Lockdown leaves a blind spot in the income of many Shanghai masseurs

• Published date: 27 June 2022
• Publication title: Shanghai Daily

s dusk falls, masseur Huang Fujian and his workmates link arms and make their way to the intersection of Fengxian and Nanhui roads, only a few minutes' walk from their massage parlor.

They walk briskly down narrow alleyways, and from outward appearances, it would be difficult to believe they are blind or otherwise visually impaired.

With folding chairs placed in a line against a tall flowerbed and disinfectant sprayed all around, their pop-up, open-air massage parlor is ready for business.

"Only 29.9 yuan (US$4.50) for a half-hour massage," they call out to passers-by.

"Business was slack today," Huang told Shanghai Daily while waiting for customers last Thursday. "We were busy the previous days; there was even a queue for massage."

That night, however, it was a full 15 minutes before the first customer came.

Huang blamed the heat. Fair enough. That afternoon, the high temperature exceeded 37 degrees Celsius, triggering this year's first orange heat alert. But that didn't deter loyal customers like a man surnamed Gu.

"I live nearby and I always come here for a walk after dinner," the retiree explained. "I saw them on the street once and tried a massage. It felt good. They are quite professional."

His...