WINTER in southern China feels very different from the cold in the north — and that, in itself, is the perfect excuse to soak in a hot spring, isn’t it?

Whether you’re visiting Shanghai for a short trip or living here long term, these bathhouses are all excellent options. And if you’re willing to travel just a little farther for a true hot spring, be patient — the second half of this article will likely be just what you’re looking for.

PRO Tips

DON’T soak when you’re hungry, just ate, or after drinking alcohol.

If you’re exhausted from travel, long walks, or lack of sleep, take a break first. Soaking right away can make you dizzy.

Skip the hot spring if you’re feeling overly emotional, angry, or your heart is racing.

If you have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, or any acute or infectious illness, it’s best to avoid hot springs.

Take off metal jewelry. Hot spring minerals can cause discoloration.

Start warm, not hot. Let your body adjust before increasing the temperature. Dry off quickly, and avoid cold wind.

Keep each soak to 15-20 minutes, with breaks in between. A “soak, rest, and then soak” rhythm works best.

Stand up slowly to avoid lightheadedness.

Keep your head above water. Do not submerge nor hold your breath.

Drink water, rest well and apply moisturizer after soaking.

QI Le Tang

SHANGHAI’S largest Japanese-style bathhouse offers calm and elegance.

Over 2,000sqm of soft water baths offer a variety of rejuvenating options.

The famous “Japanese beauty soft water” enhances the experience, along with over 60 delicious dishes.

Opening hour: 24 hours

Tel: 3365-7777

Average price: 182 yuan per person

Address: 369 Hudi Rd, Fengxian District

SHUI Guo Tang Quan Sheng Huo

THIS elegant 18,000 square-meter facility blends luxurious design with superb service. It stands out among Japanese- and Korean-style steam rooms with its slick modern aesthetics and large space, including a sofa area. In the changing room, guests can choose a fruit-themed bathrobe.

Enjoy fragrant floral tea and relaxed chats in the sauna. Hot water appears to melt stress and exhaustion here.

Services such as body cleaning, foot treatments, and massages are available.

The third floor has a fun arcade and a stylish bowling rink for all kinds of entertainment preferences. Exclusive activity rooms are perfect for small gatherings, while the screening room and lounge are for a relaxed time.

Opening hour: 24 hours

Tel: 3328-6969

Average price: 343 yuan per person

Address: B1, Bldg H, B Hall of Longfor Paradise Walk, Shenchang Rd, Minhang District

YU Shui Hot Spring

AT Tianmu Lake, you can stroll through the bamboo forest, refresh your eyes and lungs, and indulge in a hot spring soak!

This location features a rare bicarbonate-calcium hot spring in East China, known for its skin-softening, fatigue-relieving, and rejuvenating qualities. It’s a natural mineral spring that promotes both physical and mental well-being. It’s also listed as one of China’s “top 10 hot springs.”

With 52 outdoor pools and 4 indoor pools scattered across 3,500-mu (about 233 hectares) of bamboo forest, the privacy of the hot springs is well-maintained, and you can also enjoy beautiful mountain views.

If you prefer indoor settings, you’ll also love the temperature-controlled glass rooms.

The hot spring area includes a variety of functional pools, such as massage pools, hot stone baths, Turkish baths, a unique nine-grid hotpot pool, and a charging area (where you can add rose petals or herbal ingredients).

Beverages and light snacks are also available, and there are restaurants and accommodations to complete the experience — perfect for couples or families.

A 10-minute walk will take you to the Nanshan Bamboo Sea Scenic Area. You can also visit the nearby Tianmu Lake Natural Scenery Park to enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Opening hour: 1pm-9:30pm

Tel: 0519-8793-8888

Average price: 228 yuan per person

Address: No. 888, Lijiayuan Village, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province

SUN Island Shanghai Resort Hotel

THE 2,500-mu Sun Island Shanghai Resort Hotel in Shanghai’s Zhujiajiao Town, Qingpu District, offers a great island retreat.

The Han- and Tang-style hotel has eight outdoor pools, five therapeutic energy rooms, an indoor heated pool, private indoor chambers, children’s recreational facilities and several private indoor hot chambers, all set amid lush, oxygen-rich woodlands.

The 35-40 degrees Celsius hot pools provide visitors with a tranquil, natural setting amidst the oxygen-rich woodland and the resort offers bathing, steaming, relaxation and therapeutic wellness.

The resort is family-friendly, offering a children’s heated pool, a pet-friendly cat house and parent-child activities, ensuring fun for the whole family.

A true one-stop vacation destination, it combines hot baths, gourmet dining, accommodation and entertainment — perfect for a weekend getaway without the need to move around.

In addition, the resort serves traditional Chinese warm beverages and seasonal fruits, enhancing the multi-sensory experience across its outdoor pools, energy rooms, indoor pools and recreational areas.

Opening hour: 1pm-10pm

Tel: 6186-9666

Average price: 155 yuan per person

Address: 2588 Shentai Rd, Qingpu District

NINGHAI Forest Hot Springs

LOCATED in the heart of nature, Ninghai Forest Hot Springs is a hidden gem in Nanxi Village, Ninghai County. Surrounded by lush mountains and babbling streams, it’s the ideal getaway for those looking to unwind and reconnect with nature. As a 4A-rated tourist destination, this place is the ultimate retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Discovered in 1958, Ninghai Forest Hot Springs is one of China’s most prized hot springs. The water, naturally sourced from deep underground, flows at 49.5 degrees Celsius, with over 8,000 cubic meters of water emerging each day.

Rich in over 20 minerals and trace elements like radon, lithium and fluoride, the water is not only soothing but also packed with health benefits. With a metasilicic acid content of 67.2mg/l, the spring water is known for its therapeutic properties.

Opening hour: 1pm-9:30pm (Last entry at 8:30pm)

Tel: 0574-6526-0590

Average price: 178 yuan per person

Address: Nanxi Village, Shenquan Town, Ninghai County, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province

Yunlanwan Hotspring Resort

JUST a 15-minute drive from Yueli ancient town in Jiashan, Yunlanwan Hotspring Resort is the ultimate getaway, spanning over 866,666 square meters with nine themed zones and 60 indoor and outdoor pools.

It’s one of the rare hot spring destinations in the Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Shanghai area.

From outdoor garden hot springs to German hydrotherapy zones and a child-friendly water play area, there’s something for everyone.

Unique experiences like bubble baths, volcanic mud baths, milk baths, and even hot pot baths make it well worth a visit.

This hot spring originates from the Jiare No. 2 Well, drilled in 2008 under the Ministry of Land and Resources.

It was the first authentic hot spring discovered in the Hangzhou-Jiaxing-Huzhou Plain. Its water emerges at around 42 degrees Celsius, and it’s packed with minerals and trace elements.

The metasilicic acid content is 2.1 times the national standard, making it a “natural beauty soap” with skincare benefits.

It’s even recognized as China’s first official “beauty hot spring.”

The indoor swimming pool is perfect for escaping the sun, complete with water slides, sprinklers, and a ball pit to keep the little ones entertained.

On the second floor, you’ll find a game room, fitness center and sound therapy room for a well-rounded family experience.

Head to the third floor to discover a breathtaking 600-square-meter infinity pool. The pool features a mirror-like surface, making it ideal for snapping photos and soaking in the views. Enjoy unlimited fruit, drinks and ice cream while you relax.

Opening hour: 10am-10pm

Tel: 0573-8466-2888

Average price: 386 yuan per person

Address: 888 Hot Spring Ave, Jiashan County, Jiaxing City