TCM, massage & tuina: how to try it

✅ Updated Jul 2026

Traditional Chinese Medicine is part of everyday life here, and you don't need to be a believer to enjoy the parts that simply feel great. The easiest entry points: a foot massage (足疗, zúliáo) or a full-body tuina (推拿, tuīná) session. Neighbourhood massage shops are everywhere, open late, and cost roughly ¥60–150 an hour — check ratings on Dianping or ask your hotel for a clean, reputable place. Tuina is therapeutic massage along the same lines TCM uses for treatment — firmer than a spa massage, sometimes intense on knots. Say 轻一点 (qīng yīdiǎn) for softer, 重一点 (zhòng yīdiǎn) for harder. Cupping (拔罐, báguàn) leaves the famous round marks for a few days; gua sha and acupuncture (针灸, zhēnjiǔ) are also widely available. For actual treatment rather than relaxation, go to a TCM hospital (中医院) or the TCM department of a public hospital rather than a street shop — they are licensed, cheap, and used to prescribing herbal formulas alongside. Communication is easy even without Chinese: point at a menu (most shops have picture menus with times and prices), and the staff will guide you. Tipping is not expected.