Place to Go

The hidden world of Wudaoying Hutong

(BeijingToday)
Updated: 2009-09-17 11:00

Despite its name, Zig Zag is not a cigarette shop but a massage and nail salon specializing in hand and foot massage.The name was chosen because it sounds similar to the Chinese words zhege nage, or “this and that” in English. “Those are also two of the first few Chinese words t foreigners learn,” Wu Jiang, the shop owner, said.Tired of the rapid, impersonal salon service in the crowded downtown area, she tailor-made Zig Zag from her ideal salon experience: a cozy environment, professional technique, unique decoration and pleasant background music.

The shop’s decor has Southeast Asian influences, and includes furniture and adornments Wu picked up during her travels overseas. The music is always soothing, ad through the windows, customers can watch hutong life go by.

Zig Zag uses O.P.I. nail products. A standard manicure, which takes about 40 minutes, costs 68 yuan. A standard pedicure costs 88 yuan, while a foot massage is 68 yuan per hour. Flower drawings on nails and color tips are available at extra cost.

The shop also offers beverages like iced coffee (20 yuan), latte (20 yuan) and honey water (10 yuan). All the coffee drinks are made from Italian coffee. While enjoying their drink, customers can settle down for a waxing treatment (50 to 238 yuan depending on the body part).

Zig Zag

Where: 55B Wudaoying Hutong,

Dongcheng District

Open: 11 am – 11 pmTel: 8404 0020

Website: zigzagbeijing.weebly.com