60 vs 90 Minute Massage in Shanghai: Which Duration Should You Book?
One of the most common questions we get: "Should I book 60 or 90 minutes?" The answer depends on your goals, schedule, and whether it's your first session. This guide breaks down exactly what each duration covers so you can choose confidently.
Quick Comparison
| Factor | 60 Minutes | 90 Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| Body Coverage | Focus areas only (back, shoulders, legs) | Full body including arms, hands, feet |
| Warm-up Time | Minimal (jump to problem areas) | Proper warm-up for deeper work |
| Relaxation Depth | Good stress relief | Deep relaxation, meditative state |
| Best For | Maintenance, tight schedule, specific pain | First-timers, full recovery, jet lag |
| Price Range | 550-700 CNY | 750-950 CNY |
| Value per Minute | ~10 CNY/min | ~9 CNY/min (better value) |
What 60 Minutes Covers
A 60-minute session is targeted and efficient. Here's the typical breakdown:
- 5 min - Consultation and settling in
- 20-25 min - Back and shoulders (primary focus)
- 15-20 min - Legs and glutes
- 10-15 min - Neck and head
Best for:
- Regular clients who know their problem areas
- Desk workers with neck/shoulder tension
- Quick recovery between meetings
- Budget-conscious bookings
What 90 Minutes Covers
A 90-minute session allows for complete, unhurried work:
- 5 min - Consultation and settling in
- 25-30 min - Back, shoulders, and spine
- 20-25 min - Legs, glutes, and feet
- 15-20 min - Arms, hands, and chest
- 15-20 min - Neck, scalp, and face
Best for:
- First-time massage clients
- Jet lag recovery (muscles need time to release)
- Athletes or post-workout recovery
- Deep relaxation and stress reset
- Special occasions or treating yourself
3-Step Decision Guide
Step 1: What's your goal?
- Fix specific pain (neck, lower back) → 60 min
- Full-body relaxation → 90 min
- Post-flight recovery → 90 min
Step 2: Is this your first professional massage?
- Yes → 90 min (your body needs time to relax)
- No, I'm experienced → Either works
Step 3: What's your schedule?
- Tight schedule, need to get back to work → 60 min
- Evening session, can rest after → 90 min
Common Misconceptions
"60 minutes is just a shorter version of 90"
Not quite. With 60 minutes, the therapist must prioritize. Some areas (like arms and feet) may be skipped entirely. It's not proportionally less coverage—it's strategically focused.
"90 minutes is too long"
Many first-timers worry about this. In reality, 90 minutes often feels shorter than expected because your body enters a deeply relaxed state. Most clients wish they'd booked longer.
"I'll save money with 60 minutes"
Per-minute, 90 minutes is actually better value. The 30 extra minutes typically costs only 150-200 CNY more—less than 7 CNY per minute for significantly more coverage.
FAQ
Can I extend my session if 60 minutes isn't enough?
Extensions depend on therapist availability. It's safer to book 90 minutes upfront if you're unsure. We can always end early if needed.
What about 120-minute sessions?
We offer 120-minute sessions for those wanting the ultimate experience. This allows time for hot stones, extra focus areas, or simply deeper work throughout. Best for special occasions or serious recovery needs.
Which duration for couples massage?
We recommend 90 minutes for couples. It allows both partners to fully relax without feeling rushed, and creates a more memorable shared experience.
I only have 45 minutes—can you do a shorter session?
Our minimum is 60 minutes. Anything shorter doesn't allow proper warm-up and can leave muscles feeling unsatisfied. If time is tight, 60 minutes focused on your main problem area is more effective than a rushed 45.
Still unsure? Message us on WhatsApp with your situation and we'll recommend the right duration. Or check our Services page for pricing details.