Ripped Up and Remade: Acupuncture's New House

The House has now “opened” twice in a little over six months. The Mix-backed club’s first outing was, as many observed, embryonic at best. Mix had the money, but lacked the sense of what made groundbreaking underground venues like White Rabbit and Lantern tick. The arrival of the Acupuncture team has injected the essential creative spark.

With this unlikely collaboration established, The House was promptly closed, ripped up and remade.

The new-look first floor is home base for Acupuncture’s trademark techno sound, with visuals on an enormous screen behind the bar.

The second floor, which will host genres ranging from drum & bass to house, is arguably the highlight: open plan, sparsely lit by red chandelier-style lamps and with windows overlooking Gongti. Of the old design, only the rooftop remains intact – for now, at least.

The service and drinks list are reminiscent of the Gongti mainstream, with mixed drinks from RMB 35 and plenty of bottle service. The Mix influence is still tangible, but low-key. Much will depend on the durability of the Mix-Acupuncture partnership, but the right elements are in place. The House has the potential; it may just live up to the hype and become the club Beijing’s electronic scene has been waiting for.

Good for: Electronic music fans, DJs
Also try: Yue, Siif

The House
Daily 9pm-6am. Workers’ Stadium North Gate, Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang District (6551 3936)
朝阳区工体北路工人体育场北门

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