Coming soon - China Doll gets a bigger house
This is the second in a series of posts on places that I have recently toured and that are projected to open over the next few months. Previously: The Legation Quarter
Ai Wan (far left) and China Doll vie with Suzie Wong at last year’s TBJ awards. (Photo: that’s Beijing)
Venue: the new China Doll
Stated opening: mid-May
When China Doll opened in Tongli Studio just over a year ago, I quickly associated it with several things: 1) cozy seats and subtle lighting and thus an avoidance of the excessive neon that plagues other places; 2) an excellent four-sided padded bar manned by efficient staff; 3) a looping (to some) erotic video that rapidly got old; 4) a diverse client base of locals and expatriates; and 5) and a spirit that seemed like it would quickly outgrow the venue’s tight confines.
A split between owners last fall saw the creative side, Ai Wan, leave and she is now part of a team set to reopen in new digs on the fifth floor of the nearby 3.3 building (the building’s north face already sports the China Doll banner). The space is bigger - much bigger - with more than 1200 square meters of enclosed space, including an open area of 850 square meters, and an additional 400 square meters of rooftop.
China Doll will include a lounge, a compact dance floor fringed by two levels of seating, and seven VIP rooms and a VIP lounge. Patrons will access the club via two elevators at the back of 3.3.
The slogan is “Sexy - Hip - Cool” and management says there will be a focus on promoting art and culture. The strategy is to start drawing patrons into the lounge from the afternoon on. Ryan Horne, from the Los Angeles clubbing scene, is managing the place.
Ai Wan brings a loyal following from the original venue, a successful track record, and strong contacts and creative design ideas. The downside of opening in a mall is somewhat offset by the private elevators. The big question is whether enough people can be drawn to 3.3 to regularly fill this massive space. That, and the status of the original venue - will both places promote themselves as China Doll?
Previously:
- It’s a bar, it’s a club, it’s a blub, part 2
- Trouble in the Doll-house
- Cat fight: China Doll or Suzie Wong as best club?
- First impressions: China Doll
