KTV is a popular pasttime in China, and the best way I can think of to describe it is "Disco Brothel Karaoke", so you know I am all over it. The place we went to last night had Roman columns on the street marking the entrance and red neon lighting down a long faux-marble hallway leading to the basement front door. There is no overhead light, just floor lamps, the walls are covered in red brocade, the couches are deep, plush and plentiful, and there are red light disco balls in every room. And, air conditioning! It's like being in an old-fashioned brothel, but nicer. You can rent a private, soundproofed room (with a window in the door! The window is very important!) for 100 RMB (about $14.00) an hour. This includes one free round of drinks, fruit and popcorn snacks. Or, you can stay in the main room with a big screen for 15 RMB.

We stayed in the main room last night because the private ones were all taken, but the bartenders and doorman were very nice to us and played three English songs after every three Chinese songs. We basically swapped off with the couch of Chinese patrons next to us. International sing-off! Our set list included Bob Marley, Britney Spears, Abba, Grease and Barry Manilow, so you know it was a good night.