A Shanghai Overview for the Visiting Monger
Welcome to Shanghai! While not the cheapest city on the planet to monger, Shanghai boasts a modern, upscale nightlife with women galore. The city is safe at all hours, and with a little luck you will find just what you are looking for in no time. You will find all kinds of women here, from every part of China, Vietnam, the Philipines, and Russia to name a few countries. Many, many women come here for sex, either for money or to become a businessman's mistress. In addition to the plethora of professional working girls, you will find many willing freebies looking for a relationship, and "semi-pros", or regular office working girls looking to supplement their incomes in the evening.
The City, Districts, and Culture
Before heading out for your first conquest, there are some things you should know about the city. Shanghai sprawls across both sides of the Huangpu (literally Yellow beach or sulphur beach) River. There are two major parts of the city: Pudong, or literally "Beach East", and Puxi, or "Beach West", better thought of as "East of the river" or "West of the river". Where do you think you'll have the best luck finding puxi, um pussy? :-) That's right. If your business or vacation lands you in a hotel in Pudong, you'll probably want to hop a cab for the nightlife in Puxi. However, there are mongering opportunities in Pudong, and I'll include links later for that.
Shanghai is divided into districts. Those districts may be identified on your tourist map, or they may not. Popular districts in Puxi for nightlife include Jing An, which hosts a number of popular bars and nightclubs, Lu Wan, where you'll find XinTiandi and its clubs and restaurants, and Hong Qiao, home of a couple of popular saunas and the BBS Village. These districts are large, however. Don't expect to ask a cabbie to drop you at Hong Qiao and then walk to the sauna!
The international airport is in Pudong, and the taxi ride from there to hotels in Puxi can take up to an hour. Many western technology businesses are located in Pudong, so if you are travelling on business there is a good chance you'll end up there. Not to worry, taxis in Shanghai are cheap and pretty reliable. However, getting a taxi at your hotel during the afternoon rush hour, or if it is raining, can be challenging. One way to get where you are going quickly is the subway. It is clean, fast, cheap, and safe. [Note: there are sometimes gangs of pickpockets in the subway system. Watch your wallet and valuables.]
People in Shanghai are generally friendly. However, most folks you encounter on the street will not interact with you in English. If you know Mandarin, great. But for those without Mandarin skills, your best bet is to check into a hotel catering to westerners, and ask your concierge for help in arranging transportation, reservations, etc. For example, if you would like a taxi to take you to a particular sauna, get the address and phone number from this forum, present that information to the concierge, and ask them to write down the address in Chinese for the taxi driver. They will happily do so with no judgement of your desire to go to such a place, so no need to feel embarrassed. Be sure to grab a hotel card for the return trip. Your taxi driver will not understand the western name of your hotel.
In Shanghai, the rule for mongers and sex workers is negotiation. You might think, as a westerner, that the amount you are negotiating over is small. After all, if the difference between your price and hers is 100RMB, that's only $12USD. But keep this in mind: in China, if you give in at too high a price, you aren't considered "noble" or "a gentleman." The Chinese girl will think one thing, and one thing only: you are a sucker. And if you are in a BBS (a quicky sex "Barbershop"), she will loudly proclaim such to her coworkers across the partition. So it pays to negotiate, negotiate hard, and be willing to walk away, even if she's pretty.
Prostitution is illegal in China, but you wouldn't know by wandering the streets of Shanghai. China is not tainted by the Judeo-Christian/Catholic-guilt influence. Prostitution is an irritant akin to smoking cigarettes in China. Not everyone likes it, but it is everywhere, and it is generally expected that if you are a businessman in China, companionship just comes with the bargain. No one considers suppressing the prostitution in Shanghai, unless an event happens that brings international press coverage to the city. Then you might experience a police sweep, but a week or so later, things will be back to the way they were.
Generally speaking, the average Chinese citizen will look the other way when they see you with a working girl, and no judgements or reprisals will be forthcoming. The rules for bringing a working girl into your hotel will vary by the individual establishment, however. It is worth checking the forum, or asking a fellow monger, if you have questions about your particular hotel. Most are "girl friendly".
The sex
Ok, enough already of the civics lesson! What about the sex?
Price notwithstanding, Shanghai is the city of sex. Once immersed in this city, you'll discover sex everywhere.
The Shanghai forum on the ISG is full of stories of new sex outlets within this ever changing city. Yet it seems that every month, sometimes every week, something new and creative appears. Like many new participants in the forum, you might be tempted to just ask for recommendations, either for specific women or establishments. In many cases, don't bother. Things change so quickly in Shanghai that your best bet is to pick up some general suggestions based on recent posts, explore these recommendations, find some new ones of your own, and post your experiences. The individual women come and go, BBs shops come and go, saunas come and go, but the themes remain the same.
Sex is either provided as a part of a business service, or it is provided by an independent working girl. Businesses that may offer sex in some form include KTVs (Karaoke bars), saunas and hotel health spas, massage parlors, foot massage parlors, and "Barber Shops". Except for the Barber Shops, sex is just one part, and an optional part, of the offering. Not all establishments provide sex, and of those that do, not all provide full service sex.
When a business service includes sex, the price you are charged for the service is "all in". You should not expect to pay a hidden fee to the girl, or to tip, when the service is complete. All charges are communicated up front. (The BBS can be an exception if you fail to negotiate properly. See the BBS section below).
There are no strip clubs in Shanghai. Not to worry, if you want to see a girl take her clothes off, either find one one on the street and bring her to your room, or head for a KTV! Not all KTVs include stripping girls, but some do, and I'll recommend one.
Independent providers
Finding independent providers is as simple as leaving your hotel room and heading for a nightclub, bar, or coffeeshop. There is no need to arrive in Shanghai with a list of pre-selected recommendations from forum members. The girls are truly plentiful. Nor do you need to have a world-class ego, capable of attracting women from across the room. In China, before you finish your first beer, the girls will come to you. It is nearly as simple as this: if a girl makes eye contact with you for more than 2 seconds, she wants you to take her home with you. Just approach her and say hi, she'll be all over you. In fact, you will probably be approached by girls you don't want to take home. Your problem will be one of getting rid of the ones you don't want, rather than attracting the one you do want.
With independents, you typically will negotiate for "short time" or "long time" service. Short time means one or two hours, and one or possibly more shots. Your mileage may vary with individual girl performance. Long time means overnight, or until you kick her out. Many girls will negotiate a long time rate, but then find an excuse to leave early. This is a little scam. If you don't want them to leave early, don't give them the full rate you negotiated. In any case, don't ever give them the money before they have completed their service. This means, don't pay up front, and for a long term, pay them just before they leave in the morning. However, if you negotiated a long term rate, but then you decide you want them to leave early through no fault of theirs, generally you should pay what your originally agreed.
Cleanliness is a big thing in China. When an independent comes to your room, she will expect to shower before and probably after. You should prepare for and expect her to shower. She will usually take her time. She may also use your toothbrush or toothpaste or both. If a hotel toothbrush is available, she'll use that. Keep your valuables locked up. These girls generally are not thieves, but why take the chance?
Independent providers will generally kiss (DFK), suck without condom if you choose (BBBJ), let you eat them (DATY), and fuck in your choice of positions. They may massage you. Any girl who does not fuck, or demands more money for anything beyond a handjob is a scam artist and must be kicked out of the room without payment. It happens, and this is why you do not pay up front. Rimming is not as common with independents (but is typical in saunas).
If you like the provider, and they like you, they will usually provide their phone number. You can then call them any time, no need to go out hunting. A semi-pro may decide she wants to be your girlfriend, and will call you (sometimes daily or more) if you show interest and provide a number. Or they will SMS you daily. You should decide whether you want this before giving out your number.
Some independents are cavalier about condom use. Be careful out there. Just because they are fastitidious about bathing doesn't mean they are immune from STDs. Always keep a supply of condoms handy. (Some will use the excuse of "no condom" to avoid fucking. That's a scam, kick that kind out.)
Many independents don't speak much English. Don't worry. Hand signs work great, and if all else fails, guide her body and hands to where you want her to be. She'll figure it out.
Some independents might want to take you to their home rather than your hotel. I have done this, and it is a serious adventure for a westerner who doesn't speak the language. I survived with no problem, but I don't recommend it at all until you have gotten very comfortable getting around Shanghai at all hours. You're better off finding a girl that will come with you.
Finally, as stated previously, 400RMB or less for short time, 800RMB or less for long time. Don't pay more, or you are a sucker.
Saunas
A Shanghai Sauna is a pretty unique experience. It combines a legitimate spa facility with a highly sexual finish. You can spend several hours in a sauna, enjoying the jacuzzi, steam room, showers, a variety of legitimate massages, dry sauna, etc., before you even get to the sex part. A sauna can leave you relaxed and satisfied in many ways.
Not all saunas offer sex. The clue is the pricing. Typically a sauna will post prices at the entrance or in the lobby. A sauna that offers a complete package priced at around 600-750RMB is offering a complete, full service experience. Many of the western hotels (5 star type) do not offer extra services, but may charge high prices. This is where your monger instincts kick in. If you do not know Mandarin, you'll just have to give your selected sauna a try, or stick to those recommended in the forum. If you do speak Mandarin, just ask for the manager and discuss the available services. In Shanghai, these things can be discussed fairly openly, in spite of (lightly enforced) Chinese laws. Besides, if you are a Mandarin speaking westerner you are not likely to be a Chinese authority. If a sauna offers a "special" massage or a "special" foot massage, that sauna is offering a sexual release of some sort as part of the massage.
Note that some saunas limit the service to hand jobs, or possibly a BJ. If you read of a sauna offering "red rope service", however, that is a complete, full service establishment. More on the red rope later.
A sauna can be very intimidating for a non-Mandarin speaking westerner. First, no one in the sauna is likely to speak english. Or they will speak very very little. Second, the sauna is filled with male attendants to help you with everything, from changing clothes, to legitimate massage, to (in some cases) washing your back when you are in the shower, and toweling you off when you are done.
This is the Chinese way, and there is nothing sexual about it. Just relax and go with the flow.
Speaking of flow, there is no need to know any Mandarin, because all Saunas work the same way. The flow follows. If you memorize this, you will know what all the talking and gesturing is about. Just do the next thing as they guide you:
1. In the lobby, indicate the service you want. This is easy. You are a westerner. They know why you are there (or point to the menu).
2. You will be led to a locker room. An attendant will show you a locker. He may help you undress. Don't brush him off, that would be rude. He is there to help. Trust me, he won't touch your dick. strip, put your clothes in the locker. You may be provided a small pouch for your valuables (phone, wallet, whatever). Some saunas lock them separately, some in the same locker, some have you carry your valuables with you in the pouch. You'll figure it out by the gestures.
3. You will be handed a key on a wrist band, a towel and be directed to the shower area. Find a shower and take one, just like the Chinese folks do. This will be the first of many you will take if you use all the services. Enjoy it.
4. Dry off. You will be in or near a room with steam rooms, jacuzzi, dry sauna, massage tables for legitimate massage, etc. There will probably be a big screen TV showing sports. Take the time to enjoy whatever you like. Relax, get comfortable. You're gonna have a great time!
5. After each thing you use, you'll likely be offered another shower. Indulge.
6. When you are done, take a final shower, and approach the area where an attendant has a stack of pajamas towels, and possibly slippers. Approach him, drop your towel, and don the pajamas. He will point you to an exit or will lead you to one. You will be directed to a lounge area with recliners and a TV. Sit, wait.
7. An attendant (typically female at this point) will offer a drink, possibly fruit. Relax, drink, eat, enjoy.
8. An attendant will approach and ask if you would like a massage. Accept this. Dwey! Hun Hao! Whatever, I don't speak the language. Just grunt affirmatively and go!
9. You will either be led to a room with your provider, or you will be shown a lineup. If the lineup, pick your favorite. If you are shown straight to the room, you can either accept or indicate as best you can to the person taking you there that you want someone else. When I can't speak the language, I generally just take the girl offered in that case.
10. From there, the provider will take the lead. If this is a red rope establishment, she will do things to you that you would not ever imagine a girl doing: a thorough tongue bath - I mean *thorough*. Long, relaxed rimming, unless you push her away. A "fire and ice" blow job (mouth filled with hot water, then suck suck suck, spit. Mouth filled with ice water, then suck suck suck, spit, wait for you to settle back onto the bed, repeat). A "red rope" blowjob - She suspends from the ceiling by a red rope. She sucks you. You do what you please with whatever you can reach. DATY, anyone? She will eventually move into a nice full service, which you can tune to your liking.
11. After, you will be cleaned on the table by the provider, helped back into your pajamas, and out you go. At this point, you will probably be taken to the shower. Enjoy your final one, then head to the lockers. The attendant will take your key and help you dress. You will then be offered a mirror with combs, brushes, etc. to finish up.
12. A final stop at the front desk is all that is left. Here you pay. Note that if you took advantage of any extra services, like a legitimate massage, the attendant may have had you initial or sign a slip of paper with a number on it. This is a tip sheet for that service provider. Typically this may be 30RMB or so. Some do this, some don't. But these amounts will be added to your bill, so be prepared for this. Pay, and depart!
A final note. On occasion, especially with less than full service saunas (HJ/BJ only) the final lady session may be billed to be a 2 hour massage. In those establishments, they may substitute the HJ/BJ for the second hour. You may be asked to confirm this with the front desk. If you are handed a phone, just say something like Dwey, or Hao, or Shu into the phone. Again, I'm not a mandarin speaker, but they should figure out from these grunts that you mean something like "right", "OK", or "Yes". The Happy Garden Sauna across the street from Malones will do this (they are a HJ/BJ only place, as far as I can tell).
Here are some highly recommended Saunas (use search to find their addresses on the forum):
1. Da Tang Yu Jing (west side of Puxi)
2. Yu Ping (Southwest Puxi)
3. Shanghai Hotel, 2nd floor (Jing An district, behind the Hilton)
You can search the forum for others, but these are great ones to start with. If you are in Pudong, you might search the forum for ones closer to you, but again, taxis in Shanghai are cheap! (If you can't find one closer, and you are in Pudong, the one in the Shanghai Hotel is the closest to you of the ones on the list above).
Barbershops
Ah, now we tread where the timid westerner fears... the Barbershop, or as we call it here, the BBS.
Barbershops are the down and dirty of cheap sex in Shanghai. At a Barbershop, if you negotiate properly, full service is had for 130RMB, and a handjob is no more than 50RMB. Yes, that's less than $25 for a fuck, and about $6 for a handjob. It's hard to beat those prices! On the other hand, with rock bottom prices come rock bottom service. A BBS is the fast food of Shanghai sex. Get in, fuck, get out.
Barbershops come and go in Shanghai. They are spotted by looking for the traditional barberpole. But you won't see anyone inside getting a haircut. Instead, you'll see ladies sitting in wait. The lighting may be pink (but not always), the windows may be frosted (but not always). But there will always be ladies, and no one getting a haircut. Some will make eyecontact and motion you in. Most others will not, and won't respond until you open the door.
Here's the deal. These folks definitely do not speak english. If you don't speak Mandarin, you are at a severe disadvantage. But you can use this to your advantage too. What you don't understand can't sway you. So stick to your prices, don't get talked into multiple girls, or higher prices. The price is this: 130RMB FS, 50RMB for less.
Many BBS will not do FS. The only way to know which ones do is to read the forum before you go. But these things appear and disappear weekly. Good luck finding one that was described here. The best thing is to go into them and keep asking until one agrees.
How do you properly approach a BBS, especially if you don't speak the language? First, follow this golden rule: Do not go into the back rooms until you have negotiated a price with the mamasan/manager. Do not negotiate with the girl. Approach the mamasan (or manager, that person will be obvious) up front, offer 130RMB, make a sign for full service (you can figure this out), and hold your ground. If they don't meet your price, walk out the door. Probably they will call you back. If you absolutely must cave in, absolutely must be a sucker, go up to 150RMB.
If you make it to an agreement, go back with the girl, sit on the recliner, drop your drawers, and she'll get you off quicker than a bronco in a rodeo. Hey, you wanted a 130RMB fuck, didn't ya?
Go with a friend, it's more fun when you hunt BBSes in packs.
One of the most famous areas for BBSes is called "the Village" on this forum. It is in the western part of Shanghai, around the Huangiao area. Search the forum for "village" and you'll get information. If you are in Shanghai, and want to make a trek out to the village in a pack, post a note on the forum soliciting hunting partners. You can usually scare up one or two folks to go with you.
There are some BBSes in Pudong. Search the forum for "Pudong" and "BBS" to find out more.
When you find a BBS that does do FS, you have an obligation to the forum to report its location. Post a report please!
Nightclubs
There are many good nightspots. There are several bars that are worth visiting in XinTianDi (XTD). This is a new, upscale, hip area with good nightlife.
For westerners, Bourbon Street and Zapatas are good picks when they are hopping (some nights can be dead at those bars). Get a local entertainment guide for the address, or search this forum.
If you are a westerner over 35, Malones American Bar is highly recommended. They have great live entertainment after 9pm, and the crowd is largely xpats and very comfortable. The music is great, and there are always a few girls there on the make, either semi-pros or full time pros, or sometimes just friendly freebies. Sunday may be slower there.
Near the intersection of Yan An Lu and Tong Ren Lu is a strip of bars, including Manhattan, Blue Angel, and many others. You can find street whores strolling here, and you can also find girls willing to go home with you here. Manhattan will always have its share of easy pickings. Some nights it will be heavily weighted with filipinas that the bar owner pays to attract customers. Pretty much all of them will go home with you, but that will be a filipina experience, not a chinese one. Not that it is a bad experience - they speak english well, and personally I sort of like the little brown fucking machines produced in the Philipines. Wear a condom, they are all catholic and don't use birth control!
Along Mao Ming Lu, also in the Jing An district, you'll find bars that amazingly have the same names as the ones above on Tong Ren Lu. They are owned by the same owners, but are older versions. Rumor has it that the Mao Ming Lu bars will be closed before long. Manhattan bar, on Mao Ming Lu, is basically Little Manila, filled with cute filipinas, dancing on the bar to house music. It is a must visit bar if you like filipinas.
A poster on the forum recently posted ladies nights. Search for it. These will probably vary from time to time, but needless to say, those bars will probably be hopping on those nights.
There are many small bars in Shanghai that are filled with women, whose job it is to get you in, get you drinking, and get you to buy them drinks. The good news is that unlike Hong Kong and Japan (and the US), these are not generally high priced hostess bars, where each drink is going to cost you $50USD. You can actually have a pretty good time, snuggling with a cutie, and periodically buying them a drink. You can also choose not to buy them a drink in most bars. Some of these bars have a side area, or upstairs area, where you can take a girl and she'll give you a hand job or blow job. In a few, you can get full service. The forum suggests some, they won't be mentioned here due to the risk of their exposure and shut down. Seek, and ye shall find.
Hotel bars
Unless you like paying US prices or more for your Chinese lady, these are to be avoided. Instead, if you will make frequent trips, get to know the Mamasan who approaches you in the bar. Turn down her offer for girls, buy her a drink, make a friend. Tell her you don't pay high prices, only local prices. Perhaps she'll find you a girl for less, perhaps not. Perhaps you'll make a friend and she'll go home with you herself for free. Who knows? Good luck!
KTVs (Karaoke Clubs)
If you like the high prices in hotel bars, you'll love going to a KTV! Actually, a KTV can be loads of fun, especially if you bring friends. A KTV is not a great experience for the single monger, unless you possess two things: plenty of money, and Mandarin skills. Otherwise, save the KTV club for group outings.
Don't expect to have sex in a KTV. Most KTVs are places to drink, sing to the Karaoke machine, and flirt with a group of very cute Chinese women (at least one per patron).
KTVs vary in their conservative or liberal slant towards sex. Within the KTV itself, some girls themselves are more or less open to touching, kissing, etc. As with anything in life, there are varieties and you should be aware that each individual, and each company, will run things in a particular way.
With that said, though, how do KTVs work, and what do you need to know to enjoy one (and not get ripped off)?
Let's start with the KTVs themselves. They vary in style from lavish, Las Vegas sized establishments with literally hundreds of girls (one I attended had 800 girls working that night), to smaller, more plain (but still nice) venues.
KTVs serve a largely Chinese and Japanese clientele. It is relevant to know if they are biased toward the Japanese customer, because the Japanese businessmen do not negotiate hard. They get charged much more for service than any other customer. If you go to those establishments, you'll probably pay more than the already high prices. As you might expect, then, KTVs tend to market to the Japanese businessmen.
Regardless, these folks are not going to be speaking to you in English. You really do need to have a Mandarin speaker with you when you go. But I'll give you an overview of what to expect, so if you do want to try it on your own, you'll have a clue about just what is going on, and perhaps you'll have a basis for gesturing your way to what you'd like.
When you enter the KTV, you will be met at the entrance by some type of manager. This man or woman will determine what sort of room you would like, depending upon the number of people accompanying you. You will be charged based on the size of the room, so don't let them offer you a room larger than you need. Considering that you will be sitting down most of the time, with your dates, you will need enough room to sit for twice the size of your group. Don't worry about more, unless for some reason you are feeling grand.
You will negotiate for the room charge, which will probably include a bottle of Chivas or similar. Recently a group of ISGers got a room for 5, with a bottle of Chivas, and we negotiated 1000RMB for the room and bottle. You can order more if you run out, and try to negotiate a good price when you do it.
At a KTV, you will pay for room, bottle, fruit plate, etc. Negotiate an all inclusive fee for that up front, don't wait until the end to get surprise charges.
You will also pay a tip for each girl. Figure somewhere between 200-500RMB, negotiate this up front. You will also tip the hostess who controls the Karaoke, and the waiter who brings in snacks. Figure 100RMB for the waiter, 200RMB for the hostess. Get this nailed down at the beginning too. Finally, you may be expected to tip the Mamasan who brings your selection of girls. We've argued over this. I think you should budget to pay upwards of 300RMB, but again, negotiate this up front before the girls arrive.
If you want girls that will be willing to go home with you after, you need to say so to the Mamasan (manager) up front. If they have those kinds of girls, they are the ones that will be brought for your selection. You can probably ask for the fee, there is usually a rate for short/long term. Again, ask, negotiate, up front.
Finally, after everything has been agreed to, you'll sit, and the Mamasan will bring in a selection of probably 10 or so girls. You can choose from this set, or wait for more. They have plenty, and will bring girls until you find one you like. Choose, she'll come to you and sit. If you don't speak Mandarin, ask the Mamasan to bring girls that speak at least a little english. Note that if you don't like the girl after your selection, you have about a 10 minute "trial period" during which you can call Mamasan back in and change girls.
Once you've all chosen, the party begins! You drink, sing, cuddle. Some KTVs have girls that will dance naked for you, most won't. But most will get at least a little frisky - kissing, cuddling, maybe fondling may be on the agenda. You'll also play drinking games with dice, and the girls will sing. Some sing well, but they aren't necessarily chosen for their voices.
Stay as long as you like. Eventually, the booze runs out, and you are ready to go. Tell the hostess you'd like your bill, and all the previous negotiation should eliminate any surprise. But check it anyway. If you want to take your girl home, now is the time to work out those details with her and Mamasan. If you don't, that's OK. You can also ask for her phone number. Many times they will give it to you, and you can call them another night. Give her yours and she may call you the very next day asking to go out. You lucky dog!
We had a great time at a KTV called Die Lian Hua. Their number is 13236669199. You can have your hotel staff call them for the address. I highly recommend a Mandarin speaker go with you.
This particular KTV will provide girls which get quite, um, progressive. They will dance naked, and allow you to dance with them while they are naked. They did not allow sex in the room, but things got pretty heated otherwise. Lots of touching, fondling, deep kissing, etc.
Since KTVs are so expensive relative to other Shanghai experiences, we don't see too many reports on the forum with recommendations. If you go to a KTV, please write a report and share your experiences. But remember, negotiation up front is the key to a successful KTV experience. Don't walk into a KTV unless you are prepared to pay a significant amount for your partying fun. Good luck!
