Houhai Area

Golder Titian
By Chu Meng

Set in an expansive, comfortable space open to the lake, this well-stocked bar hosts live music nightly with hip cover bands. It boasts an extensive menu of Western foods, champagnes and red and white wines along with staple booze. It caters mostly to local high rollers, and is the perfect stop for live jazz music and champagne.

Boasting dark wood paneling and floor to ceiling windows, this jazz dive defines rugged sophistication. It was started by Liu Yue, Cui Jian’s former saxophonist, and it’s the most authentic jazz joint in town, featuring top acts from Thursday to Sunday. It’s perfect for those tired of glitz but hungry for jazz.

The beat goes down every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The performances range from inspirational to downright formulaic, but always very engaging. Two weeks ago, a bald German man played a fantastic piano;t he drummer is cool; the bass player has a funky smile. Some of my friends have been visiting every Sunday night.

Go and listen for yourself.

Golder Titian
Where: No 83 Yandai Xi Jie, Houhai’s bar area
Open: 2pm-4am next day
Tel: 8404 7171
Cost: 80 yuan per person