I've been in Kunming for a few years. When I first arrived, Kundu seemed like a fun place to be and club hop from bar to bar. Lately, several of the clubs(David & Muse to name two) have started to refuse foreigners entry. I personally am not a fan of Chinese style clubs, but every once in awhile I might get invited by someone or I might just feel like sticking my head in to see what's going on. Other than Mask, I feel there is no reason at all for foreigners to go to Kundon't. The police there are too on edge and will use any excuse to jump on a guy or girl for that matter. The same clubs that used to beg foreigners to come in and offer them free drinks, are the same ones that are now refusing foreigners at the door. I say screw them.
A more interesting question might be why have clubs in Kundu have started refusing entry to foreigners. Is it a wave of xenophobia or just a perception that foreigners don't spend enough on overpriced warm beer?
The question might not be 'spend enough,' as much as spend any at all. TO answer Blaquesmyths question, I'd say there are three predominant reasons for going to kundu clubs, dancing, picking up available and intoxicated girls, or in some low cases, sharking for free beer. I'd be lying to say there aren't any people who are going for 'good wholesome cultural exchange,' but the number is quite low.
What it all boils down to is that most foreigners in Kundu clubs are chill, buy their beer, and show respect to those around them, however the minority that think free beer should be expected, girls partying at others guys tables are acceptable targets for the proverbial 'mack attack,' and rules of conduct followed by most patrons were not designed for them spoil it for the rest of us.
Back in my heyday I saw it happen every night I was out, around 1:30-2:00 there would be one or two foreign lads sneak in and start sharkin, and on more than one occasion got their asses kicked. From the standpoint of the club, I get it....it's a business and if they percieve foreigners aren't good for business, they have their solution. It's not right, but it is what it is.
I guess if you know well the managers of any club you are regular and respectful customer, you just give a call and they would arrange clearance at the door especially for you.
However I share the point that unacceptable behaviour of some foreigners (i.e. peeing on DJ turntables coz you are not happy with music) brings a loss of reputation and trust to all foreigners population here (especially white or black faces).
If those clubs don't want we spend money there, it is not a big issue as there is plenty of choice.
Most of what has been said is true, I guess it just pissed me off because A) As a married man, I've never "sharked" any of the girls B) As a performer, I've actually worked in some of these clubs and now I can't even walk in(even if I walk in with my wife who is Chinese) and C) I actually know some of the other performers, managers and in some cases the owners. These are the same people that call my wife and ask for help getting performances and acts for special events. Very reminiscent of blacks that used to perform in the U.S. but couldn't stay at or be customers at the very establishment that they worked. So for me it's a different feeling since I've never been the guy taking girls away from tables, I've gotten free drinks ONLY from other patrons that liked my performance or that wanted to show off that a foreigner was at their table and I've helped a few of these clubs when they NEEDED performers at the last minute. Hell,I worked at David when they 1st opened and my wife was a manager at one point. Same with Top One, Soho & Mix. Yes, it is their right to refuse service to whomever they choose, just like WE have the right NOT to go to these establishments anymore.
Like I stated before, The Mask is the ONLY foreign friendly bar in Kundu. The other places only want you there to give there place in international feel and to be "fashionable". I've been in the meetings where managers discuss "strategy" for getting more "laowi" in the door. Don't think for a minute that they "like" you. Their main target is the newly rich farmers that have more money than they can count. The ones that want to be IN. Being in fashion is what's important to them. That's why all over China two years ago every performer was copying Lady Gaga. I know it sounds like I'm just upset because I couldn't get in, but no. I'm upset that how two faced it is. Most of these places will survive with or without foreigners. So I say lets see if they REALLY appreciate us or not. I'm calling for a boycott on ALL Kundu clubs(except Mask). Even if they invite, offer free whatever. Just DON'T GO!!
The questions must be: "Why does foreigners want visit these s**tty "clubs" anyway?"
I was in one of these so called clubs once, because some guys dragged me in and it was like celebrating a childs birthday with free clowns and all the stuff. Was funny, but not too funny though.
Foreigners can't behave themselves, but the drunken chinese spitting folks can??? OK, that's china so they have the right act like a dork.
How about asian-looking foreigners, are they banned too? How long before the shops/restaurants/parks will have the "no foreign garbage"-sign on their doorsteps? I can't help myself, but reminds me a bit of Germany in the late 30's...
Did someone really piss on the tables?? I used to do the DJ< Mc thing back in the day with a bunch of friends...If someone would have pissed on us or our stuff ..hahahah we would have lit them on fire!! But, to be fair i have never heard a good local DJ(in china) mostly really bad mixing and selection.Still no reason to piss on somebodys stuff!! I hope they got an ass kicking!
Yup,,was a drunk Aussie who pissed on the DJ table.
They breed em rough down under.
I guess she really was not enjoying the music.
Yep, when people behave like an ass there are consequences for the rest of us. Coz we all get labeled and we all suffer.
It ain't big, it ain't clever.
No one's got a good word for the person who pissed on the DJ table, but I have, 'twat'.
