Introduction
I'm not an expert at spa etiquette since I have really only experienced spa treatments and bathhouses in Asia. So this information is coming from that angle. Our Guide to Spas has a much more thorough set of articles on spa etiquette so see below for more information from her.Nudity
I'll tackle the tough one first. Am I supposed to take off all my clothes? The answer depends on where you are and what you're doing. Most Chinese massages, e.g. foot massage, Chinese traditional massage, at small spas like Dragonfly or even the local ones will offer pajamas to put on. If the spa caters to Westerners, the outfit should be larger and you shouldn't have any trouble. If it's a local place, and you're a big person, then you may want to check it out before you strip.Other types of spas and certain treatments like a full-body oil massage, require nudity. When in doubt, just ask. You'll have to be a little immodest and brave, but you can mime to the therapist and ask if you should take everything off. You will be gently guided to the robe, paper (disposable) underwear or other garments you should put on. Just relax, you're in good hands. And unlike the Swiss treatment I had one year where the therapist watched me undress (a little frightening), your Chinese therapist will discreetly leave the room and knock before entering to give you the greatest privacy.
Bathhouses like Xiao Nan Guo Spa in Shanghai require you to walk around completely nude except for slippers and your locker key. You'll leave your clothing in a locker and be guided to a shower area where you'll wash away the day's grime. Then strut your stuff around to the various soaking pools, steam rooms and scrub rooms. You will not be alone in your nudity and you'll get used to it pretty fast. You'll be given cotton pajamas to wear to the public areas.
