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BEIJING : China's annual National People's Congress has come to an end with a unanimous vote that endorsed the Communist Party's regime. But while China faces grave challenges economically and socially, its pop culture is making leaps in its own way.
Each year, the National People's Congress opens with grandeur, closes with little fuss, and rubber-stamps the Communist Party's decisions. Never mind that the ordinary folk are far removed from the voting process. Some give their approvals in other ways.
Part of China's rising middle-class - aged 25 and above, financially independent and out to have a good time - this group is a force to be reckoned with, as their spending power will redefine the Chinese market.
A dance club in Beijing wasted no time in courting the affluent audience. The latest brew in town offers a large, ultra-opulent setting with the promise of pure, good fun.
There are hourly live performances in between drinks and dancing - combining elements of western dance clubs and traditional Chinese nightclubs. It is a successful model, with the club packed almost every night.
George Hai, Music Director of Latte Bar, said: "Chinese consumers are quite demanding with the DJs, bands and service. They expect luxurious settings, great service and enjoyment since they feel that they are paying for it."
Julia Zhang, Marketing Director of Latte Bar, said: "In the past, dance music was relatively new, so people didn't really mind what was being played in discotheques. But these days, music has become an important crowd-puller as more clubs in China are spinning their own brand of music."
China's growing market has not only raised consumer expectations, but inspired ambitious business goals. Encouraged by their domestic success, Chinese entertainment joints such as Latte are already planning to expand overseas, starting with Asia.
- CNA/al
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