CITYLIFE / Bars & Cafes |
![]() Gongti Ximen chronicleBy Amor (btmbeijing.com)
Updated: 2006-10-10 11:08 ![]() When thinking about nightlife in Beijing, the first places that usually come to mind are Sanlitun or Houhai, but if this is the limit of your local knowledge, you will definitely miss out. When Friday night falls, the truly fashionably dressed can be found heading to Gongti Ximen, with its clubs stuffed with "in" people, "in" music and "in" nightclubs. Gongti Ximen is the hottest spot of the moment for stylish night wanderers. Just a year and a half ago, things were completely the opposite. People only mentioned Gongti Ximen in connection with the Workers' Stadium 100 Bowling alley. With two or three scattered small bars, the region was as unfashionable as a poor Cinderella. The present prosperity of Gongti Ximen partly owes much to the influence of Sanlitun and the area around the North Gate of Workers' Stadium (Gongti Beimen) where two of Beijing's best nightclubs Mixs and Vics are found. Skirted by these two major entertainment areas in Beijing, Gongti Ximen was noticed by club operators who were troubled by the physical limitations of Sanlitun and Gongti Beimen. Then Babyface opened its Beijing branch here on Christmas Eve in 2004, turning a glorious new page in Gongti Ximen's history. The Angle Club followed the path of Babyface's "lounge club" concept and found the same success. Gradually, the region took on a brand new look and began to challenge Sanlitun and other hot spots for nightlife.
Unlike nightlife hot spots often seen in southern Chinese cities, clubs at Gongti Ximen are more or less interrelated and essentially similar. They all adopt the "lounge concept" introduced by Babyface, narrow the dance floor and extend the bar area, to create a more relaxing atmosphere. All feature luxurious and fashionable décors. With Coco Banana set to open in April, Gongti Ximen combines everything fashionable partygoers need in the city. Leave Sanlitun and Houhai to those "out" people dwelling in memories of "good ol' days." Come to this "in" region, dance to the electric music in its glittering nightclubs, taste wine until the last drop trickles down your tongue, then enjoy karaoke with your friends. Gongti Ximen is certain to touch your every nerve! |
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