Chapter 33. Nightlife Section 7. Arts and Entertainment The Chinese Way, Ding and Xu, 2014 Chapter 33. Nightlife 1

Outline Introduction Most common evening activities – Karaoke (KTV) – Foot baths and massage – Public dancing – Midnight snacks – Activities not restricted to evening: Teahouses, chess and card rooms – Western influence: Bars and clubs Road ahead 2 The Chinese Way, Ding and Xu, 2014 Chapter 33. Nightlife

Introduction Nightlife in China differs greatly from nightlife in Western countries. For both the single young and those with work obligations in China, evenings are to be spent with people outside the family. 3 The Chinese Way, Ding and Xu, 2014 Chapter 33. Nightlife

Karaoke (KTV) KTV has become one of the three biggest social activities in China, along with going out to dinner and playing sports. 4 The Chinese Way, Ding and Xu, 2014 Chapter 33. Nightlife

Karaoke (KTV) KTV made its debut in Guangzhou in 1991 KTV customers are charged based on the number of singing hours, with extra fees for food and drinks. KTV App has also become quite popular recently, e.g., “Sing” 5 The Chinese Way, Ding and Xu, 2014 Chapter 33. Nightlife

Karaoke (KTV) KTV often is the second step after dining, as it is a bonding experience on a more intimate level. Singing well like drinking a lot is an important competitive advantage in the workplace, as well as in social circles. E.g., successful entrepreneurs may have well-equipped KTV rooms in their private clubs Chapter 33. Nightlife6

Karaoke (KTV) KTV is an entertainment format that cuts across all social strata. It is required that a person be completely into the activity and show his or her true emotions. Some KTV establishments have young ladies who will stay and sing along with customers. Sometimes these “hostesses” are actually prostitutes. So need to be careful. 7 The Chinese Way, Ding and Xu, 2014 Chapter 33. Nightlife

Foot baths and massage Foot massage has become a social event to be shared with others after dinner. Various services are offered, for example, back massage with essential oils, sauna, beauty spa, foot therapy and massage, etc. 8 The Chinese Way, Ding and Xu, 2014 Chapter 33. Nightlife

Foot baths and massage It has become a popular way to develop relationships with business partners. But it is interesting to see how they are willing to be exposed in front of friends and business associates. The Chinese want somebody else to do the workout for them, to help them relax and regenerate. 9 The Chinese Way, Ding and Xu, 2014 Chapter 33. Nightlife

Public dancing Everywhere in China, around 6-8 pm many middle-aged or senior people will gather to dance in the squares, parks and living communities. E.g., Around 60 People three of which are males, danced on Shanghai’s Nanjing Road with strong rhythms, at 8 pm 10 The Chinese Way, Ding and Xu, 2014 Chapter 33. Nightlife

Public dancing Many Chinese have introduced this type of group dancing into other countries, but not always tolerated. E.g., arrest of a dancer in New York in 2013 It has created huge repercussions in China, causing some Chinese citizens to try to ban dances in certain locations at certain hours. 11 The Chinese Way, Ding and Xu, 2014 Chapter 33. Nightlife

Midnight snacks The Chinese often eat “midnight snacks” after 10 pm. A wide variety of snacks, together with several bottles of beer can create quite a nice meal. E.g., A vendor sells a special type of cold noodles from Shanxi province 12 The Chinese Way, Ding and Xu, 2014 Chapter 33. Nightlife

Teahouses, chess and card rooms Activities not restricted to evening, and the cost is around 60 per person. Both are popular gathering places for friends from different age groups, scattered throughout local neighborhoods. 13 The Chinese Way, Ding and Xu, 2014 Chapter 33. Nightlife

In towns without KTV, chess and card rooms are requisite. Many also play cards and Mahjong in private homes. 14 The Chinese Way, Ding and Xu, 2014 Chapter 33. Nightlife Teahouses, chess and card rooms

Western influence: Bars and clubs Teahouses typically offer many varieties of tea and serve as meeting places for friends. Some serve various food items or other entertainment forms. 15 The Chinese Way, Ding and Xu, 2014 Chapter 33. Nightlife Teahouse in ShanghaiTeahouse in Zhejiang

Western influence: Bars and clubs China has also adopted the concept of bars and nightclubs. In most cities, finding a good bar is not difficult. Chapter 33. Nightlife16

Road ahead Several major differences between Chinese and American nightlife: – a lot more people participated; – post-dinner activities are seen as ways to unwind from stress and establish and reaffirm friendships; – many business deals are effectively sealed during some of the activities. We do not see much change in the near future. 17 The Chinese Way, Ding and Xu, 2014 Chapter 33. Nightlife