4 cheap (and not at all seedy) massage parlours in Shanghai

Photograph: Kai Miano, via CC0.

It's a long work week and your wallet's taken a thrashing from travel. Unwind on the cheap with these bargain (and not at all seedy) massages. Don't expect luxury, but these will get the job done.

Muse Scent-Spa 

Photograph: Muse Scent-Spa

Hidden away up a staircase in the vicinity of the enormous Brilliant City apartment complex is where you'll find Muse Scent-Spa. The staff are friendly and the space is noticeably very clean, with massages taking place in the several private rooms that come complete with a private shower. The full body massage lasts an hour and is very thorough, if not slightly uncomfortable at times, as the masseur works on every knot and kink in your neck, vertebral column and legs. It ends with a very relaxing head massage, which we think definitely makes up for the odd painful pressure-relieving press in the neck.

📍Second Floor, 65 Zhongtan Lu, near Yuanjing Lu (5299 0607). 60-minute full-body massage 128RMB; 98RMB (Dianping discount).

Qing Blind Massage

Photograph: Annie Lin

Walk down a small lane to find this tranquil, secluded sanctuary where you can unwind with an hour-long full body massage from masseuses who are blind or sight impaired and believed to have a heightened ability to detect knots and trigger points by touch. A labyrinth of narrow passageways lead to treatment rooms with a single rose laid out on the massage table - a sweet touch. The massage starts on your shoulders, goes to a gentle rub of your neck, then circular motions on your back, side-to-side rolling of your legs and a massage on the bottom of your feet. It ends with a scalp and forehead massage to improve blood circulation while destressing you completely.

📍No 30, Lane 319, Jiaozhou Lu, near Wuding Lu (6253 5772). 60-minute full-body massage 98RMB; 88RMB (Dianping discount).

Shangong Yangsheng

Photograph: Shangong Yangsheng

Set near Century Park, Shanggong Yangsheng is cheap, cheerful and clean. The rooms are communal, but chances are you'll have it all to yourself if you head down on a weekday. If you're feeling peckish, tea and fresh fruit are complimentary – not always the case at cheaper massage parlours. The full body massage is thorough, covering back, arms, legs and head. It's relatively gentle, save for when the masseuse applies more pressure on your tighter areas.

📍First Floor, Bolanhui Square, 1099 Meihua Lu, near Fangdian Lu. 60-minute full-body massage 138RMB; 98RMB (Dianping discount).

Jingdu Massage

It might look a little tired from the outside (and the inside, actually), but this sprawling underground massage parlour offers a range of high-quality treatments for really reasonable prices. In a private group room, kitted out with a TV and lots of tea, the chatty masseuses slowly work over our key pressure points, thoroughly kneading out knots while gently chastising us for our bad posture. It's painful at times, but in a good way – a way that feel like some wrongs are being put right. As an extra bonus, there’s a sign offering complimentary xiaochi, as well as tea and soft drinks – though untested, if Jingdu can feed us as well as soothe our aches and pains, it’ll have all the boxes ticked and then some. 

📍1718 Xinzha Lu, near Jiaozhu Lu (6272 3573). 60-minute full body massage 156RMB; 98RMB (Dianping discount).

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