.
Book hotel spa treatments 2-3 days in advance during peak season (Oct and May holidays)
Traditional tui na massage is more targeted and therapeutic than Swedish massage — specify your needs clearly
Dragonfly has 30+ locations citywide and no advance booking required — walk-in service is fast
Many luxury hotels offer spa packages for hotel guests at 20-30% discount — ask on check-in
Morning tai chi in People's Square or Fuxing Park is free and a genuinely authentic Shanghai wellness experience
Foot reflexology sessions are widely available from ¥80-150 ($11-21) throughout the city — excellent for sightseeing-weary feet