8gua
8 卦

8Gua – as in bagua (to gossip) – is the first spot of note on Houhai’s north bank. Opened by a triumvirate of mainland, Taiwanese, and Singaporean partners, 8Gua is of the standard Houhai tavern variety: quiet and inviting, with comfy couches and plush chairs, a good wine (RMB 35 per glass and RMB 130 and up per bottle) and cocktail (RMB 38 and up) list, and tasteful modern-traditional Chinese decor. A smattering of tiny curtained-off rooms afford some privacy to those truly in dish-mode (possible topics of discussion to include any of a number of movie stars who’s pictures adorn the walls), though they require a minimum purchase of RMB 50 per person, as does service in a larger private room that comfortably seats eight. Musically, the bar stays away from chill-out tunes in favour of poppy jazz and Brit-rock. Where 8gua has the other spots beat is its quiet view of the Sanlitun-like madness on the far bank. June 03

• Houhai