Behind the Holiday Inn, then under the stone arch that used to be the entrance to the overseas Chinese village. The 1st floor is pulsating with sounds, the strobe lights flickering into every corner of the room. Before 21:00 the staff fires up the music with techno rock and after that a local DJ steps in with disco tunes till late. Live singers perform bots English and Chinese song and dance from 22:00 till 1:00.

Upstairs is like being in a different bar. The music is more relaxing. Large booths let you sit back and enjoy a bit of privacy as you sip away at a cold one.

H/H is being proposed at a range from RMB 360 for a dozen of Budweisers to a dozen Sol at RMB 420.Both will get you an additional six bottles free; a single bottle of any beer at 35 RMB. We will keep you informed on this one!

They are big on promoting Martell, which is obvious from the large sign out front and the case with several bottles just in front of door. They said they don't sell much beer mostly Martell at RMB 380 per bottle and some Chivas Regal at RMB 299 a bottle.

Opened from 20:00 to 2:00

3 heping lu/83596868

Job Banana's

Located down the street from Teem Plaza on Tianhe Road. It's a small but lively bar with a homey feeling and friendly staff. The decor is definitely South East Asian-I felt like I was in Philippines! While they were playing Spanish music when I arrived, occasionally the manager can English oldies from between 20:30 until 23:00. Otherwise, there is a DJ on board who plays the customer's choice.

H/H runs from 19:00 to 21:00. For RMB 200 you can pick up a dozen Carlsberg or Qingdao and get an additional 12 free. If you've got a taste for Guinness, you can get a bottle for RMB 43. Snacks are available if you work up an appetite.

Opened from 19:00 to 21:00

2F No.108 Tianhe Rd, Grand China Hotel/85593879

Silver Oak Bar

In the middle of Tianhe Sports grounds, next to the indoor stadium. Opened in August, it seems they have hardly had time to change the decoration from the previous tenet, a Malaysian restaurant. The manager promised they would have it changed to a more suitable decor soon.

Spacious stage for live music where they have famous Chinese pop singers performing from 21:30 to 22:45. After that, a Philippine singer takes over till 1:00. There is a Fuss ball game if you're into a match with your mates.

No H/H, but beers are RMB 250 for 18 cans and RMB 280 for 18 bottles, which includes both local and imported offering.

Opened from 21:00 to 12:00

Inside Tianhe Stadium/38799380

(Southcn.com November 29, 2002)