Lotus Land

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by Raphael Seghin
on Friday, October 14, 2011 12:00 AM

Rest and Relaxation

Massage parlors in China are a tricky topic. Countless accounts of shadier adventures are out there, both for the ignorant and the willing, but amongst them exists a veritable industry of legitimate venues that provide all sorts of different services. The massage culture is imbued within the social fabric of this country, which in turn has made ‘getting a massage' a much more subtle, casual and regular affair than it would be in the West. Whereas most Westerners, this author included, regard massages as a special and expensive service reserved for special occasions, the attitude and mindset here in Shanghai couldn't be any different. It's little wonder many people regard getting a massage as one of the must-try experiences of a trip to Shanghai, and massages parlors of varying preferences share retail space across all types of Shanghai neighborhoods.
Interesting stories aside, a major concern is indeed the cleanliness. There isn't much more unappealing than wondering about your particular room's previous occupant. For this type of venue, the general hygienic state holds as much importance as any other characteristics. Thankfully, this particular requirement was quickly satisfied once stepping into Lotus Land Massage, at the corner of Guangyuan and Gongcheng Rd, a few minutes walk from Xujiahui. Taking up the entire 2nd floor, the parlor is decorated with a mix of traditional Chinese and south east Asian styles. The rooms are clean, and regularly maintained. A certain elegance permeates from the venue, whether from the furniture, the facilities or the attentive staff.

Lotus Land Massage offers a plentitude of different options, ranging from foot to full-body massages, and from a choice of Swedish, Balinese, Thai, Chinese or Mediterranean techniques. The venue has a large choice of rooms, customized to fit the preferences of the group. Some may only hold beds, while others offer different combination of beds and couches along with TVs, a call-service and complimentary food and drinks. Clean and tidy bathrooms come equipped with a sauna, showers and a steam room. While the masseurs and masseuses are obviously not all seasoned veterans, they do specify in their own niche, and act in a professional manner. A 90 minute Balinese full body oil massage will set you back RMB338.

Time seems to seep away inside Lotus Land Massage, and you might find yourself wishing you had tacked on an extra hour. While there are more professional (and expensive) services out there, Lotus Land provides a clean, comfortable and accessible experience for those unsure of the whole practice, or first timers.