Dragonfly

Dragonfly has been the expat go-to for Chinese massage since 2003, and for good reason: clean rooms, English-speaking staff, and a treatment list that runs from a simple foot reflexology session to full-body tuina and oil massage. Prices are transparent, and they are used to nervous first-timers.

The Xinle Road branch, in the heart of the former French Concession, is the classic - a five-minute walk from some of the city's best cafes. Book ahead on weekends; walk-ins are fine on weekday afternoons.