6 Linping Rd (near Gongping Rd), 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reception. 2/F lockers and steam room. 3/F is a large lounge that is like a scene from Caligula, except the togas have been replaced by cotton robes.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:

"Was there on the 23rd but they refused to let me in. The old guy at the gate keep on saying 'Chinese, Chinese' and waved me out." -- eneemann, Jun 25, 2009

ZHABEI

775 Yanchang Middle Rd, Zhabei Dist, Utopia Map, 021-6152-6543, 6356-4798, 6356-4358. 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.

Comments from Utopians:

"I like this place very much." -- topinambur, Feb 16, 2009

OTHER AREAS

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:

"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

415 Baotong Rd (near Zhongxing Rd). Also known locally as Huli (mutual benefit). Many gay people. (上海铜欣浴池,宝通路415号2楼,靠近中兴路)

1450 Xuchang Rd (between Zhoujiazui Rd and Kongjiang Rd), Yangpu Dist, 6514-6862. Gay sauna is in the back, up the stairs. Opened Jan, 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