Opened in Mid-April, "The Boat" is Beijing's only nightclub on water. Previously an Italian restaurant, the place was completely renovated and could become a regular nightlife rendezvous with the return of warm weather.

 Hundreds of people dancing on a barge to music ranging from electronics to the Rock n 'Roll. No, you're not in Paris on the banks of the Seine, of course, but on "The Boat", the only discotheque on the water of Beijing which opened on April 11.

Located on the Liangma River, a few steps away from Sanlitun, one of the liveliest areas of the city, "The Boat" has inaugurated its new bridge and welcomes more than 500 guests between 10PM and 5AM. On the program: house played by eight local DJs on the runway below deck. Created by a few Beijing event companies by the likes of Patrick Yu (Blink Events), Mickey Zhang (O2 Culture) or Elvis T (Acupuncture), to name a few. On the ground floor, "Easy Going", a local psychedelic-rock group, lights up the dance floor.

Created by the trio DJ Allen, DJane BB, and Sam Geliang, this new venue offers an alternative to the original Sanlitun bars. Allen a DJ and event organizer for over 20 years and originally from Taiwan, wanted to be "owner of his own bar without having to worry about the opinion of his boss." He decides to team up with DJane BB, a young Chinese graduate of the Beijing University of Cinema. But neither one had have much experience in managing bars. The duo then turned to Sam Geliang who has exercised all the trades of the night, from DJ to waiter and bartender since 2003.

The most eclectic possible

It took more than a month and a half to renovate the premises which previously housed an Italian restaurant. The result is beyond expectations. Especially when you know the state of decay in which the barge was before the work.

Minimalist, the dance floor is reminiscent of "Batofar", its floating Parisian counterpart. The club in the basement offers a small dance floor, but comfortable nonetheless with its wide white leather sofas facing the bar. The bistro counter is generous, warm and intimate. The VIP clients can bask in the room reserved for them behind the DJ booth and decorated like a boudoir by DJane BB. The ground floor is divided into rescue boats transformed into candlelit alcoves, and also houses a lounge offering another bar and a stage for concerts.

On the events side, concerts are scheduled each weekend as long as an open stage every Tuesday. "We want to offer a place for DJs and live music. We want to remain as eclectic as possible," explain the three managers. This is why Fridays and Saturdays have their own theme of "Freaky dancing" and "Spicy House". The place gives you the opportunity to listen to all musical styles, from Soul, to Funk by going by Techno.

With its special cocktails, its unique atmosphere, and its team with complementary talents, "The Boat" has everything to become the new meeting point for the night crowd.

Practical Information:
The Boat: Open daily from 23h until late.  8, Liangmahe South Rd, Chaoyang district. (To the west of the street north of Sanlitun bars).朝阳区亮马河南路8号(三里屯北酒吧街的西边). Email: theboatbeijing@gmail.com
Allow 20 to 45RMB for beverages.

Text: Maika Endo
Photos: Wang Zhuo
May 2008