Spent a good part of yesterday with an old Korean friend in the Hongciao area of Shanghai. Post-lunch and pre-dinner activities were limited to a rather leisurely meeting and then a few hours in a splendid local Korean sauna/spa called New Star.

It's located on South Jinhui Rd. and tel number is 021- 34 34 17 17

The clean and pleasant sauna premises are on the first floor. As you enter shoes are collected against the locker key (with complimentary polishing) and then it's onwards to the respective cabins.

Two saunas, dry and steam, three pools (40c, 45c and Jacuzzi), Korean style cold rainforest shower, good shower area, massage area and barbershop are on this floor.

The second, rest, floor has various sleeping areas, PC area, cinema and tv rooms with slumber sofas, foot massage room and coffeeshop. All of this in pyjamas provided by the house.

Next to the entrance/exit there is also a Korean restaurant with a good assortment of teas and juices.

You pay for services by signing a bill with your key number and then pay at the exit when leaving the premises. After paying you get your polished shoes back against the receipt.