Techno Out, KTV In: Lantern to close this Saturday

More bad news for clubbers, as Lantern will close its doors following a farewell party this Saturday night (September 4). Karaoke chain Kuzi is taking over a sizeable chunk of 3.3 Shopping Mall’s basement, spelling the end for Lantern, the arcade beside it and other businesses.

A press release from Acupuncture Records, who have managed Lantern since it opened in late December 2009, states: “Lantern could not have come so far without all your support, and Acupuncture would like to thank every one of you for being there since day one! Due to matters out of our control, we have to say goodbye to Lantern for now. Please keep your belief in us and trust that we’ll soon find Lantern a new home … Until the birth of a new Lantern, Acupuncture will be collaborating with The House at the north gate of the Workers’ Stadium. Re-decoration and event arrangements are in process, please stay tuned for more information.”

Keep an eye on the blog and our 7 Days in Beijing newsletter for updates on venue changes for events originally scheduled for Lantern in September. As the above press release indicates, Acupuncture will probably be doing quite a few events at The House – we hear the two are collaborating closely on tweaks to the Gongti club’s redesign, which are expected to be complete by the end of September.

One event already confirmed is Acupuncture’s Third Anniversary Party, which will be held at LAN Club – scene of last year’s anniversary party and Acupuncture’s 2009 Halloween party – on Wednesday, September 22. As the date also marks China’s Mid-Autumn Festival, it’s being billed as a joint anniversary party and full moon party.

Looking to the future, Acupuncture tell us they’re definitely looking to relaunch Lantern in a new location. Look out for more on that in the coming months, but for now, look ahead to the weekend and one final chance to enjoy yourself until dawn at the “old” Lantern, which has become one of this year’s best-loved clubs.