By Hannah Miller (cityweekend.com)
Updated: 2008-03-13 10:54

Seeing as this smokey, red-tinted dance hall is the only option for lesbians in Shanghai, it's worth at least one visit.

Travelers who want to see a genuine Chinese "lala" bar will most likely enjoy getting an inside glimpse at this clandestine community, but the novelty quickly fades. Usually convening on Saturday nights on a quiet stretch of Taikang Lu, the young crowd gets started early, sitting in semi-private booths surrounding the dancefloor and playing dice on tables strewn with empty Chivas and green tea bottles.

Venturing upstairs reveals a good view and a chance to chat with the friendly regulars who dance all night despite the harsh stream of cheap hip-hop and the occasional late night fist-fight.

The ambitious prices on their standards-only cocktail list range from RMB40 for a gin and tonic to RMB60 for a B-52, but are strong, as the bartenders rarely receive orders other than beer and enjoy the challenge.

Red Station I Fuxing Park
Add: 4/F, 200 Taikang Lu
Tel: 6415-8695