In the West, a spa is a two-hour experience. Hushed. Expensive. Adults only, usually. You leave feeling vaguely relaxed and significantly poorer.

In China, the spa industry operates on a completely different definition of what a spa is actually for.

A spa is a destination. Open around the clock. Kids not just tolerated but genuinely welcomed and catered for. Unlimited food — proper food, not cucumber water. Multiple pool types. Sleeping pods. Cinema rooms. Games. Massage on top if you want it.

Once you know these exist, you will plan your entire trip around them.

I promise.

What follows is the full list — every city, the best options, prices, addresses, and exactly what to expect when you walk in.

Chinese spas (汤泉) are not spas in the Western sense and not Japanese onsen, though some bathing rules are similar. Think of them as a hybrid between a Korean jjimjilbang and a full resort — family-friendly, designed for a full day rather than a two-hour treatment. The venue splits into two zones. Bathing and changing areas are gender-separated — men one way, women the other. Everything else — the rest areas, buffet, cinema, gaming rooms, sleeping pods, and most communal pools — is mixed and family-friendly.

Pricing and ticket windows

Every spa on this list sells time-based tickets rather than a fixed entry fee. You're buying a window — typically 8, 12, 18, 20, or 24 hours — that starts from the moment you check in. Within that window you can use everything included in your ticket freely and leave whenever you want. Most venues also offer a 24-hour flat ticket which is the best value if you're planning a full day or an overnight stay. Most venues also have package tickets that bundle the base entry with a specific treatment — a foot massage, a back scrub, or a private pool session — at a better combined price than buying separately. Everything else you add during your visit — additional food, drinks, massages, private rooms — gets charged to your wristband and settled when you leave.

When you arrive

Check in at the front desk and you'll receive a wristband. This is your locker key, room key, and payment method for everything inside — massages, extra food, drinks, any add-ons. Settle the full bill when you leave. Proceed to the gender-separated changing area, shower before entering any pool, change into your swimsuit for the pool areas or the provided robe and shorts for the rest areas. Most venues provide robes, shorts, and a t-shirt set in your entry fee. Bring your own flip flops — venues provide them but yours will be more comfortable for a full day.

Swimsuit

The gender-separated bathing areas (hot pools, steam rooms, saunas) follow a nude bathing system — swimsuits are not worn there. After entrance, you change into the provided robe and shorts set, which is worn in all shared spaces — rest areas, buffet, cinema, and play areas. Swimsuits are only required for mixed-gender zones such as outdoor pools, water parks, or infinity pools (if the venue has them).

Photography

No photography in bathing or changing areas — this is taken seriously and enforced. The rest areas, buffet, and communal spaces are generally fine. Follow what the people around you are doing and you won't go wrong.

Overnight

Within your ticket window (typically 18, 20, or 24 hours depending on the venue) sleeping in the communal rest areas is generally free with no extra charge. Those areas range from capsule pods and space capsules with doors for moderate privacy, to open tatami halls and beanbag lounges, to semi-enclosed cave rooms and lattice cubicles. If you want a proper private room with a bed — a double room or suite — that's available at most venues for an additional fee, booked separately. A small number of venues add a late-night surcharge between midnight and 6am, worth checking when you arrive. One thing worth knowing: massage rooms are sometimes available for sleeping in, but only for guests who have booked a massage treatment — you can't buy a door ticket and sleep in the massage area. For families with an early flight, a late arrival, or simply looking to avoid paying for another night of accommodation, the capsule pods are genuinely comfortable and a well-established local practice.

Tattoos

Generally more relaxed than Japan, but policies vary widely—some venues may still require covering.

Prices are in yuan (¥). Divide by roughly 5 for CAD/AUD, 7 for USD, 8 for EUR, and 9 for GBP. Prices can fluctuate by day of week, season, and package — weekends typically run 20–30% higher than weekday rates.

Kids pricing is almost always by height, not age. Most spas are kids friendly and welcome children of all ages. Typically one paying adult can bring one child, some venues may apply supervision expectations for children.

Massage is not included in any base ticket on this list. Every spa has massage and therapeutic treatments available as add-ons, and most have free reclining massage chairs in the rest areas. But the professional treatments are always separate.

Arrive with WeChat Pay or Alipay set up. Most places accept it and some prefer it. If you haven't done the setup before you fly, do it before you land — it's a whole afternoon of ID verification that you do not want to be doing at 4am in a spa lobby.

Legends: 🍜 Full buffet meals included · 🍉 Fruit & ice cream included in pricing only (food order extra) · 🪷 Treatment included · 🩱 Swimsuit required for some areas

Prices, hours, and amenities change frequently — verify on Dianping before visiting.

水裹·汤泉 Shuiguo Hot Spring

💰 Weekday ¥298 / 16h · Weekend ¥358 · Under 0.6m free · 0.6–1.2m ¥119 · 🍉 Fruit, Häagen-Dazs & premium drinks 📍 朝阳区高碑店乡惠河南街1062号 · 📞 010-87776009

Popular for luxury hot spring. Soft water pools, no hidden charges, silent sleep capsules, gaming, cinema. Best for: families who want quality without surprises

曲水兰亭 Qushui Lanting

💰 Weekday ¥998 / 24h · Weekend ¥1,098 · Under 1.2m free · 1.2–1.4m ¥499 · 🍜 Four meals — king crab, lobster & wagyu 📍 朝阳区通惠河畔文化产业园1070号 · 📞 010-87708888

Beijing's luxury ceiling. La Mer skincare amenities, private pools, silent rest pods, exceptional privacy throughout. Worth it for a genuinely special occasion. Best for: when you want to treat yourself properly

九号温泉 No.9 Hot Spring

💰 Weekday ¥498 / 18h · Weekend ¥598 · Under 1.2m free · 1.2–1.4m ¥299 · 🍜 Full seafood buffet · 🩱 Outdoor pool 📍 朝阳区高碑店惠河南街半壁店9号 · 📞 010-87799999

Real geothermal spring water, Santorini-style outdoor infinity pool, large children's play area. The most visually dramatic spa in Beijing. Outdoor pool requires swimsuit. Best for: Instagram moments and kids who want to play

汤悦温泉 Tangyue Hot Spring

💰 Weekday ¥168 / 20h · Weekend ¥198 · Under 1.1m free · 1.1–1.4m ¥84 · 🍉 Fruit & basic drinks 📍 朝阳区雅成二里20号楼1层101 · 📞 010-85518888

Japanese-style, authentic and well-run. Cinema, gaming, balanced dining. Reliable and family-friendly. Strict tattoo cover policy consistent with traditional Japanese standards. Best for: a relaxed family evening without overspending

V汤泉 V Hot Spring

💰 Weekday ¥307 / 8h · Weekend ¥348 · Under 1.0m free · 1.0–1.4m ¥99 · 🍉 Fruit & drinks 📍 朝阳区高碑店乡半壁店村惠河南街1088号 · 📞 010-85769999

Spacious and well-designed, multiple temperature pools, private rest areas, high-end amenities. Mid-luxury without the mid-luxury price tag. Best for: space and quiet

after汤泉 After Hot Spring

💰 Weekday ¥228 / 24h · Weekend ¥258 · Under 1.0m free · 1.0–1.4m ¥114 · 🍜 Fusion buffet 📍 朝阳区百子湾路29号院 · 📞 010-87738888

Urban minimal aesthetic, private sleeping pods, fusion buffet. The cool younger sibling of the Gaobeidian cluster. Relaxed tattoo policy. Best for: design-conscious families

海德温泉 Haide Hot Spring

💰 Weekday ¥318 / all day · Weekend ¥358 · Under 0.9m free · 0.9–1.4m ¥79 · 🍜 Full buffet 📍 海淀区西四环北路125号 · 📞 010-88459999

Old-school geothermal pools, Korean steam rooms, hearty buffet. The most accessible option west of the city. Basic capsule sleeping area. Best for: Haidian families who don't want to cross town

水裹·汤泉 Shuiguo Hot Spring (Hongqiao)

💰 Weekday ¥278 / 16h · Weekend ¥358 · Under 0.6m free · 0.6–1.2m ¥129 · 🍉 Fruit, Häagen-Dazs & premium drinks 📍 闵行区申长路869号龙湖虹桥天街B馆B1层 · 📞 021-62218888

Shanghai's most talked-about hot spring. Global premium fruit and Häagen-Dazs unlimited, strong design aesthetic. Excellent Hongqiao location — ideal if you're arriving or departing via the transport hub. Best for: a full day near Hongqiao airport or station

曲水兰亭 Qushui Lanting (Shanghai)

💰 Weekday ¥1,298 / 24h · Weekend ¥1,398 · Under 1.2m free · 1.2–1.4m ¥649 · 🍜 Top-tier seafood private dining 📍 浦东新区张江科学城博云路88号 · 📞 021-50808888

Often considered the top-tier luxury option. Zen environment, private pools, La Mer amenities throughout. The night you will remember. Best for: the most special occasion on your trip

水榭兰亭 Shuixie Lanting

💰 Weekday ¥1,088 / 12h · Weekend ¥1,188 · Under 1.2m free · 1.2–1.4m ¥544 · 🍜 King crab, mantis shrimp & unlimited fresh durian 📍 嘉定区德富路1501号 · 📞 021-69909999

The most extravagant buffet on this entire list at any price point. Full water spa and private pools. Worth the trip to Jiading for serious food people. Best for: serious food people who want the best spread in Shanghai

极乐汤 Jile Tang (Biyun)

💰 Weekday ¥158 / 12h · Member ¥118 · Weekend ¥188 · Under 0.9m free · 0.9–1.4m ¥68 · 🍜 Japanese buffet · ⚠️ No overnight 📍 浦东新区碧云路633号 · 📞 021-58388888

The Japanese hot spring original in Shanghai. Authentic wind-style pools, precise and calm atmosphere. Closes at midnight — no overnight stay possible. Strictest tattoo cover policy on this list. Best for: the authentic Japanese hot spring experience

漾·SPACE Yang Space

💰 Weekday ¥279 / 24h · Weekend ¥329 · Under 1.0m free · 1.0–1.4m ¥94 · 🍜 Full buffet & drinks 📍 浦东新区浦电路57号 · 📞 021-58785555

Cyberpunk aesthetic near Lujiazui. Hot spring, steam rooms, party rooms, board games, gaming. Full buffet and drinks included. The fun one. Best for: teenagers and families who like things different

浦乐汇 Puleyui

💰 Weekday ¥178 / 20h · Weekend ¥208 · Under 1.1m free · 1.1–1.4m ¥89 · 🍜 Three buffet meals 📍 宝山区长江路258号 · 📞 021-56809999

European-style complex, multiple pools, local Shanghai cuisine and seafood buffet, children's play area, cinema. North Shanghai's best all-rounder. Best for: families staying in Baoshan or Jing'an

汤连得 Tangliande (No.118 Main Store)

💰 Weekday from ¥79 / 12h · Weekend from ¥99 · Under 0.9m free · 0.9–1.4m ¥40 · 🍜 Basic Japanese meals 📍 普陀区伯士路57号 · 📞 021-56558888

Shanghai's most affordable option. Old-school Japanese style, steam rooms, simple Japanese meals. The best proof that this experience doesn't have to be expensive. Best for: budget-conscious families who still want the experience

清水湾乐汤汇 Qingshuiwan (North 2nd Ring)

💰 ¥138 basic / ¥199 with Yangzhou back scrub 🪷 · Weekend same price · Under 1.1m free · 1.1–1.4m ¥69 · Children's ticket ¥49 · 🩱 Children's water park 📍 未央区北二环明光路立交东北角 · 📞 029-62217777

36,000 square metres. Geothermal spring from 4,100 metres underground. Massive children's water park — swimsuit required there. The largest venue on this entire list and the Xi'an standard-bearer. Best for: maximum scale and the famous back scrub experience

溪海岸 Xihai'an

💰 Weekday ¥148 / all day · Weekend ¥178 · Under 1.0m free · 1.0–1.4m ¥74 · 🍜 Basic buffet · 🩱 Outdoor pool 📍 未央区明光路72号旭宏西北广场9号楼 · 📞 029-86539999

Nordic resort aesthetic, outdoor infinity heated pool and dedicated children's splash pool. Outdoor areas require swimsuit. The most beautiful setting in Xi'an. Best for: families who care about atmosphere

清水瓦台 Qingshui Watai (Qujiang)

💰 ¥128 basic / ¥158 with meals 🍜 · Weekend same price · Under 1.0m free · 1.0–1.4m ¥64 📍 雁塔区小寨东路131号 · 📞 029-85259999

All-white Korean aesthetic, carbonated spring pools, very photogenic. Korean light meals in mid-tier ticket only — base ticket has no meals. Best for: great photos and families near the south of the city

星河云谷 Xinghe Yungu (Xiaozhai)

💰 Weekday ¥495 / all day · Weekend ¥558 · Under 1.1m free · 1.1–1.4m ¥84 · 🍉 Premium fruit buffet 📍 高新区科技三路9号 · 📞 029-88229999

Cave pools, ice room steam experience, space-age design. The most visually unexpected spa in Xi'an. Premium fruit buffet included — full meals are add-on. Best for: families who want something genuinely different

济清泉 Jiqingquan

💰 Weekday ¥118 / all day · Weekend ¥138 · Under 0.9m free · 0.9–1.4m ¥59 · 🍜 Shaanxi cuisine buffet 📍 莲湖区劳动南路1号 · 📞 029-84289999

Traditional Chinese garden style, indoor and outdoor pools. The quietest and most serene venue in Xi'an. Best for: families who want calm over entertainment

金港湾水世界 Jingangwan Water World

💰 Weekday ¥129 / all day · Weekend ¥159 · Under 1.0m free · 1.0–1.4m ¥65 · 🍜 Seafood & steak buffet · 🩱 Children's water park 📍 未央区凤城八路国金华府 · 📞 029-86528888

European-style, children's water park with swimsuit recommended, seafood and steak buffet, gaming, cinema. Best value in Xi'an. Best for: value-conscious families with active kids

汤悦温泉 Tangyue Hot Spring (Chunxi Road)

💰 Weekday ¥138 / 20h 🍉 fruit & drinks · Full meals version ¥178 / 24h 🍜 · Weekend add ¥30 · Under 1.1m free · 1.1–1.4m ¥69 📍 锦江区走马街55号友谊广场A座1-7层 · 📞 028-86669999

Chengdu's overall top-rated. Seven-floor standalone building in the city centre, cypress wood pools, Dyson amenities, small children's play area. Base ticket includes fruit and drinks only — upgrade for full meals. Best for: first-timers who want the best overall in Chengdu

fufu汤 Fufu Tang (Renmin North Road)

💰 Weekday ¥299 / 20h · Weekend ¥329 · Under 1.0m free · 1.0–1.4m ¥79 · 🍜 Wagyu shabu-shabu & seafood buffet 📍 金牛区一环路北二段9号花千集7号楼负1层 · 📞 028-62209999

Japanese healing aesthetic, full meals included in base ticket, dedicated children's play area. Calm and beautifully designed. Best for: families who want the Japanese experience in Chengdu

浅深 Qianshen (Financial City)

💰 Weekday ¥258 / 24h · Weekend ¥298 · Under 1.2m free · 1.2–1.4m ¥129 · 🍜 Premium seafood buffet 📍 高新区交子大道500号合景誉舍4层 · 📞 028-85339999

Luxury chain in a few major cities, minimalist design, private pools, fully private rest areas. No tattoo restrictions. Best for: when you want something genuinely special in Chengdu

何日君温泉 Herijun Hot Spring (Jinjusi)

💰 ¥178 / 24h · Weekend same price · Under 1.2m free · 1.2–1.4m ¥89 · 🍜 Four full meals — Sichuan & seafood buffet 📍 锦江区净居寺南街88号 · 📞 028-85555500

Chengdu institution. Four full meals included. Indoor and outdoor private pools, mahjong, children's play area. The local favourite. Best for: the authentic Chengdu experience — four meals is not a typo

沐青汤巢 Muqing Tangchao

💰 Base ticket ¥99 / all day ⚠️ no meals · Full meals version ¥138 🍜 · Weekend same price · Under 1.0m free · 1.0–1.4m ¥49 · 🩱 Children's water park 📍 武侯区顺兴路369号金楠缤纷6栋 · 📞 028-61990888

Large-scale indoor and outdoor pools, big children's water park. Base ticket at ¥99 includes no meals whatsoever — upgrade to ¥138 for buffet. Swimsuit recommended for children's water park. Best for: budget-conscious families with kids who want to play

汤乐源 Tangyueyuan (Gaoxin)

💰 Weekday ¥168 / 18h · Weekend ¥198 · Under 1.0m free · 1.0–1.4m ¥79 · 🍜 Salmon & steak buffet 📍 武侯区高朋大道12号 · 📞 028-87338888

Korean-style, pools and steam rooms, gaming, soft play. The reliable neighbourhood option. Best for: a good evening without the commitment of a full day

手佳汤泉 Shoujia Hot Spring (Guanyinqiao Flagship)

💰 ¥258 / 12h · Package ¥309 adds 60-min foot massage 🪷 · Weekend same price · Under 1.2m free · 1.2–1.4m ¥108 · 🍜 Three buffet meals including 24h seafood & sashimi 📍 江北区金源路70号 · 📞 023-67728888

Six-floor standalone building. Multiple pool types, Estée Lauder and IPSA bathroom amenities, cinema, sleeping pods. Everything you'd want in one building. Best for: the full Chongqing experience — start here

金色湖畔 Golden Lakeside (Shiqiaopu)

💰 Weekday ¥229 / 12h · Weekend ¥259 · 24h ticket ¥299 · Under 0.8m free · 0.8–1.4m ¥129 · 🍉 Unlimited durian, cherries & Häagen-Dazs 📍 九龙坡区科园一路212号渝高未来大厦3层 · 📞 023-68626230

Fruit and ice cream only — no full buffet meals. HIFI cinema, gaming, billiards. Overnight at no extra charge within ticket window. Best for: the fruit obsessed and families who want great value

浅溪汤泉 Qianxi Hot Spring

💰 Weekday ¥238 / 12h · Weekend ¥268 · 24h full meals ticket ¥298 🍜 · Under 1.1m free · 1.1–1.4m ¥119 📍 九龙坡区龙腾大道209号通用晶城2幢商业2-1号 · 📞 023-68139999

Natural wood aesthetic, 16,000 square metres, cave steam rooms, dedicated children's play area. One of the quietest venues in Chongqing. Base 12h ticket includes buffet — 24h upgrade adds an extra meal cycle. Best for: families who want space and a calm environment

有马空间 Arima Space (Pazhou)

💰 Weekday ¥979 / 24h · Weekend ¥1,088 · Under 1.2m free · 1.2–1.4m ¥489 · 🍜 Four meals — king crab, baby lobster & 5J Iberian ham unlimited 📍 海珠区新港东路618号南丰汇2层 · 📞 020-38392588

Guangzhou's top-rated. Japanese garden courtyard, gaming, KTV, full spa. No tattoo restrictions. The buffet alone justifies the trip. Best for: maximum indulgence

大浪淘沙 Dalang Taoshao (Pearl River New Town)

💰 Weekday ¥869 / 24h · Weekend ¥929 · Under 1.2m free · 1.2–1.4m ¥598 · 🍜 Four meals — global seafood & Cantonese cuisine 📍 天河区冼村路100号利雅湾会所3A层 · 📞 020-38208888

Guangdong water spa institution. Premium private rest areas, four full meal sessions. The established local standard. No tattoo restrictions. Best for: the classic Guangzhou experience

九号行馆 No.9 Mansion

💰 Weekday ¥368 / 24h · Weekend ¥428 · Under 1.2m free · 1.2–1.4m ¥184 · 🍜 Four full meals 📍 天河区林和西路161号中泰国际广场6-9层 · 📞 020-38809999

High-end city club, private pools, four full meals, complete privacy throughout. The most intimate venue in Guangzhou. No tattoo restrictions. Best for: when privacy matters more than entertainment

汤泉良子 Tangyuan Liangzi (Tianhe)

💰 Weekday ¥168 / 20h · Weekend ¥198 · Under 1.0m free · 1.0–1.4m ¥84 · 🍉 Fruit & drinks 📍 天河区石牌东路31号 · 📞 020-87589999

Japanese-style, multiple temperature pools, fruit and drinks in base ticket — no full buffet. Simple and accessible. The everyday option. Best for: a midweek evening without the premium spend

澜庭水汇 Lanting Water Spa

💰 Weekday ¥159 / all day · Weekend ¥189 · Under 1.2m free · 1.2–1.4m ¥79 · 🍜 Three meals — northeastern Chinese speciality buffet 📍 道里区丽江路4106号 · 📞 0451-51888888

Harbin's overall top-rated. Large indoor complex, large soft play area. Full buffet meals included, overnight in capsule pods at no extra charge. Best for: a full day retreat — exceptional value

海茵汇 Haiyin Spa (Harbin)

💰 Weekday ¥199 / 24h · Weekend ¥229 · Under 1.1m free · 1.1–1.4m ¥99 · 🍜 Cantonese dim sum & seafood buffet 📍 南岗区长江路159号 · 📞 0451-87008888

National chain, garden-style pools, oversized rest area. Full buffet meals included. Familiar quality in a new city. Best for: families who want consistency from a known brand

清水湾温泉 Qingshuiwan Hot Spring

💰 ¥99 basic / all day ⚠️ no meals · ¥139 with full meals 🍜 · Weekend same price · Under 1.0m free · 1.0–1.4m ¥50 📍 道外区南直路326号 · 📞 0451-51866666

Old-school geothermal pools, Korean steam rooms. Base ticket has no meals — upgrade to ¥139 for northeastern home-style buffet. The local institution. Best for: the best value in Harbin

铂悦汇 Boyuehui Hot Spring

💰 Weekday ¥149 / all day · Weekend ¥179 · Under 1.2m free · 1.2–1.4m ¥75 · 🍜 Fusion buffet & fruit 📍 香坊区公滨路452号 · 📞 0451-51899999

New Chinese luxury aesthetic, cave steam rooms, private grid rest pods. The most beautiful interior in Harbin. Best for: families who want something that feels special

One final note

Every spa on this list is on Dianping — search the Chinese name for current photos, reviews, and deals. Arrive with your WeChat Pay or Alipay set up and you're ready.

And yes — you can absolutely spend a jetlagged 4am in one of these.

My daughter would recommend it.

Thinking about a trip to China? Click below to run the numbers for your family and cities you’d like to visit, and read more on price comparisons with other travel destinations