beat the jet lag

Liang Zi Foot Massage Palace
24 Jianguomenwai Dajie
Chaoyang District
Tel: +86 (10) 6515 6666
Metro: Jianguomen
Open: daily, 10.30am-1.30am

This is the place to find out why the Chinese are so addicted to foot massages. Reflexology dates back to 500BC and works on the principle that points on the feet are connected to vital organs in the body, and that massaging these points can improve the health of the organs. After soaking your feet in a bucket filled with very hot water infused with herbs, you’re ready for some serious pummelling and twisting of feet and toes. A soothing massage with creams and lotions then sends you on your way.

Oriental Taipan
Sunjoy Mansion, 6 Ritan Lu
Chaoyang District
Tel: +86 (10) 6502 5722
Metro: Jianguomen
Open: daily, 11am-1.30am
Website

Beijing had no health spas until recently, but now they're popping up all over the city. The posh Oriental Taipan offers aromatic oil massages, facials, manicures and pedicures, as well as reflexology. According to the spa's brochure this will improve energy levels and promote natural healing. Private and semi-private rooms (the latter have two massage tables in a room) with individual bathing facilities are available.

St Regis Spa and Club
St Regis Hotel
21 Jianguomenwai Dajie
Tel: +86 (10) 6460 6688, ext 2745
Metro: Jianguomen
Open: daily, 24 hours

The city’s only genuine luxury spa facility offers body massages, facials and body therapy for both men and women. The jacuzzi uses natural hot-spring water pumped from deep below the hotel. Prices are high compared with other Beijing spas: an hour-long body massage costs 500 yuan ($62), while the “Executive Escape” will set you back 900 yuan ($112).