Lantern, the Beijing based venue by the indefatigable Acupuncture crew, has gone the way of White Rabbit. Both Lantern and the second incarnation of White Rabbit opened around the same time in the same block of Sanlitun, hoping to attract some of the late night party people in that late night party area. Unfortunately, as with much of late night China, people are looking more for a drink and some company rather than the quality of music on offer. As a result, punters would often baulk at paying entry and go somewhere else.
This was not, however, the root of the problem. Apparently, a neighboring KTV has muscled in and appropriated the space. Acupuncture will continue doing events and shows at House, the new lounge concept of Mix Club.
Let’s hope the new Tresor venue (slated to open soon in Beijing) fares better than these two. More on that soon…