Tattoos in China: Problems at Hot Springs, Gyms & Bathhouses (2025 Guide)

The short answer: Your tattoos won't cause problems in daily life, but they may get you denied entry to hot springs, public bathhouses, some gyms, and water parks.

Here's everything you need to know.

Tattoo Culture in China

Tattoos in China have a complicated history:

Traditional view: Associated with criminals, gangsters, and "bad" people Modern reality: Becoming more accepted among young people, but stigma remains among older generations and in formal settings

What this means for tourists:

• Nobody will confront you on the street
• You can swim at hotel pools
• You can visit all tourist attractions
• Some specific venues may refuse entry

Where Tattoos Cause Problems

1. Hot Springs (温泉 wēn quán)

Most common issue. Many hot springs in China have explicit "no tattoo" policies.

Why: Japanese-style hot spring culture (many Chinese hot springs imitate Japanese onsen) traditionally bans tattoos due to yakuza associations.

What happens:

• Staff may point at your tattoo and say "不可以" (can't enter)
• Some check before entry, others only notice when you're in the water
• Some enforce strictly, others ignore

Solutions:

• Call ahead and ask: "有纹身可以进吗?" (yǒu wénshēn kěyǐ jìn ma?) - Can people with tattoos enter?
• Look for "private rooms" (包房) - usually no restrictions
• Cover with waterproof tattoo cover bandages
• Choose hot springs that don't enforce (varies by location)

2. Public Bathhouses (浴室 yù shì / 澡堂 zǎo táng)

Traditional public bathhouses, especially in northern China, may refuse entry.

More common in:

• Northeast China (Harbin, Shenyang)
• Beijing
• Traditional neighborhood bathhouses

Less strict:

• Modern spa/sauna chains
• Private rooms

3. Gyms (健身房 jiàn shēn fáng)

Some gyms have dress codes that effectively ban visible tattoos.

Reality check:

• Most modern gyms don't care
• Some high-end hotels/clubs have policies
• Enforcement is inconsistent

Solution: Wear long sleeves/pants if concerned

4. Water Parks & Swimming Pools

Public pools: Some municipal pools may refuse Hotel pools: Almost never a problem Water parks: Varies—some check, most don't

5. TV/Film Appearances

If you somehow end up on Chinese TV, your tattoos will be blurred out. China's broadcast regulations require this.

But this won't affect tourists.

Where Tattoos Are NOT a Problem

100% Fine:

• All tourist attractions ✅
• Restaurants ✅
• Hotels ✅
• Shopping malls ✅
• Public transportation ✅
• Temples (but dress modestly anyway) ✅
• Beaches ✅
• Hotel swimming pools ✅
• Most bars and clubs ✅

Usually Fine:

• Modern gyms ✅
• Private spa rooms ✅
• Upscale hotels hot tubs ✅

Tattoo Cover-up Options

If you need to access a venue:

Waterproof Tattoo Covers

Available on Taobao/JD.com:

• 纹身遮盖贴 (wénshēn zhēgài tiē) - tattoo cover patches
• Price: ¥20-50
• Works for several hours in water

How to buy: Search "纹身遮盖" on Taobao

Dermablend / Makeup

• Heavy-duty concealer
• Works for small tattoos
• Not great for large pieces or water activities

Compression Sleeves

• Long sleeve swim shirts
• Compression arm/leg sleeves
• Best for gym restrictions

Hot Spring Tips for Tattooed Travelers

Finding Tattoo-Friendly Hot Springs

Private room hot springs (包间/包房): Most hot spring resorts offer private rooms with personal hot tubs. These have no restrictions.

Search terms:

• 私汤 (sī tāng) - private hot spring
• 温泉包间 (wēn quán bāo jiān) - hot spring private room
• 情侣温泉 (qíng lǚ wēn quán) - couple's hot spring

Cost: ¥200-800 per room, 2-3 hours

Hot Springs That Don't Check

Many larger resort-style hot springs are more relaxed:

• Large hotel resort hot springs
• Modern wellness centers
• Places with mostly young clientele

Tip: Read recent reviews on Dianping (大众点评) mentioning tattoos

Phrases to Ask

English	Chinese	Pinyin
Can people with tattoos enter?	有纹身可以进吗？	yǒu wénshēn kěyǐ jìn ma?
Do you have private rooms?	有包间吗？	yǒu bāo jiān ma?
Are tattoos allowed?	纹身可以吗？	wénshēn kěyǐ ma?

Getting Tattoos in China

Thinking of getting tattooed while in China?

Quality

• Major cities have world-class tattoo artists
• Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu have strong scenes
• Check Instagram/Xiaohongshu for artists

Cost

Generally cheaper than Western countries:

• Small piece: ¥500-1500
• Medium piece: ¥1500-5000
• Large piece: ¥5000+

Considerations

• Research artists carefully (Xiaohongshu: 小红书)
• Check hygiene practices
• Language barrier—bring reference images
• Book in advance for popular artists

Search Terms

• 纹身店 (wénshēn diàn) - tattoo shop
• 纹身师 (wénshēn shī) - tattoo artist

Regional Differences

More Tattoo-Friendly:

• Shanghai
• Shenzhen
• Chengdu
• Hangzhou
• Coastal cities

More Conservative:

• Beijing (government capital = stricter)
• Northern China
• Smaller cities
• Traditional areas

Quick Answers

Will people stare at my tattoos?

Maybe some older people. Mostly curiosity, not hostility. Young people won't care.

Can I work in China with tattoos?

Visible tattoos may affect job prospects in formal industries. Coverable tattoos less of an issue.

Will I get in trouble with police?

No. Tattoos are completely legal. Police don't care.

What about face tattoos?

Expect more stares and potentially more venue restrictions. But still no legal issues.

Are religious tattoos offensive?

Buddhist imagery is common and fine. Be thoughtful about other religious symbols.

What if I'm already in the hot spring when they notice?

They may politely ask you to leave, or they may just let it go. Depends on the venue and staff.

Summary

Venue Type	Tattoo Restrictions?
Tourist sites	None
Hotels	None
Restaurants	None
Hotel pools	None
Public hot springs	Common
Public bathhouses	Sometimes
Some gyms	Rare
Water parks	Varies

Bottom line: Tattoos won't ruin your China trip. The main issue is hot springs—book private rooms or find tattoo-friendly spots. Everything else is fine.

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The China Survival Kit includes venue tips and cultural guidance to navigate unexpected situations in China.