Taking shelter

In a city where yesterday's skyscrapers are routinely overshadowed by tomorrow's landmark architectural statements, subterranean spaces sometimes get neglected. This is not the case for The Shelter, however, an alternative club that is emerging as one of the hottest value-for-money venues in Shanghai.

The club aims to build on these credentials tonight with its much-hyped Sweatshop Syndicate party featuring an eclectic mix of veteran DJs and MCs from here and abroad.

The city's seasoned partygoers will no doubt be easily sold on the idea as those who like to burn calories on the dance floor till the early hours have already given Shelter their stamp of approval. Regulars say it represents a taste of heaven replete with bottled beers, bourbon on the rocks, knee-high boots and some of the best beats Shanghai has to offer.

After descending a flight of stairs, guests must pass through an arched tunnel before entering a cavernous space dominated by a yawning dance floor. The decor is dark, dark and darker, from the floor to the ceiling and the walls. Adding to the effect, the lights remain dimmed to keep the focus unequivocally on the music and the moving masses.

Shelter plays host to the city's most hip and happening DJs, with past appearances by such local legends as The Bananas Soundsystem, DJ Ekki, Siesta Jane and The Antidote Crew. The music ranges from hip hop to electronica, with the shape-shifting crowd reflecting this level of diversity.

In contrast to Shanghai's wallet-busting nightlife options, Shelter does not encourage patrons to extend their bank overdrafts to enjoy its booming sound system. Tiger beer sells for 20 yuan a bottle and Tsingdao is cheaper still (15 yuan), while mixed drinks go for around 25 yuan. Guests do have to fork out for a cover charge, but at 20-60 yuan, this also falls into the 'highly competitive' category.

People tend to start filtering in around midnight on weekends, which means Shelter is usually bursting at the seams by 1 am. Wallflowers, despite being few and far between, cluster at the bar, or in one of the venue's more relaxed lounges.

The Shelter

5 Yongfu Road, near Fuxing Road W.

永福路5号，近复兴西路

Tel: 6437-0400

(China Daily 04/24/2009 page13)