Why China’s Modern Bathhouses Are Next-Level: My Shanghai Lianquan Oedo Experience

If you’ve ever been to an onsen or bathhouse in Singapore or Malaysia, you might think you already know what to expect. But honestly… once you’ve experienced the bathhouses in China, everything else feels like a different category altogether.

Japan’s onsens are beautiful — spacious, calming, very traditional. But China’s modern bathhouses? They’re on another level. I definitely haven’t visited enough to call myself an expert, but trust me… just a quick search online is enough to make your jaw drop.

The one I visited was in Shanghai, called Lianquan Oedo, a bathhouse that also includes accommodation. When I arrived, I wasn't sure to book hotel or just stay here overnight in public spaces in the Bathhouse (it's my first time in China and I don't know what to expect), but I ended up booking a guest room on Trip.com right on the spot because it was way more worth it — the room comes with free entry to the bathhouse, which is way more worth it to have 2-in-1. 

We checked in around midnight. 

Technically, guests can choose to sleep in the spacious public rest areas, but we decided to go for a proper room since it was our first time and we wanted comfort. 

Before entering the guest room, there’s a rule: you must shower and change into their provided outfit. 

They provide a fresh set of clothes every time you bathe—yes, we bath multiple times during a stay of less than 24 hours. 

The premises also offer a range of services, including facials, massages, yukata rentals, and even beauty products for sale—so you can stay beautiful and hydrated even if you forgot yours. 

One of my favorite things is just how many options they offer!

We were given wristband tags, so we didn’t have to worry about payments for anything we spent inside until checkout. They also gave us warming socks to walk around in—it was really comfy.

Inside the room, there’s no private bathroom or toilet— the shared toilets are just outside. 

Surprisingly, I didn’t mind it at all. The room itself had such a peaceful, minimalist, zen vibe that my brain immediately went into rest mode. I slept so well.

Breakfast is served from 7am. Don’t expect anything fancy — just simple food to fill your stomach before you start your day. 

(The image on the right shows the guest room, TV with a variety of shows, movies, and dramas—all from China.)

That said, they do have a sleep lounge with a designated female room. We tried it, but the lounge seat wasn’t very comfortable, and there were males inside—probably no QC checks in the middle of the night. Haven’t tried it during the day yet.

During the night, many facilities shut down and even most lights are turned off. 

The bathhouse starts coming alive again from around 10–11am. Some onsen pools also close in the middle of the night, so if you’re planning a late soak, take note.

But one thing I absolutely loved? The 24/7 free-flow drinks. 

The selection is impressive — definitely more variety than I expected. And during normal operating hours, they also have a fruits buffet, which was a nice touch.

Overall, it was such a unique and refreshing experience for me — very different from the usual hotel stay or spa visit. 

Last but not least, this place also feels like a leisure haven. 

If you don’t just want to rest and sleep after a soak, there’s more than enough to keep you entertained: a VR immersive games area, billiards, mahjong room, a game room with various machines and TVs, KTV boxes, theme-park-style booths, and craft and handmade areas. 

There are even two sections for pet interactions—though I wouldn’t recommend these, as they didn’t seem well maintained.

Throughout the different areas, there are also other resting spots, like massage chairs.

No doubt, there are plenty of photo opportunities—even in spots not specifically meant for it. Many corners are visually aesthetic, perfect for taking great pictures.

I honestly have no regrets, and if you ever travel to China, I highly recommend trying a bathhouse stay at least once. It gives you a whole new perspective on wellness culture there.

Details for your reference:

PRICES 

• Bathhouse entry: ~SGD $23 for a full day (overnight extra charges apply even if you sleep in public areas)

• Guest room: ~SGD $56 for a room for two, including free bathhouse access

If you’re curious or love trying new travel experiences, this is definitely one for the list.

Location Address: 

📍Lianquan Oedo Hotel

No. 288 Xinfu Road, 

Xinzhuang,Minhang District,

Shanghai, China

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