Hangzhou’s Best Day Spas & Wellness Retreats

Nestled between misty mountains and serene West Lake, Hangzhou is not just a paradise for tea lovers and history buffs—it’s also a haven for wellness seekers. From traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapies to luxurious modern spas, the city offers a perfect blend of ancient healing practices and contemporary relaxation techniques. Whether you’re a jet-lagged traveler or a local in need of rejuvenation, these day spas and wellness retreats will transport you to a world of tranquility.

Luxurious Spa Escapes in Hangzhou

Amanfayun Spa

Tucked away in a restored ancient village near Lingyin Temple, Amanfayun Spa is the epitome of understated luxury. The spa’s treatments draw inspiration from Hangzhou’s tea culture, with highlights like the Longjing Tea Scrub and Bamboo Massage. Private treatment rooms overlook lush bamboo groves, and post-treatment, guests can unwind in the heated stone loungers or take a meditative stroll through the adjacent tea fields.

Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake

The Four Seasons Spa is a sanctuary of indulgence, blending Western techniques with Eastern philosophies. Their signature West Lake Dream treatment includes a foot soak with rose petals, a full-body massage using hot stones infused with local herbs, and a jade roller facial. The outdoor infinity pool, surrounded by lotus ponds, is the perfect spot to extend your relaxation.

Banyan Tree Hangzhou

Floating on the banks of the serene Xixi Wetlands, Banyan Tree’s spa offers an immersive water-themed experience. Try the Rainforest Hydrotherapy, where you’ll alternate between steam rooms, ice fountains, and warm pools. For couples, the Royal Banyan Couples Retreat includes side-by-side massages and a private tea ceremony.

Traditional Chinese Wellness Experiences

Dragon Well Tea Village Retreat

No visit to Hangzhou is complete without embracing its tea culture. At Dragon Well Tea Village, you can book a Tea Meditation Session where masters guide you through brewing and sipping Longjing tea mindfully. Follow it up with a Tea Leaf Body Wrap, which detoxifies the skin while filling the room with the tea’s earthy aroma.

Hu Qing Yu Tang TCM Spa

This spa is an offshoot of Hu Qing Yu Tang, a 145-year-old traditional Chinese pharmacy. Treatments here are tailored to your qi (energy flow), with options like Acupuncture Cupping or an Herbal Compress Massage using pouches filled with Hangzhou-grown chrysanthemum and goji berries. Before leaving, pick up a custom-blended herbal tea from their in-house pharmacy.

Qiandao Lake Hot Springs

A short drive from Hangzhou, Qiandao Lake’s geothermal hot springs are rich in minerals like sulfur and radon. Soak in one of the outdoor pools surrounded by forest, or book a private cedar tub with a view of the lake. The Silk Road Salt Scrub, inspired by Hangzhou’s history as a silk trade hub, leaves skin baby-soft.

Budget-Friendly Wellness Gems

Green Tea Spa

Don’t let the affordable prices fool you—Green Tea Spa delivers top-notch treatments. Their Foot Reflexology sessions are legendary, combining acupressure with a warm herbal soak. The spa’s minimalist decor, featuring bamboo accents and soft lighting, creates a Zen atmosphere.

West Lake Rooftop Yoga & Spa

For those who want to pair movement with relaxation, this rooftop studio offers sunrise yoga sessions with panoramic views of West Lake. Afterward, treat yourself to a Lavender Oil Massage or a Guasha Facial to release tension. Walk-ins are welcome, and mats are provided.

Nanshan Road Massage Alley

Locals swear by the unassuming massage parlors along Nanshan Road. For less than $20, you can get an hour of Tui Na (Chinese therapeutic massage) or Ear Candling. The no-frills ambiance is part of the charm—just focus on the skilled hands working out your knots.

Unique Wellness Experiences

Bamboo Forest Sound Bath

In the hills surrounding Hangzhou, practitioners host Sound Healing sessions using Tibetan singing bowls amidst towering bamboo. The vibrations are said to align chakras and reduce stress. Pair it with a Forest Bathing walk, where you’ll mindfully engage with nature.

Silk Road Aromatherapy Workshop

Learn to blend essential oils inspired by Hangzhou’s silk trade history at this hands-on workshop. Create a personalized roll-on perfume or a muscle-soothing balm using ingredients like mulberry leaf extract and camphor.

Moonlight Meditation at Leifeng Pagoda

On select evenings, wellness guides lead Moonlight Meditation sessions at the base of Leifeng Pagoda. The combination of the pagoda’s golden glow and the lapping sounds of West Lake makes for a magical unwind.

Tips for Your Hangzhou Spa Day

• Book Ahead: High-end spas like Amanfayun require reservations weeks in advance.
• Tipping: Not expected, but a 10% gratuity for exceptional service is appreciated.
• Timing: Visit tea-themed spas in spring (March–May) when Longjing tea is freshly harvested.
• Dress Code: Most spas provide robes and slippers, but pack flip-flops for wet areas.

From tea-infused therapies to wetland-side hydrotherapy, Hangzhou’s wellness scene is as diverse as its landscapes. Whether you seek luxury or tradition, these spas promise to leave you refreshed—body, mind, and soul.