By Matt P. Jager (That's Beijing)
Updated: 2006-04-29 10:45

Looming between neon pillars along Zhongguancun Beidajie is the monolithic 180, the newest and biggest club in Haidian. For all but the denizens of Wudaokou, this cavernous disco is far out in the Beida boonies and a doozy of a cab fare.

Don't forget to ask your driver to give you the xiao piao for the Taxi Parties every Saturday night, when your taxi receipt becomes legal tender at the bar.

Fridays are advertised as Ladies Night, with free beer (otherwise RMB 20-25) and cocktails (otherwise RMB 20-35) before midnight and free entry for the fairer sex.

180's biggest asset is space-there is only one dance floor, but tables are spaced out and even with several hundred clubrats it doesn't feel too crowded. Bumping and grinding spills off the dance floor and spreads around the bar, much to the detriment of the lushes who crowd around the tenders for the booze.

The music is of the standard hip hop/techno variety, and the clientele was enthusiastic enough. Weary clubbers will appreciate a chill-out room flooded in cool blue lights, which maintains the disco vibe while keeping the volume low enough to encourage conversation.

Location: No. 18, Zhongguancun Beidajie, Haidian District
Opening time: Daily 8pm-5am.
Tel: 010-82613366 ext 702