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Beijing shows us the heart of the city's spas and massage centres
The culture of physical well being has existed in China for many centuries, and has been helped along by activities such as Tai Chi, traditional Chinese medicine and Taoism. More recently, spas have been playing a role, and Beijing can boast a number of superior establishments.
One of the best regarded spas in Beijing is the "Oriental Taipan Massage & Spa". Opened five years ago by a Hong Konger, it can be found in four locations in the capital. The Winterless Plaza, in the heart of the business district, is the largest of these. Covering 2,000m², there are 138 massage tables, ten private rooms for facial treatments and full body massages, as well as a VIP room, equipped with its own sauna, a hammam and a large bathtub.
The majority of regular customers enjoy foot reflexology (138RMB for 90 minutes). Amanda, the owner, recommends the "Oriental Taipan signature" massages with essential oils (480 to 880 RMB depending on which oils are used). Oriental Taipan is also well known for their service: fresh fruit juice, tea and Macanese snacks are all offered free of charge.
Open until late in the evening, you can go for a massage any time you feel like it without needing to make a reservation. This is very practical for people that world in this district. Mr.Huang, a local business man, confirms this: "Every week I go to Oriental Taipan, sometimes even twice a week. I'm very at home here - it's becoming a habit!.
A treatment in depth
If you are looking for more personalised treatment, you can always try “I Spa", an authentic Thai spa. Located in the famous Sanlitun area, “I Spa" is owned by a Beijing couple in partnership with a Thai national. Enjoy a treatment in one of the seven, Thai-style private rooms, each equipped with a multifunction shower, and a wooden bathtub.
Both the Thai and local staff speak good basic English, and offer excellent treatments such as the Sothys facial treatment (from 380 RMB), and full body treatments (from 280 RMB). If you have time, why not enjoy a two hour treatment including an aromatic steam bath, exfoliating treatments and a relaxing aromatherapy massage for only 600 RMB? For those suffering from fatigue or muscular pain, try the blind massage parlour, “Comfortable Blind Massage" for a real medical treatment. Don’t expect to be waited upon, or to see any atmospheric lit candles. The place is organised in a very functional way, and the treatments are similarly straightforward: suction cups, moxibustion, acupuncture, foot reflexology (60 RMB per hour) or a full body massage for 60 RMB.
Please remember that this is not designed as a relaxation massage, but a treatment of the deep muscular tissues - the staff do this by massaging with hands, elbows, arms and knees. The staff know exactly which parts of the body to treat, and can feel the knots in your body. Stretched out in the semi-darkens, it is difficult not to drift off a bit as the Qi starts to circulate around your body again. If you want to have a massage in your hotel room, you can add 40 RMB to the prices, and the cost of the taxi.
Text : Maika Endo
Photos : Wang Zhuo
