Hostess bars in China and what really goes on...

Posted by glowingesperasza (159 days ago)

Ok, I have heard many stories about hostess bars in China and that when men go in, they can either have a hostess assigned to them or choose the girls on their own. The girls light their cigarettes and play games with them, etc. I am curious about these places and want to ask some brave men to step forward and share their stories of what actually happens in these place? How a typical night can look like...I know many other women are also curious too! Is it true that they are just a front for prostitution...or is there something more?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

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Posted by Ann Dives (159 days ago)

my personal story: group of men enter 'nightclub' -huge place- hostess brings you to a private karaoke room, waitresses bring drinks, snacks, fruit platters. Men play dice games, drink, sing karaoke. Door opens: five young and pretty girls (around 20) walk in, line up, like cattle, and the men make their choice. Sometimes they request another batch of luvvies. Choices made, they join the men, playing games, singing and drinking. This goes on for hours. If things click, the girl will escort you to your hotel, or to a short time-hotel, to have discussions about Nitzsche and Schopenhauer.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by dadda (159 days ago)

I will start by saying I have never been to one - only ever been to mainland China with wife & kids, and I like it that way.

I do have a very good friend who was taken to Shenzhen last year by a business associate. They played golf at Mission Hills, then the Chinese business man advised my friend that they would be staying at a hotel away from Mission Hills, and did he mind if they dined with some other associates? They went to what was deemed a 5 star hotel & checked into their rooms. My friend was then taken downstairs to see a manager and taken to a lower floor. He described it as about 12 different sections with each section holding 'beautiful young girls', and each section having a different theme. 1st room was school girls, 2nd was leather, 3rd was french maids etc - even had girls dressed in astronaught theme. Whenever he so much looked at one of the girls the associate gave a nod & the 'manager' got the girl to leave the room. The girls then left & they went to dinner. At dinner there were about 5 men & 20 girls. The basically sat there & did whatever they thought would please the men. After dinner they basically went their own way - but the businessman told my friend that he could do whatever he wanted with 'his girls' - all already paid. My friend assures me he said good night to them all, but I have my doubts. He also said there was a disco downstairs which was filled with beautiful working girls. Just pop in & you are treated like a star.

Bottom line - whatever you imagine could go on, does go on & possibly MUCH more... It comes down to trusting your husband, and maybe keeping tabs

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by evildeeds (159 days ago)

I've been in many of these places in China - probably over 100 times in the last few years. Simple, you choose the size of room and are then taken there. Various Mama-sans come in with a line of girls and the guys pick a girl as their companion. If they don't like the girls in the first batch then another batch come in. Lot's of drinking and drinking games usually over dice. The girls are there to also top up your glass all of the time so more beer flows.

Not all the girls are prostitutes, but of course some are and I've seen guys disappear upstairs for a while with the girl of their choice. What amazes some of my colleagues is that I never pick a girl and certainly would not even think of anything else. The first few times I went to these places I found it mildly amusing but with time it becomes extremely tedious.

So some of these places are a front for prostitution, some are not. It depends what place you are in, etc. Some men enjoy going to these places, others do not. It's not my thing but sometimes business takes me to these places. Given a choice I would not bother!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Loyd Grossman is Miss Venezuela (159 days ago)

They have these places in HK as well - but less obvious. That's where that RTHK guy got caught with 'Coco'. Coco - a well-endowed lady from the Mainland - was apparently miffed by all the press attention as she was.. ahem... working illegally and her current ban on entering HK has badly affected her cash-flow.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by cookie09 (159 days ago)

glowingesperasza, if you are really that interested, why don't you go to see yourself and then report back to us here? ;-)

women in b-2-b sales in china go to these places regularly as it's part of the china sales process to entertain your clients. usually starts with dinner and lots of beer, then move to a ktv in a '5* hotel'. sing karaoke, girls helping to fill up drinks, etc.

nothing seedy up till that point - except that i usually don't like the environment and would prefer a regular pub if available at all.

from that point onwards you usually have a choice to select a girl if you like (either they come into the room for presentation as described above or you go outside to the 'chosing area' depending how seedy the place is), then you sing more, drink more, chat, etc.
I have not experienced nor has any friend or colleague ever experienced any nakedness or PDA (e.g. kissing, massage, etc.) up to this point.

then the host will usually say that 'all is included' and it's up the guy to do what he likes (e.g. nothing, everything or something in between) but that would be outside of the KTV room.

I had one or two such experiences myself (in China and other SE-Asian countries), but most of the 'story' i know from my Chinese wife who used to do b-2-b sales with SOEs in China.

last but not least, in very seldom cases i was told that they even have guys for selection for the business ladies :)

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Ann Dives (159 days ago)

I asked my Hong Kong friend who took me there why he went to those places. His reply was that, according to him, 60% of all HK businessmen in China acted like that, and therefore it was permissible (Hong Kong logic !). And yes, he has a wife and two sons in Hong Kong.

Is it prostitution ? Yes.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by cookie09 (159 days ago)

btw, i once met a hotel management person in China and he told me that most Chinese hotels make between 1/3 and 1/2 of the total hotel revenue from the KTV/Massage area...

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by billybats (158 days ago)

I have been to these places far more then I should and here is a typical night in Dong Guan:

1. walk to KTV, greeted by manager, select a room
2. manager bring in a line of girls, she will agressively sell them, you turn them down and she will bring another round.
3. Finanlly you pick the girl, lots of drinking, flirting, or whatever. Not all girls will are hookers, some will not go "home" with customers.
4. When evening is over, you are given a choice of just leaving, spending 2 "hours" or overnight. Of course the price is charged accordingly.

Hope this helps

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by aussieinla (158 days ago)

And how much does all this cost??

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by billybats (158 days ago)

A typical night of drinking split amoungst the customers will be around 500RMB. The rest are giving in form of tips to hostess depending how far you want to go. Typically $200, $500, $800.....not that I have ever went beyond $200..;-p

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by billybats (158 days ago)

Oh, forgot to mention the ever familiar story of "I have a sick father at my home village and a younger brother who wants to go to school but no money, can you help me out by givng me a few extra thousands so I can make their life better?"

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Ann Dives (158 days ago)

That line never worked on me because I don't speak canto and they usually don't speak English.

Although one of my DHs once tried it on me. (no luck, 'mafraid)

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Ann Dives (158 days ago)

The girls are, on average, quite pleasant, in a naive sort of way. They are not like the hard-edged characters you find in one of those large nightclubs in Tsim Sha Tsui (like Club Boss - does it still exist ?).

And many of them suffer from poor dental hygiene. A big turn-off for me.

Let me tell you about a Honkie experience: when I was young and stupid I once went to Club Kismet, a place in Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. They had these round booths, and in the middle sat some topless harlot, who served the drinks. They are supposed to animate you but she looked surly and didn't animate at all, but because I was handsome and wore a 3-piece suit, she asked me if I wanted to take her out. (no luck, 'mafraid)

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by hshirley (158 days ago)

All of you who comment on this are actually the biggest bs merchants around because I bet that you have all Paid for the proverbial P...y every time you have been to these places on the Mainland. So all these so-called "I don't participate" t.sspots are kidding nobody else but themselves.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Ann Dives (158 days ago)

Not so, Shirley, not so.

And even if we did, is it any of your business ?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Sad Sack (158 days ago)

What goes on, do we need to ask such a question when its obvious? There are young pretty whores working there, and mainly businessmen out with clients or co-workers who are presented with the girls, they choose the one they like, drink a lot, sing karaoke, and then they go back to their hotel with the whore of their choice.

You put money, pretty girls, men and booze into a room and the formula spits out sex of course, anyone who says they go to these places and doesnt go beyond that is lying, if they wanted a beer with the lads theyd go to a pub no?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by kalia (158 days ago)

Ann Dives,

Do you mean Bottoms Up? I used to go there alot way back when, as a couple of my friends were working there occasionally. They were western backpackers and used to be topless and sit in the middle of a round bar but they certainly never went home with guys, although there were certainly girls that did. Same goes for B Boss and China City, before the handover these places were filled with western backpackers dressed up nicely, talking, dancing and singing karaoke but if i remember correctly, they used to separate the girls who do and the girls that don't!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by glowingesperasza (158 days ago)

I appreciate all the views. i find it fascinating and perhaps I will go in and have a look for myself. Somehow I thought women were not welcome!!! I guess i like what sad sack was saying though. If you just wanted a beer with your mates you would just go to a pub:) very true

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by evildeeds (158 days ago)

If there were pubs. There are many areas in China where there are no pubs or bars at all.

Seems that there are some people who have no self control and don't understand others who do. Just because some of us have gone to these places does not mean that we participate in activities that others expect. I'm happy with that. Others with no self control will of course accuse others of lying but all that means is we can hold our heads higher knowing exactly what the truth is.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by glowingesperasza (158 days ago)

I have to agree with you evildeeds, well put:)

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Ann Dives (157 days ago)

Don't forget that the 'nightclub in China' experience is part of doing business there. It is a mechanism that helps to conclude deals that make money for both parties. Some people enjoy that sort of experience and some don't.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by the goddess kali (157 days ago)

'Don't forget that the 'nightclub in China' experience is part of doing business there. It is a mechanism that helps to conclude deals that make money for both parties.'

SUCH BS.. i have been in china for four years now, along with hubby, we run two successful businesses, deal with a LOT of chinese suppliers all without ever having to participate in this part of mechanism.
Ofcourse we do know that there are expats who willingly go for this kind of thing and their whole excuse is like that of Ann dives above.

(I am based in Unspecified)

Posted by jobin (157 days ago)

I personally do not like the smoke, noise, drinking and, IMHO foolish enticements, in the KTV so i rarely go. However, when i go to south china and esp. dong guan i simply go to one of the many special hotels which offer very pretty girls, very comfortable rooms with big, clean showers, big TV with 'porno' shows and naturally, alluring naked pleasures. Maybe for you this is immoral, evil, expensive or whatever. But i can accept it. Typical cost 500 rmb for 90 minutes of 'as you like it'. Tall girls cost 100 more. I have never found any relationship between the appearance of a girl and the performance in the sack, so i do not choose the tall ones nor do i always choose the prettiest. Of course as an american i do get lots of questions about home, and special interest in my white skin, body hair, pay rate, and handsome male equipment.

(I am based in Unspecified)

Posted by billybats (157 days ago)

I admit I go, and perhaps even go beyond just talking and flirtig (I was being sacastic when I mentioned I dont go beyon $200), so what....I am a guy, see pretty girls flirting with you..a bit drunk...I will be lying if I tell you I have no other intention other then talking. As long as I know the difference between love and lust....have a good time!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by cookie09 (157 days ago)

kali this is interesting and maybe there are different type of businesses. can i ask whether you deal with government officials or SOEs as major suppliers or customers in your two businesses?

my personal experience as far as it goes is that dinner/KTV sessions are more prevalent with the two listed above and less with export oriented or hk owned businesses

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by RealMadRidd (157 days ago)

I feel sorry for some of the women who are posting on here - so much anger, hate and suspicion.

(I am based in Unspecified)

Posted by Observer (157 days ago)

Re message from the goddess kali: you've answered your own question - if all your meetings with suppliers include you and your husband then of course they will not invite you to a karaoke parlour !!!!!

Just don't lecture me that it is BS to say that sometimes men have to go with business contacts to nurture the relationship, when it quite clearly is "expected" of you. I have done so, and there is no problem at all if you don't want to "participate", no-one is holding a gun to your head.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by billybats (157 days ago)

"Re message from the goddess kali: you've answered your own question - if all your meetings with suppliers include you and your husband then of course they will not invite you to a karaoke parlour !!!!"

good one, couldnt have put it any better

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by cookie09 (157 days ago)

sorry billybats and observer but i have to disagree with you: my chinese wife was a sales SVP in china and she has done numerous trip to KTVs for 'business meetings'. i have to say though that her clients were usually SOEs or government officials, which might be a category on its own

and of course it was not the KTVs where you pick a girl from the selection when you enter but more the ones where girls come and help serving, etc. (i have described that in my post above).

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Observer (157 days ago)

cookie09: you have made the key point, which is that your wife was invited to "non exotic" establishments !

My experience is that when I am alone on the mainland, I am invited to choose a girl on the basis that since my wife is not with me, then "out of sight = out of mind" ! But like I said, I've never felt or experienced the slightest pressure to participate. When I am with my wife (she is from HK and we work in the same company), then these invitations dry up !!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by sicn (157 days ago)

The host party is just offering "what you want". If you are a couple without asking for "the service", they guess it is better not to offer since they think it might offend your wife. If you are by yourself (male), there is no need to say anything since everyone knows "what you want".

(I am based in Singapore)

Posted by Ann Dives (157 days ago)

When I was working in the garment field in HK in the 80s sometimes our suppliers (or rather, employees of our suppliers) would demand/ suggest 'entertainment' before they settled the payment. This would entail nightclub visits in TST East and dinners.

In China these days it is 'de rigeur' that biz partners go to a nightclub, where the supplier is The Boss (meaning: he pays the entertainment bills). This is common practice throughout South-East Asia. I have always felt that the 'supplier' enjoyed the whole process, so it was not a burden for him to offer this deal. They probably do this every week, and happily so.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Observer (157 days ago)

Ann Dives: agree totally with your last comment; I always feel that they are delighted to go there and my presence gives the outing legitimacy !! That is also why there is no pressure on you to take part or not once you are there.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Ann Dives (156 days ago)

1 bottle = a bottle of beer ?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by the goddess kali (154 days ago)

all meetings dont involve both hubby and me, we often meet suppliers on our own, and hubby does get invited to the evening out, buf if he politely declines or says lets meet for lunch instead he's not pressured into the supposingly obligatory enterntainment.
I do know it's rampant in the export field too, as friends have complained about their husbands going out on these evenings claiming as many of the posters above that it is 'de rigeur'.
And sure suppliers (HKese, taiwanese, mainlanders) enjoy providing and part taking in this whole entertainment : gives them a good reason and ann dives says legitimacy.

my point is only that you can say no. but then again most probably most men dont want to say no.

(I am based in Unspecified)

Posted by Norman Bates (154 days ago)

I doubt that. It is a certain type of person who really enjoys that kind of thing, and they do it a lot. As someone above said, it is rather tedious. I am always glad if I somehow get out of the invitation.
You must understand, also, that many of these suppliers on the mainland are from humble origins. It gives them face to be able to offer this sort of 'entertainment', and they are not at all bothered by moral aspects.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by CaptDave (153 days ago)

I met the vice mayor of some place across the border in a business context. He asked us to visit his town twice - once with our wives, and another time by ourselves. I've heard all the stories, and I am sure he was going to line up the usual collection of pot bellied girls with bad breath who pick their nose in public and smoke, and don't know what to do in bed. Very few men will admit it because it's not macho to do so, but frankly this kind of thing is over rated. We never went.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by MarathonHK (153 days ago)

glowingesperasza, you don't have to go as far as China to have a look at what happens.
YOu actually don't have to go much further than Happy Valley..
In CHina I have noticed that nothing happens in the KTV, whereas here I ve seen things happen inside ...

I am not a big fan of these places but know that whenever I m taken out as a client by chinese with chinese colleagues we always end up in these places. I think I ll agree with most who say this is how business is done in the area.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Urbent (152 days ago)

Simple rules. These are revenue pullers for the hotels and their most profitable commodity is girls; for which the mamasan earns a wage and her keep, and the hotel keeps punters rolling back. Before all the backlash begins for me equating girls as commodity, let's be brutally honest and not ignore that PRC is still pretty much way behind to the rest of the world in economic stats and quality of life. There are literally millions upon millions of girls all wanting a break. The way I see it, it's no different to any other country in the same situation. Hell, most European countries "import" their talent from less fortunate countries, so why shouldn't they use "inhouse"?

Anyhow, an evening's event goes pretty much like this. After dinner and before bedtime, there's usually a few hours to kill. Hire a private KTV room or a table on the cabaret show floor and there is a minimum charge for both. The minimum spending requisite is for drinks and food. A Mamasan will bring a selection of hostess companions to sit with you, mainly to play drinking games or sing songs for you (karaoke), this way the joint sells more drinks. Anything that happens after the acceptance is mutual and is paid in tips to the girls. Very very rarely (unless if you are a VIP -not one who has a card, but a serious regular who entertains there) does anything beyond the tease and fondle happen. Some may try to entice you with a peek or two in the hope of you taking them out after the evening's ended, but pretty much that's all there is to it. The Mamasan will entertain you with girls that are willing to do escort work, but that's another ball game and charge altogether. There is also a 'dj'/ drink pourer whom the host should tip -usually 200 min.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by vendage (152 days ago)

Basically mindless hand games I last played when i was ten, a grossly over- priced platter of fruit, dimb-witted woman, grown men behaving like teenagers, ageing bands, etc, etc. Only wankers go in places like this.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by flashback (152 days ago)

I've got as much interest in what goes on in these places as I have with what happens to my garbage when I toss it out. You're not missing anything.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Norman Bates (152 days ago)

I know Honkies who are totally addicted to that kind of thing in China. Sometimes I have the feeling that that is the real reason they have to travel to China all the time, rather than for 'business'.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Tisteel88 (151 days ago)

I only read a few of the replies - mostly from stupid men. If you want the real truth, go with some friends to BBoss in TsimShaTsui - a bit pricey but you will see the true picture - it is all about entertainment and sex. Not sleazy sex - these are working girls with class and they make a whole lot more money than most business staff. In Asia, the girls are the smart part of the population - the men are all greedy and stupid "wannabe" users of people. The girls support families and are very proper and well mannered. Sex is consentual - $1200 rmb for the night in China. No improper sex is allowed - no kissing is allowed. If any girls want to see first hand - just go and see for yourself. There are clubs in every city - China South best in HouJie or Xintang (Sun City). Nothing shameful - just good clean fun with perks.

(I am based in Guangzhou)

Posted by CaptDave (150 days ago)

Tistleel88 > The women in this business are invariably lazy and unprincipled; it's much easier than working in a factory, or a 9-6 office job, and as long as you don't mind being a whore, it's easy money. They are not coerced into this profession, rather they would think "Heck, most women sleep with someone, why not make big money from it ?" or "most women get money from the a man, what's the difference" Perhaps that's why they think they're smart.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Tisteel88 (149 days ago)

Well, CaptDave, you are seriously misinformed. I have met many of the girls over the last 15 years and they are not whores. Whores are the wives who stupidly use their husband's money and parade their a** through the malls with no regard for their abject humility. The working girls make a lot more money in the KTV and take far better care of themselves than any "women" that you may encounter in obvious low grade sleazy places. The trouble with many foreigners is their lack of respect for women. You seem to be one of those...too bad - you have missed a really good boat.

(I am based in Guangzhou)

Posted by sicn (148 days ago)

Tisteel88, I wonder what you do for a living.

(I am based in Singapore)

Posted by vzbtech (148 days ago)

Ahhh i have been going through the thread for long..nw my curiosity has reachd the peak..wanna find out myself.. ;-)

so you 'Knowledgable' Guys..do these 'nightclubs' are only good for groups? Can't a single person go there and check out the place! and yeh do we have these 'nightclubs' or hostess bars here in HK?

Cheers

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by cookie09 (148 days ago)

vzbtech, if the main point is drinking and socializing, why would you go alone? do you go to LKF alone? (yes some people do, but it's a small minority I would think).

and yes these bars do exist in HK too - no difference to China

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by foxmulder (148 days ago)

Cookie's question puts me in mind of my first China KTV experience five years ago when I first visited China. I came on an exploratory business trip with a Chinese friend (female - ex gf) who was my guide and interpreter. Somewhat naively, I had imagined Chinese women to be shy, demure and modestly dressed. Imagine my surprise when, on my first night at the 5* hotel in Dallian, I was told what was on offer in the hotel spa. Later, in Shenzhen, my friend decided to turn in early but I was up for some lively music. The concierge pointed me in the direction of the establishment next door. Expecting some sort of bar with live band I was surprised to find nothing of the sort. Just a reception, no music, no bar, but an awful lot of exeptionally pretty girls sitting around. A woman approached me and, realising that I was a karaoke virgin and explained that she would hire me a room at a good price and, if I wanted a "nice girl" to join me to sing, that could be arranged. Never one to turn down the company of a pretty girl, I said "sure". And so it went: we sang together,drank together and laughed together. Then this girl's equally attractive friend joined us. I thought: "there truly is a God!" Then it came to bedtime. The girls helpfully offered to escort me back to my hotel (so polite, I thought). We walked arm-in- arm to my hotel and, at the door, I shook their hands, said thankyou for their delightful company (it was lost on them, of course, because we didn't speak each others' language) and I disappeared up to my room. They walked away with rather bemused expressions on their faces The next day, my friend asked what I had done the night before. She was mortified, and told me that I had been consorting with hookers and forbade me ever to go to KTV on my own again. But we went together and with her friends and had a great time. So, yes, Cookie, one can go alone and have good fun (clean or otherwise).

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by vzbtech (148 days ago)

cookies09, No the main point is not drinking and socializing but to experience the diffrence..have never been to such places.
And yeh i do go alone aloways to LKF and Macau..(part of Minority ;-) hehhehe

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Tisteel88 (148 days ago)

Reply to sicn..

I am an American working here for many years. What do I do for a living ? Not important, but I have a very high level of income and can enjoy all of the niceties that China has to offer. I respect women and that is the whole key. People sense when you are a dope and treat you as such. As far as other comments here - do not go into the bars by yourself - not a good idea, as half of the girls have boy friends. You have to be able to "read" your drinking companions - personality wins over beauty. Learn to relax and enjoy yourself, as you must like yourself first to truly enjoy others.

(I am based in Guangzhou)

Posted by vzbtech (148 days ago)

Tisteel88, good POV...for me i have been frequenting LKF like places alone for years now..in few asian countries..so far no trouble..<half of the girls have boy friends> wht you wanna indicate by this..how this makes any diffrence?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by sicn (148 days ago)

Tisteel88 I am confused, are you talking about your wife or your dad's wife when you said "Whores are the wives who stupidly use their husband's money and parade their a** through the malls with no regard for their abject humility?"
How can you say you have a high regard for women and make a statement like that?

(I am based in Singapore)

Posted by Tisteel88 (146 days ago)

Hello sicn,

You are obviously a Euro. The whore comment was aimed at those who deserve the connotation, not the hardworking home Moms. You are the one with issues - accept it and move on.
To vzbtech: the only time trouble occurs is with boyfriends of the girls. Best to clear the air right away by asking a girl friend of your companion. Their girl friends are the first to spill the beans. I have had friends who encountered trouble - mostly in smaller cities. The Police in larger cities keep the problems to a minimum.

(I am based in Guangzhou)

Posted by Urbent (146 days ago)

Avoid small bars or places which doesn't seem to have that many HK'ers drinking there. Have heard of horror stories with the b/f extorting money after the client's had his wicked ways with his g/f. Go to the larger places, either within a hotel or club type annexed to a hotel. The old days of the 4am 'knock, knock' doesn't happen or only does when a crime has been committed within the vicinity. Thumb of rule like most cities, go where most visitors go. Enjoy!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by sicn (144 days ago)

A "working girl" can use a boyfriend as a cover to her family. The
'boy friend" can also pick her up in the middle of the night or save her from an abusive client. Some girls learn that the more fuss their boyfriends can cause gets more money from the clients. It's a business. So next time when you are in the middle of action with your "working girl", her boy friend busts into your hotel room and demands for emotional damage compensation, just laugh.

(I am based in Singapore)

Posted by lonelytrvller (133 days ago)

People go to ktv to be entertained. if they want a prostitute, there are more suitable joints for it.

(I am based in Shanghai)

Posted by Sad Sack (133 days ago)

They go to KTV to sing and drink and have sex with prostitutes I will assume because they have enough money to indulge and because its more personal than going to a fast food whorehouse, I think that they delude themselves into thinking that if a girl pretends to be enjoying herself, singing, drinking,laughing at their stupid bad jokes, the punter feels that he is a super stud when he brings the girl back to his room while ignoring the obvious, that is she is with him only because of the money. Much more difficult to convince yourself you are a big time player if you are going down and dirty.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by truenorth (133 days ago)

I have been to KTV in Shangahi, for a while quite regularly.
Price varies considerably. There are some places where the "expected tip" is 100 RMB, but they are rather seedy. Other places will go much higher. one place we attend regularly, they have different floors the higher floors are more expensive, they have better waitresses and you see better girls (expedted tip 400 RMB). The Mamasan will continue to bring girls untill you find one to your liking. If you want to take one "home" you tell mamasan, she knows which are ther "hookers"
Sometimes if you choose a girl and she will tell you, "no go home"
Because I do not speach Chinese I have a greater problem , so I ask upfront for gilrs that can speak some English.
Some men get bombed and will act like idiots and will try to molest the girls in the room, other guys will treat them like ladies and just have fun gambling, singing dancing, drinking. Some KTVs have different methods of attracting clients. There is one where he girls do a strip tease every hour...music is piped in to all rooms. One place has girles topless. One dresses tall girls in special costumes and identifies them as models who charge extra tips.
Clubs try to do different things to attract neqw clientel .
The rokm charge provides fresh fruit and a botle of booze, after the first, you are paying exorbitant prices for regular booze./
Choose your "pioson" and pay the prioce

(I am based in Bahrain)

Posted by Ed (132 days ago)

Inflamatory comments have been removed from this thread.

The question is What Really Goes on at Hostess Bars. Not do you frequent Hostess Bars....

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by seijime (131 days ago)

Yah. This topics are really interesting. Usually men talks about this matter, but we ladies as well get interested. I think this kind of business has been spread all over anywhere, in any places, its just depends on how they perform it or how do they do the service. Especially the economy has been down, people has to do things even they are not willing in order to survive.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by woods99 (131 days ago)

There was an enormous amount of prostitution in Hong Kong in the aftermath of 1949, and the ensuing huge migration from China. As far as I can gather, many struggling families expected the oldest daughter to sell herself to raise money for the education of the younger children, who in turn were expected to look after their oldest sister when they left school and got jobs.

Prostitution is an economic matter, not an ethical one - although men who use the services of prostitutes are treading in ethically and morally dangerous waters. And medically dangerous, of course, as well.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Wilks (131 days ago)

Drinking at KTV is part of business in china, Taiwan, Japan and most other S.E Asian Nations. Guanxi is extremely important for business in china and Guanxi is built during drinking. Why is it important? Good Guanxi makes your products come out much quicker better quality, have less problems, problems are quickly fixed, your prices are raised less often. This Guanxi, needs to be frequently reinforced.

The chinese see drinking as a way of getting to know the other person, They see semi drunk person are at their weakest most defenseless state of mentality, thus they are at the truest form

KTV are not only frequented by men, but also by women, and normal working boys / girls and normal groups of friends, however to their standards, a night at such a night club would be quite expensive. Since they are all private rooms, they are not disturbed by other noises, and other people., and competitors will not see their suppliers and customers.

As mentioned in earlier posts, there are a range of services offered, however depending on which cities, and which KTV you go to in China, many of the girls strictly only sit and drink, and play drinking games. You will find that over 90% of the mainlanders will not requests services after the drinking session. When you walk into other occupied rooms, you often see men only with no hostesses.

Many of these KTVs in the major cities also have Male Prostitutes for the women.

There are many stories behind these 'hostesses' some are genuinely true, some are BS.

If you are with your husbands, out of respect to those who do not understand the Culture, often the manager will ask beforehand if you need any hostesses to drink.

I think its important for the women to know how it operates. but at the end.. it all comes down to the strength of the relationship between you and your partners trust and honesty. Blame should not be placed on these establishments, nor on these girls. it is 100% responsibility of your partner.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by sicn (131 days ago)

Hostess bar and KTV ARE seedy places that breed corruption and prostitution no matter how some people here try to justifying themselves frequent those places. It is bad business practice and bad for the men’s family if they end up “have to” to for business. I have a married friend is building a business in Mainland. Since it is the way business done there, he had to arranged it to please the clients. He usually would send his subordinates to accompany them since he doesn’t like places like that. But some married clients would pull him into the dirty water for not wanting to feel the guilt alone. Then since my friend had to go once a while, his wife then decided to go to the other kind of the bar where men please the women to get even. It is a bad cycle. I think it is time to break it and start to clean up.

(I am based in Singapore)

Posted by fizzfuzz (129 days ago)

Come on now. The KTV girl situation is not too different from those one may find in seedy hair saloons, saunas, or high-end bars in China. For that matter, how is it different from the bars in Wanchai and Lan Kwai Fong or the ubiquitous one-floor-one girls in HK? If one stands around Central, Wanchai or Causeway Bay during lunch hours on any work day, one is bound to see some blatant display of sexuality for the office ladies. The issue is that, regardless of where one is, sexual opportunities are abundant. It all boils down to one's moral standing and faith/responsibility with one's spouse.

Now back to the KTV scenario, a participant is never forced to take on a hostess, unless avoiding the possibility of offending the host can be considered an involuntary act. Therefore, short of that possibility, one is free to choose between having a girl or not. Even then, there is no garantee that the pair would end up in sexual intercourse, unless the participant is willing to do so at an acceptable expense. The expense is not limited only to the price for the sex, but also the host's view on the participant. My sense is that when doing business anywhere in the world, it is best NOT to have any evidence come back and bite me in the butt. As a result, unless I am the host, I resist the opportunity of going to KTV, period!!!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by tigerbay (129 days ago)

There is another side to KTV that seems to have been forgotten.

I have been at several work functions where all staff go to KTV after dinner and as a team building exercise. The businesses were a bank, a training centre, and a sales office.

When studying Chinese in Shanghai they also tooks us to KTV at the end of the course.

When visiting my wifes hometown our hosts also took us to KTV as a group after dinner. This happened on two occassions. Not about prostitution.

I also assume that families do this, as many home entertainment systems are also Karaoke compatible. This implies families like Karaoke and probably also frequent KTV.

So for my 2 cents:
Yes there are often prostitutes in the building. Not always used.
No, it is not just a front for sex. And sex may not be primary purpose of KTV, even if it is a big money earner.

(I am based in Shanghai)

Posted by sicn (128 days ago)

Reply to Tigerbay,
There are some people like me, if I am bringing my family or some good friends to sing and have fun in a private KTV room, I would not want to be approached by Mamasan or see or hear certain actions from next door. If I would want to entertain my clients with some nice drinks in a bar, I would not want them to be liaisoned by some hangaround young girls. If I want to get a good massage just on my back, I would not like to lay on the same massage table that just has an “extra service” performed at. I just want guaranteed clean places to entertain, that’s all.

But in China, there are no separation or clear differenes in between theose places. Maybe this way is good for some clietns who like to have dirty fun but not want the guilt or shame to disappear into these maybe-or-not places. But on the other hand, who knows how much business they have lost from people like me who would rather not go at all or pay a lot more to just not mingle with the mud.

(I am based in Singapore)

Posted by totomom (128 days ago)

my hongkong friend husbands always go to these such a place with working and buss partner, but SHE always JOIN. it is protitute, and its an entertaining culture for boss. unfortunately...

(I am based in Tokyo)

Posted by Khiscage (127 days ago)

hahah very interesting thread.

What goes on behind the closed doors of a ktv... well all I can say is many different things can happen, regardless of whether the ktv is in Shanghai, Beijing, Singapore, Hong Kong, Dong Guan or other parts of China..

(I am based in Shanghai)

Posted by stubby (126 days ago)

I'm curious about working in karaoke too...! some of my friend said, its easy jobs! but i don't know what is like! i did ask my husband, but he didn't tell me what is like to work as a hostess in bar karaoke!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by squidburger* (126 days ago)

surprising how innocent all these people asking the questions are

surely they must know what goes on, and it wouldn't take 30 seconds to accurately guess what goes on. if you don't know, you could ask any guy that you met in a bar in LKF or Wanchai and nearly all of them would be able to tell you

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by squidburger* (126 days ago)

in SZ, a KTV is only for singing = like a karaoke box in HK - if the place has 'friends' for hire they usually have some name like Club Delite or something equally dodgy

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by totty chaise (126 days ago)

when you go to a nightclub or KTV and there are girls who *hum* entertain you in exchange for money -and I am not going to define 'entertain'- then the girls are 'prostitutes' and you are a 'client'. the fact that it takes place somewhere in China and that your friends, colleagues or wife do not know about it, does not change this fact a bit.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by syed456 (126 days ago)

what about STD?

(I am based in Hong Kong)