
Those who visit Chinatown are likely aware of the prevalence of massage parlors. The establishments look legitimate from the sidewalk, but in reality they are illicit businesses. They are intelligence-driven counter-trafficking organizations that operate undercover. They are also known to be an illegal source of support for prostitution. These massage businesses outnumber Starbucks by five to one.
A recent undercover investigation by 5 Investigates found two Chinatown massage parlors that were operating without licenses. They were allegedly selling full-service sex to male customers who were paying $40 to $50 for a single hour-long massage. According to men who received massages at the establishments, they were groped and propositioned for sex by the workers, who were paid a minimal fee.
One of the establishments is a foot and back massage parlor located on Rio Grande Street. The waiting area is small and fluorescent-lit, but the massage is not a spa. The owner, Dan T. Zheng, is suspected of facilitating the activities of other prostitution businesses. In addition, he is accused of providing a vehicle and other support to a prostitution operation in Boston. The man was also allegedly in charge of the day-to-day operations of the massage parlors.
Another place in the neighborhood is a tiny massage center located behind a building. It is only open late at night. The massage is not a spa, but it is worth the visit. It offers a traditional Chinese medicine treatment called Tui Na. It is used to help relieve emotional problems and treat insomnia. It increases blood flow, stimulates energy, and relieves tension.
A third establishment is a massage therapist store, located next to a high-end women's boutique. It charges a $20 tip for a one-hour massage. A $60 massage is also available, and the service is comparable to that of other New York City massage therapists. Its services are a great value. The store has a lax environment, but it's still a good choice for those who want to get a massage.
Several other establishments in the area offer massages for a similar price. Some require reservations, while others offer the service without reservations. A couple of the places have a mask protocol. Some are located in Chinatown, and some are located in Sunset Park and Queens. Some are open seven days a week. Some offer a variety of services, including body massages, facials, and more.
The best place to book a massage appointment in Chinatown is Fresha. The company allows customers to book massages on their phone or by using an app. They also allow customers to pay online. If you have a gift card, it's easy to use, and you can use the site to book multiple treatments in advance. In addition to booking a massage, you can also review the establishment and write a review. You can even book a therapist on demand. Alternatively, you can try Zeel. It has over 10,000 licensed massage therapists across the country, so you can choose from a number of therapists in Chinatown.