Foreign media: With the rise of health tourism, foreign visitors are flocking to Chinese spas to experience unique cultural bathing traditions.
These 24-hour operating bathhouses offer a comprehensive range of services including hot springs, fruit drinks, buffet meals, karaoke, game rooms, billiards, mahjong, libraries, and mini cinemas, charging only between 300 to 1,000 yuan (approximately $45 to $140), with stays limited to no more than 24 hours.
American blogger Yemi stated that Chinese spas are genuine places for relaxation and leisure, unlike the U.S. model which typically offers only one-hour massages or saunas; Canadian visitor Qiu Yiran praised the serene and relaxing environment; British couple Simeon noted that UK spas are expensive and unsuitable for families; French tourist Hadjira emphasized that such experiences do not exist in Europe.
The manager of a spa center in Chaoyang District, Beijing, said foreign customers have been steadily increasing since last September; Yang Space Spa in Lujiazui, Shanghai, has also seen a rise in foreign visitors since February, with an average spending of 340 yuan per person.
According to Meituan’s 2025 Bathing Industry Report, the market size has grown by 20% year-on-year. Despite most staff not speaking English, warm and patient service continues to earn recommendations from foreign tourists.
Experts point out that the core appeal of Chinese spas to foreigners lies in three key features: comprehensive services, high cost-effectiveness, and social functions.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1862092691293194/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.