For the December issue of the Beijinger, we sent our editors out to try their hand at traditional Chinese crafts. An excerpt of their experiences was featured in the magazine. The following is the full version of their story.

For a moment, I worried I might regret signing up for tuina massage. (And no, it's not pronounced "tuna"). Would it leave me feeling empty-handed when everyone else was showing off their carved eggs and Peking opera masks? Then, I took one two-hour session, and realized I pretty much made out like a bandit on this one. Not only did I get free massages during class, but I left feeling strangely equipped to take on the world.   

After years of waiting, Eastern and Western massage have finally found a happy union in the aromatic hot stone massage (RMB 680 for 60 min). The masseuse starts by placing heated stones along your meridians, and after gently uncovering parts of your body, she dabs you with a “poultice” – heated Balinese stones wrapped in muslin and heated in shea butter infused with medicinal herbs and essential oils.

Tai Dian’s second branch again targets CBD-dwellers. The spa chain’s specialty is the Thai massage (RMB 150 for 60 min), an intense Pilates class for the semi-lazy.

Nothing warms up your feet like a Beijing foot massage. This winter get in from the cold or out for some pampering with some of these spots. Agenda Magazine hand-picked some of the best foot massages and deals around town in this article from their November 18 edition.

This TCM clinic is not your average spa. No flowery fragrances and dimly lit spaces – instead, you’ll catch whiffs of herbal medicine wafting through bright rooms furnished with Oriental antiques.

One of the true pleasures of life in the capital is indulging in the astonishing variety of massages offered here, from traditional Chinese tui na (推拿, acupressure) body-bending Thai, Indian Ayurvedic and gentle Swedish-style rubdowns. Try a relaxing, rejuvenating massage at one of these salons.