Bathe Like A Beijinger: Old School Bathhouses You Can Still Try

The bathhouse is a wondrous place of braggadocio and ball-busting, of camaraderie and, above all, cleanliness. Here's the details on two of Beijing's bathhouses that have survived more than a century of bad body odor.

Shuang Xing Tang 双兴堂
Also known as Nan Yuan Yu Chi (南苑浴池), it is said to be Beijing’s oldest bathhouse. Locals herald Shuang Xing as the perfect representation of a traditional bathhouse. Built in 1916, it was the setting for the movie Shower. This soapy 30,000 square meter gem is so revered that the owners are applying to have it classified as an Intangible Cultural Heritage site amid fears that it could be demolished as part of a Fengtai District modernization plan. The bathhouse features two baths, and offers acupuncture, cupping, a variety of massages and a spa.
RMB10 (Men), RMB 15 (Women). 24hrs. 7 Dong Erdajie, Nanyuan, Fengtai District (6799 1513). 丰台区南苑东二道街7号

Qing Hua Chi 清华池
Built at the end of the Qing Dynasty in 1905 this bathhouse survived the capital’s tumultuous history and is well-known throughout the country. Their specialty is treating foot ailments through a wide range of traditional massage and therapy services. A sauna, full body massages, and scraping are all offered.
RMB 138. 24hrs. 17 Hufanglu Dajie, Xicheng District (40 0010 0026). 西城区虎坊路大街17号

A version of this article appeared in the July issue of The Beijinger magazine. Read the full story here.

Photos courtesy of Shuang Xing Tang