Originally Posted by
slarty
Maybe try the Beijing Happy Massage web site to choose places to visit. I haven't been to Beijing but there are similar sites for other cities and its worked well for me on those occasions. Can't hurt to learn to recognise the chinese characters for massage 'an mo' ie 按摩 because in mainland china sometimes the signage is only in chinese. Another tip is if you find a place avoid touts standing outside handing out flyers- they often get a cut for bringing people in off the street. Best sign of this is if they insist on escorting you to the shop reception area.
Can't stress enough to avoid anyone approaching you in the street talking english, especially in the touristy areas like Wang Fu Jing avenue. There's no immediate danger in talking to them but invariably scammers will try to lure you to a tea house, restaurant, shop or bar where you will get hit with a massive bill. Most chinese people with good intentions will be shy of foreigners and won't approach you in the street initiating contact.
Sounds worse than it is but some caution is needed.