6 Linping Rd (near Gongping Rd and the Lin Pin Train Station), Hongkou, Utopia Map. On the corner is the curved pale gold facade of a garage. The first door of the building just after it (the one that looks like it's barely holding itself together) is the entrance. Cheap, but extremely run down (the facilities are not the point here). As one Utopian described it: "really scraping the bottom of the sanitation barrel." 1/F reception. 2/F lockers and steam room. 3/F is a large lounge that is like a scene from Caligula, except the togas have been replaced by cotton robes. This communal room is jam-packed with men in various Kama Sutra arrangements, engaging simultaneously in activites ranging from pedicures to impenitent sin. Completely authentic, without pretense, and casual to a mind-bending degree. 4/F has private rooms, but what's the point of that in a place like this? Seemingly destined for a Gomorrah-like end, experience it while you can (sometimes foreigners are not allowed in, but not because you'd be unwelcome). The crowd is mostly mature+, mixed in with the occasional shockingly gorgeous guy (some may be MBs) and anyway you are going to be the object of attention, wanted or otherwise. 上海银欣浴室,临平路6号,靠近公平路.

Comments from Utopians:

"There was no restriction for me to enter. Basically, I just handed over Y$30 and was issued a key. The place was not crowded, considering it was Fri night, with around 20 people. Happenings in the showering area, with duplets and triplets engaging in strenuous activities. Most are not idling bystanders who only watched but rather had their hands busy. It pretty much resembled group scenes from gay movies. The 'movie stars' didn't seem to be bothered at all that people were walking around. Guess it's just a cultural difference. By the way, to use the showers, you need to step on the metal plate which is chained to the water tap. It took a while for me to figure out how to use the shower especially when most people in the showering room aren't really interested in showering." -- johnuis, Jun 12, 2010

"I tried to enter after 2am on a Sat morning and they said it was government policy not to allow foreigners to stay overnight. I went later that afternoon and was welcomed with open arms. The two ladies at the entrance were very friendly. Inside staff the same. I had a nice time there. Be aware that it is basic and most action happens in the very dark steam room and the smaller steam rooms downstairs. Upstairs rooms are not worth it. No privacy." -- kanakana, Mar 26, 2010

"They are not unfriendly, but they do not want foreigners. Even though I speak Chinese they refused to let me in. I was just allowed to see the premises - very, very basic - so don't waste your time to go here." -- topinambur, Jan 5, 2010

ZHABEI

775 Yanchang Middle Rd, Zhabei Dist, Utopia Map, 6356-4358, 6356-4798. About two large city blocks west of the Yanchanglu Subway Station. Entrance is between a mini-mart and a restaurant. The biggest gay sauna in Shanghai. Clean and friendly. It's a member club so you will fill out a simple form to join the first time and get a member card to use on repeat visits. Take off your shoes in the reception area and trade them for slippers. Lounging clothes provided in a bag which you must return as you depart. 1/F is reception, lockers, gym, karaoke room, showers, steam and massage. Most of the fun here happens in the steam and tepid rooms adjoining the shower area. 2/F has a café, foot massage room, two large TV lounge rooms (one with beds), reading room with Net access, and private rooms (these can be rented at extra cost for more privacy, although the doors have large round windows). Much play goes on in the lounge areas. Just have a rest and see what develops. Mostly local crowd, 30-60yo. Masseurs on hand for an additional fee. Open 24-hours daily. 闸北区延长中路775号 (如家快捷酒店旁边的通道,沪太路东）

Comments from Utopians:

"Went together with my bf to Dinglin Men's Club on Wed, the day of Dragon Boat Festival. To be honest, we expected something better. It's big, for sure, the center court resembles a Turkish hammam with a big hot bath in the middle and six showerpoints on the side. The Finnish sauna is not too big, but worked well. The big steam room was off (and don't ask me to describe the smell and looks inside). There is a smaller steam room, which was first off, but worked later on." -- pucky, Jun 17, 2010

"Just got home from Dinglin Men's Club. It is pretty easy to find, just look for #775 Yan Chang Zhong Lu after alighting from exit #3 of Metro Line 1 - Yan Chang Lu Station (the entrance is tucked in between small eateries which makes it a little tricky - just look for Dinglin's signage on the door). Initially, you have to be a member by filling out a form and paying the membership fee / first time entrance fee of Y$50. The place looks exactly like the pictures on their website but there's no 'palatial type crystal light,' LOL. Facilities are neat and the place isn't smelly. They even have pump liquid soap from Watson's (unlike other bath houses which only provide bar soap). All ages and sizes represented. One setback though, there are no private rooms for encounters. They also have in-house masseurs (whose rates are affordable) and they are not pushy. They won't even ask for a tip! Overall, it was a nice visit and i'll surely be a guest again." -- philboi, Jun 2, 2010

OTHER AREAS

415 Baotong Rd (near Zhongxing Rd), Utopia Map, 6629-0256. Take Line 3 to Dongbaoxing Rd, Exit 1. Keep left and go over the bridge on Baushan Rd. Cross the street at traffic lights to Zhongxing Rd. Walk down to the next intersection and turn right into Baotong Rd. Many gay people. (上海铜欣浴池,宝通路415号2楼,靠近中兴路)

Comments from Utopians:

"I had a great time at Huli sauna (formerly called Tongxin, but management is the same). Entry is Y$30, and body scrub is another Y$20. You can sleep overnight in the main hall for additional Y$20, I think. There are no private cubicles but the dry sauna is the main activity room. There's a hot pool and hot steam room which was switched off after 5pm. MBs abound there, so beware. Customers are very friendly and sporting. Enjoy!" -- Fip, May 23, 2010

228 Zhizaoju Lu, map and directions, Utopia Map, 021-6313-5567. There are two saunas here, both in the alley entrance to the hotel (the large neon lit facade is easy to spot). The straight one is on the left as you enter and the gay one is on the right, just after the restaurant and before the stairwell. Take Bus 18 or 23 from Renmin Guangchang (People's Square), get off at Xietu Lu and walk through Xietu Lu to Zhizaoju Lu to find Lianbang Hotel. There is also a bus stop right in front and bus 18 and 23 pass by here to the city. There is a lady at reception and she charges foreigners for the VIP room fee (while Chinese pay Y$10 less for a regular room). You probably won't use the VIP room, but an attendant will unlock one for you if you want to use it. Most people just cruise around the open regular rooms. Lockers are large enough for small luggage, yet so flimsy you will be scared to leave anything of value in them, even though there is an attendant on duty. You are given a small towel and a set of tiny pajamas to put on after you shower. No safety supplies, so bring your own. There is a large, dark steam room off the shower area and four little mini steam rooms. The upper floors are where the cruising goes on, but it gets thick with resident moneyboys the higher and deeper you go. These young hustlers are pushy and confusingly deceptive. Diversified range of ages and physiques, from the muscular to the mature. Massage also available from sauna staff. Open 24 hours. You are allowed to go outside for one hour only to eat (with sauna slippers on). Busiest on weekends and weekdays after work. 联邦浴室, 制造局路228号

Comments from Utopians:

"They will ask foreigners to leave once 2am comes along. It is just policy. But I found them super friendly." -- kanakana, Mar 26, 2010

"The entrance fee is now Y$40 and whether or not you decide to stay in 'your' room, chances are, it's already occupied. I was here on a weekend night, supposedly crowded, but wasn't. Most (if not all) guys here are mature, and only a few are 20+. Better to practice the phrase mei you (i dont want) as you will definitely be the center of attention, so better learn how to decline politely. MBs walk shirtless whereas patrons roam the area fully clothed." -- philboi, Mar 22, 2010

"I was in Lianbang and they refused me entry the first time even though I was also Chinese. They said since they have less than a 3-star rating they cannot accommodate me even though I am from Taiwan. I got in the next day though and it was very busy. People were getting it on everywhere. Dry sauna is so dark that it is a virtual darkroom. You are requird to wear sleeping gown going upstairs but action takes place behind closed doors. All ages and all sizes represented." -- Azthairub, Oct 10, 2009

157 Zhoushan Rd (near Kunming Rd). Gay, but cheap, so don't expect the best facilities. 上海舟山浴池,地址: 舟山路157弄,靠近昆明路