Young Space Review: Shanghai’s Best 24-Hour Spa

By the time I arrived in Shanghai, I’d already spent quite a while solo traveling around China.

There had been far too many long-distance train rides and hostel bunk beds, countless kilometers of walking, and enough adventurous activities to remind every muscle in my body that I wasn’t twenty anymore.

So when a friend suggested we spend a night at Young Space Spa (漾·SPACE汤泉生活), I didn’t need much convincing.

Firstly because my body desperately needed a break, and secondly because spending the night there meant saving one night’s accommodation.

And thirdly… because of the unlimited fruit.

What is Young Space Spa?

Young Space Spa (sometimes spelled Yang Space) is one of Shanghai’s modern 24-hour wellness centers that combines hot spring baths, saunas, relaxation lounges, entertainment facilities, restaurants, and sleeping areas all under one roof.

Unlike traditional spas where you simply get a massage and leave, places like Young Space are designed for people to spend an entire day, or even overnight.

It’s less of a spa and more of an adult playground dedicated to relaxation (although children above a certain age are also allowed).

We decided to stay overnight instead of just visiting for a few hours.

Financially, it made sense because it replaced one night at a hotel. More importantly, it meant we didn’t have to rush.

Instead of constantly checking the time, we could soak in the pools, lounge around, snack, nap, repeat, and basically pretend we had absolutely no responsibilities for the entire time we were there.

What to expect at Young Space Spa Shanghai

Checking-in

We arrived on a chilly November evening, and I couldn’t wait to sink into a hot pool.

After paying the entrance fee, we each received a wristband, which acted as our locker key and access pass for the different areas inside the spa.

If you order food or book a massage, everything gets charged to the wristband, and you settle the bill when you leave.

We stored our shoes in the shoe lockers and changed into the provided slippers before heading into the gender-segregated area, where more lockers were waiting for us.

There, we stored the rest of our belongings, including our bags and clothes. From there, the spa experience officially began.

The pools, sauna, steam room, and more

(no cameras allowed)

The spa has several indoor pools with different temperatures, along with steam rooms and saunas.

Like many bathhouses in East Asia, guests use the pools and saunas without swimsuits.

If you’ve never experienced this before, it might feel a little intimidating at first, but everyone else treats it as completely normal. After a few minutes, it won’t feel awkward anymore.

You do, however, need to wear a shower cap while using the pools, and anyone with long hair must tie it up with a hairband. Everything is provided, so there’s no need to bring your own.

There were also plenty of spa services and facials available, but we skipped them because they were a little outside our backpacker budget.

Fortunately, the hot pools, steam room, and sauna were more than enough to loosen my tired muscles.

What truly impressed me was how everything was kept spotlessly clean despite the steady flow of guests. Staff were constantly cleaning, restocking supplies, and making sure the facilities stayed immaculate.

The shower area was stocked with practically everything you could think of: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, facial cleanser, makeup remover, body lotion, hair serum, hair dryers, cotton buds, and plenty of other toiletries.

After living out of my backpack for weeks and carefully rationing my tiny travel-sized bottles, this place felt like a palace.

I’m not exaggerating when I say up until that point, my skin probably hadn’t seen body lotion in weeks.

Once we were squeaky clean, attendants handed us comfortable pajamas. There’s something oddly luxurious about having someone hand you fresh towels and pajamas like you were royalty.

Suitably moisturized, freshly changed, and feeling far more civilized than when we’d walked in, we made our way upstairs to begin our next mission.

The fruit.

The fruit

What’s the huge deal about the fruit, you ask.

Well, you have to understand. Coming from a country where imported fruits can cost a fortune and supermarkets only carry limited selections, this spa honestly felt unreal to me.

I felt like Charlie walking into Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory.

Except instead of chocolate, there were bowls upon bowls of berries, mangoes, melons, grapes, dragon fruit, pineapple, cherries, plums, passionfruit, kiwis…

Oh, the golden kiwis. It was my first time trying them. I didn’t realize they tasted so good!

Before going, I’d already watched a few videos of Young Space, so I had a rough idea of what to expect. Still, experiencing it in person was something else entirely.

We’re not talking about a few lonely slices of watermelon sitting on a platter.

We’re talking about an endless buffet of fresh fruit.

And I mean endless.

I have absolutely no idea how they managed to keep such an enormous amount of high-quality fruit constantly stocked throughout the day.

Every time a bowl was taken away, a staff member appeared almost magically with a fresh replacement.

The supply just… never seemed to end.

At one point I regretfully had to stop because I was entering what I can only describe as fruit coma.

The drinks

As if unlimited fruit wasn’t enough, there was also an incredible selection of complimentary drinks.

As a kid, I used to daydream about accidentally getting locked inside a supermarket after closing time so I could help myself to all the snacks and drinks.

Young Space somehow made that childhood fantasy feel almost like a reality.

Well… at least the drinks section.

I sampled coconut juice, honey drinks, and several different coffees before eventually admitting defeat.

My curiosity still had room for more. Unfortunately, my stomach and bladder disagreed.

If sugary drinks aren’t your thing, you can also order a complimentary serving of traditional Chinese herbal tea.

During my visit, each guest could order one for free, with several varieties available for different health concerns.

My nose was starting to feel a little stuffy, so I picked one intended to support respiratory health.

Whether it actually cured anything is debatable.

But it was warm, comforting, and a nice change after all the cold drinks.

Ice cream

Yes, there’s free ice cream too. Not just individually wrapped ones, but proper scoop-style ice cream where you can add your own toppings.

At this point, I was certain I’d have to be rolled out of there like an overfilled suitcase.

Other food options

As much as I was perfectly content stuffing myself with fruit, Young Space also has plenty of other food options if you’re after something more substantial.

The on-site restaurant serves a wide variety of dishes, including fresh seafood, barbecue, noodles, dim sum, and other cooked meals.

These aren’t included in the standard admission fee and cost extra, but it’s nice knowing you don’t have to leave the spa if hunger strikes.

From what I saw, the seafood looked particularly fresh (some were still swimming).

Our overnight package also included breakfast the next morning. If yours doesn’t, you can add the buffet for an additional fee.

It had a little bit of everything, from Western options, alongside a generous selection of Chinese dishes.

You could help yourself to dim sum, congee, soup, rice, noodles, and an assortment of side dishes, making it easy to start the day with either a light breakfast or a hearty one.

Personally, I was still recovering from my self-inflicted fruit marathon the day before, so I kept breakfast fairly sensible (by my standards, at least).

Other facilities

Upstairs, there were even more spaces designed for relaxing.

There was a salt room where you could simply sit back and unwind. There was also a heated “medicated” room.

We never quite figured out what they were supposed to do. Presumably something healthy. Whatever it was, we gave them both a try anyway.

There were gaming rooms with video games and pool tables, along with private rooms where groups could play mahjong together.

There was also a small theater if you felt like watching a movie, as well as those tiny karaoke booths that look like phone booths, where you can belt out your favorite tunes in relative privacy (I’m not sure if they’re 100% soundproof).

If you’re looking for something quieter, there were reading rooms, co-working spaces, and plenty of comfortable lounges and resting areas scattered throughout the spa, making it easy to find a cozy corner to relax, catch up on some work, or simply do absolutely nothing for a while.

Spending the night

When we were finally ready to sleep, we headed to one of the relaxation areas.

One thing to keep in mind is that sleeping spaces aren’t assigned. It’s first come, first served.

I also don’t think they cap the number of overnight guests, so if you’re hoping to snag one of the more private nooks, it’s a good idea to claim your spot early.

Don’t worry too much if you miss out, though. There are still plenty of open lounges throughout the spa where you can relax or catch some sleep.

We managed to score ourselves a couple of those reclining lounge chairs. Each chair had its own charging port, which made it easy to top up our phones overnight.

Although the sleeping area wasn’t fully private, it was still peaceful and comfortably dark, and certainly much nicer than some of the hostels I’d stayed in. Blankets, earplugs, and eye masks were also provided if you needed them.

How much does Young Space Spa cost?

The entrance fee for Young Space Spa depends on several factors, including whether you visit during the day or night, and whether it is a weekday or weekend.

These were the rates during our visit in November 2025 (keep in mind that prices, promotions, and packages may change):

You don’t necessarily need to make a reservation in advance. Walk-in visitors are welcome, and you can simply arrive at the spa like we did, pay the entrance fee, and start your relaxing day.

That said, if you prefer to plan ahead, you can also purchase tickets through online booking platforms such as Trip.com and Klook.

These platforms sometimes offer different packages, discounts, or promotional deals compared to the walk-in price, so it’s worth comparing before you buy.

How to get to Young Space Spa

The easiest way to get there is by metro, followed by a short walk. The nearest stations are Tangqiao and Pudian Road.

If you simply don’t feel like navigating public transport, taxis and ride-hailing apps like DiDi are also convenient and reasonably priced.

One important tip: don’t rely on Google Maps while you’re in mainland China.

It’s notoriously inaccurate, and locations can be significantly offset from where they actually are. Instead, use Amap (高德地图) or Baidu Maps (百度地图), which are much more reliable.

To find the spa, search for 漾·SPACE汤泉生活 in either app.

If you don’t read Chinese, an easy workaround is to find the spa listing on Trip.com, where you can also buy the admission ticket. It includes a much more user-friendly map and directions in English.

New to China? Check out my China Survival Guide (coming soon) for everything you need to know before your first trip, including apps, transportation, payments, and other practical travel tips.

Additional tips

• If you’re wondering about the name, “Young” isn’t referring to age. It’s a transliteration of the Chinese character 漾 (yàng), which is why you’ll sometimes see it spelled “Yang” instead. So, don’t worry, visitors of all ages are welcome.

• Young Space is designed to be enjoyed slowly, so don’t make the mistake of squeezing it into a rushed afternoon between sightseeing.

• Bring a phone charger, especially if you’re staying overnight.

• While massages are available, don’t feel like you need to spend extra money. I left feeling thoroughly relaxed without booking a single treatment.

• Most importantly, don’t eat a huge meal before arriving. You’ll want to save room — and lots of it.

FAQs

What is included in the entrance fee?

The entrance fee includes access to the hot pools, steam rooms, saunas, relaxation areas, sleeping lounges, gaming rooms, movie theater, unlimited fresh fruit, complimentary drinks, self-serve ice cream, and one serving of herbal tea, coffee, or dessert.

Cooked meals, alcoholic drinks, video games, massages, and other spa services cost extra.

What should you bring to Young Space Spa?

Honestly, not much. Young Space provides almost everything you’ll need, including slippers, towels, pajamas, shower caps, hair ties, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, facial cleanser, makeup remover, body lotion, hair serum, and hair dryers.

If you’re staying overnight, bring your phone charger, any personal skincare or medications you can’t live without, and a change of clothes for when you leave.

I don’t remember them providing dental kits there, but I could be wrong.

Other than that, just bring your appetite. You’ll want to arrive with plenty of room to indulge.

Are swimsuits not allowed?

No. Like many bathhouses in East Asia, the bathing areas are gender-segregated and swimsuits are not allowed.

Everyone is required to shower before entering the pools, and shower caps are mandatory. If you have long hair, you’ll also need to tie it up with a hair tie, which the spa provides.

How long should you spend at Young Space Spa?

I’d recommend setting aside at least half a day. If you can, stay overnight.

That gives you plenty of time to enjoy the baths, relax in the common areas, snack on fruit, watch a movie, and actually slow down instead of rushing from one attraction to another.

Is Young Space Spa tourist-friendly?

Definitely. Even if you don’t speak Chinese, the check-in process is fairly straightforward, and the facilities are easy to navigate.

If it’s your first time visiting a Chinese bathhouse, just remember that the bathing areas are separated by gender and follow local etiquette, such as taking off your clothes, showering, and tying up your hair before entering the pools.

Can you bring large luggage to Young Space?

I would avoid bringing a huge suitcase if possible.

Since Young Space is popular with travelers who want to stay overnight, they do have lockers where you can store your belongings.

However, the lockers are more suited for regular-sized bags rather than massive suitcases.

If you’re planning to visit Young Space after arriving in Shanghai or before catching a train or flight, consider leaving your larger luggage at your hotel, a luggage storage facility, or a train station locker if available.

Final thoughts

After weeks of backpacking around China, the hot pools, steam room, and sauna were exactly what my body needed, but the unlimited fruits and drinks became the highlight of the entire experience.

Perhaps it was because I’d never experienced a 24-hour spa in China before, but this place completely blew me away.

Somewhere between the golden kiwis, endless berries, coconut juice, and multiple scoops of ice cream, I stopped feeling like a backpacker for a day and started feeling like a very well-fed fruitarian princess.

If you’ve been rushing around China and need a break from sightseeing, train rides, and hostel hopping, I would definitely recommend spending a day (or night) at Young Space Spa.

For more inspiration, check out my other China posts. And if this is your first time visiting China, my China Survival Guide (coming soon) will help you prepare for your trip.

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