Beyond the Bund: foreign visitors turn to Shanghai's bathhouse

by LI Ye

Soon after arriving in Shanghai in late 2025, Russian vlogger Alina Iasina noticed that many young residents were not just visiting bathhouses — they were spending entire weekends inside them.

These were not quick, hour-based spas, but large complexes where people bathe, eat and socialize for hours at a time.

Curious, she decided to try one herself.

"Russia also has bathhouses, but they are very different," she said. She said she was struck by the size of the venues and how long guests could stay. Packages can last six, 12 or even 16 hours, with overnight options available. Fruit and drinks are included and available throughout the day.

"In Russia, you usually get two or three hours. If you want to stay longer, you pay much more," she said. "Here, you can spend the whole day."

She shared the experience with her nearly 10,000 followers, many of whom asked for details about the location.

Photo:Alina Iasina's social media account

Her visit coincides with a broader recovery in inbound travel to China. Since late 2024, transit visa-free stays have been extended from 144 hours to 240 hours, and by mid-2025 the policy covered 55 countries. Shanghai recorded 9.36 million inbound visits in 2025, up 39.6% year on year, according to official data.

Bathhouses have begun to feature more prominently in overseas social media discussions about what to do in Shanghai, alongside established attractions such as the Bund and historic neighborhoods.

Part of that interest is fueled by a recent wave of overseas posts in which foreign creators document attempts to immerse themselves in everyday Chinese routines — from sauna visits and body scrubs to home-style soups and late-night porridge. For some, a bathhouse visit fits into that broader curiosity about how locals spend their time.

One venue frequently mentioned online is the Wujiaochang branch of Shui Guo Life Style. DU Huihui, the store manager, said foreign visitors have risen noticeably since September last year. "We had two guests from Germany who flew here specifically to experience it," Du said. "They try everything. Many return."

Daytime packages range from six to 16 hours, while overnight stays extend to around 14 hours. In addition to bathing facilities, the venue includes several types of saunas, gaming areas, card rooms and billiards tables. Seasonal fruit and beverages are included.

Photo: Shui Guo Life Style Photo: Shui Guo Life Style

ZHENG Xinyi, marketing director at the hotel group operating Shui Guo, said the scale of the venues and the all-inclusive model are less common in many overseas markets. Operators rely on bundled pricing and steady foot traffic rather than strict per-hour billing, she said, with bulk procurement and in-house brands helping to manage costs.

Industry operators say Shanghai has become an important market for upgraded bathhouse formats that blend leisure, entertainment and social space. Many venues cover more than 15,000 square meters and are designed to appeal to younger consumers who treat them as places to spend extended periods of time.

A salt steam room at Shui Guo

At Shanghai's annual legislative and political advisory meetings in 2026, officials highlighted boosting consumption and improving services for inbound visitors, as they look to stimulate domestic demand and attract higher-spending travelers.

For some foreign visitors, a bathhouse visit has become part of exploring everyday life in the city. Instead of moving quickly between landmarks, they stay in one place — soaking, eating and resting — as the hours pass.

In that shift, bathhouses have become part of how some travelers experience Shanghai beyond its skyline.