How much to tip a massage therapist in China (2026 Guide)
¥20–50 at high-end hotel spas; ¥0 at local foot-massage shops
Tipping calculator
Cultural notes
Local massage parlours and foot-massage chains (足疗) in China operate on commission — therapists earn a fixed cut of the posted price, and tipping is not a tradition. At luxury hotel spas (Mandarin Oriental, Banyan Tree, Aman), foreign-guest tips of ¥50–100 are accepted, though Chinese guests typically do not tip. If you do tip a local-shop therapist, hand the cash directly with both hands — leaving it on the bed will read as forgotten money.
Common mistakes
Confusing Chinese foot-massage shops with Thai-style massage parlours where tipping is standard — they are culturally different.
Frequently asked questions
I had an outstanding 90-minute massage at a local 足疗 — should I tip?
Not expected. ¥20 handed directly with a smile is appreciated and will not offend.
What about a Banyan Tree spa in Shanghai?
A service charge is normally already on the bill. Beyond that, ¥50–100 is generous.
Tipping other services in China
- Sit-down restaurant¥0; 10% service charge sometimes added at hotel/luxury restaurants
- Counter / takeaway¥0
- Café¥0
- Bar¥0 at local bars; ¥10–20 at high-end Western cocktail bars
- Housekeeping¥10–20 per day at international 5-star hotels; ¥0 elsewhere
- Porter¥5–10 per bag at international hotels; ¥0 elsewhere
- Concierge¥50–100 for substantial help; otherwise none
- Taxi¥0
- Rideshare¥0 — DiDi has no in-app tipping for standard rides
- Food deliveryOptional ¥1–5 via in-app "reward rider" (打赏骑手)
- Grocery delivery¥0
- Hairdresser¥0
- Tour guide¥100–200 per day private English guide; ¥50–100 per day for drivers
- Tattoo artist¥0
- Valet¥10–20 at international 5-star hotels; ¥0 elsewhere
- Airport baggage¥5–10 per bag for skycap-style airport porters; no tip for hotel-shuttle drivers
- BuskerSmall change (¥1–10) if you stop to listen; payment via WeChat QR is more common
- Movers¥0; ¥20–50 per worker for stairs, heavy items, or long hours
- Tradesperson¥0 — the quoted price is the price
Tipping a massage therapist in nearby countries
Last verified: · Sources: chinasurvivalkit.com