Cargo: Not a Simple Mix

The opening of Cargo on December 2, 2005, in Gongti Ximen was undoubtedly a piece of wonderful news for electric-music lovers in Beijing. As a branch of the well-known nightclub Mix at Gongti Beimen, Cargo doesn't simply copy the successful style of Mix.

 

The layout of the club is somewhat similar to that of Mix, though far more luxurious. The first time I went there, I was fascinated by its innovative decorations even before I entered the ballroom. The entrance corridor, with blue flashing lights from the ceiling to the floor, made me feel like stepping into a mysterious spaceship or a time channel. Entering the club, the booths glowed purple and the bar was lit up brightly in neon and blue, highlighting the many beverages of choice.

 

Compared with Mix, the booths are much larger and adopt a different shape of round to create a cosier atmosphere. On the dance floor, an advanced lighting system and colourful light-emitting diode (LED) wall added more to my happy mood. There are dozens of private rooms on the second floor; through large windows, one can easily observe the dancing crowds below and feel the same flow and passion. I was especially interested in the fashionable red sofas and the middle-age-styled pendant lamp there.

 

Details from the logo "Cargo" that are found on everything from tissues and cups to the illuminating polychrome floor lights on the stairs reveal the depth of the owner's four-year's of nightclub management experience.

 

I have only one complaint is that the club may be too large for those not good at following directions. I got lost twice trying to find a bathroom, though the waiters were really helpful and well-mannered.

 

The biggest difference between Cargo and Mix is that the major music style played in Cargo is house music and electric music while R&B and hip hop dominate the latter. This is a quite brave attempt as house and electric music are not generally favoured by Chinese for dancing.

 

But the two clubs are class acts and marvellous venues for well-heeled partygoers and the local glitterati. At its opening, Cargo invited the celebrated DJ Deep Fish, showing its ability to organize high-quality professional parties.

 

But ensuring the success of Mix means forbidding simple copying; Cargo is a spirited place that is highly contagious for fun-lovers.