Ahhhh KTV. There are lovers and enemies of this pastime time, but if you decide to give it a try, you will be entertained in an authentically Chinese way. Leave your shame and dignity at the door and put on your favorite song.
What is KTV?
KTV is the Chinese word for karaoke. KTV means a place, typically a club, where Chinese people go to sing and have fun with friends.
How KTV works in China
Despite how karaoke works in the West, KTV in China is a more private affair. In the United States, we are used to singing karaoke in a bar, on a stage, in front of many strangers. In China, KTV clubs have private rooms where you can book with your friends or colleagues for a few hours of fun. Generally, rooms are reserved for a minimum time (for example, 2 hours). KTV clubs are usually full service and you can order a wide variety of snacks and drinks throughout the event. KTV is usually a nighttime activity, but many clubs in big cities are open 24 hours a day.
KTV can really be something to do at any time of the day or night. (I have friends who reserve a small room during the day to practice their art.)
Book a KTV room in China
If you are not going to KTV with Chinese friends or colleagues and you don’t know how to make a reservation, I would advise a local friend, your hotel concierge or your tour agent to help you. There are many reasons for this.
- First , especially in big cities on weekends, KTV is a popular activity. You may be able to walk around and book, but you don’t want to plan a big night only to find the rooms fully booked.
- Second , there are totally legitimate KTV clubs where all you do is sing, drink, and have fun. There are also KTV clubs where the girls work to “help entertain.” I guess you don’t want this type of establishment.
- Third , unless your Mandarin is fabulous and you’re familiar with Chinese music, you’ll want to make sure the club has songs in English.
Operations inside the KTV room
Once you have managed to book and arrive at the KTV club of your choice, you will register as you would at a restaurant and be guided to your private room. Rooms vary in size, so you will have booked for the right number of people (you don’t want ten people cramming into a room for four).
Ask (or gesture) the staff who showed it to you to find out how to operate the song system. There is usually a way to search for songs alphabetically and it will find everything from “Country Roads” to “Hit Me Baby One More Time” so there should be something for everyone.
Find a menu on the table. Here you can order drinks and food. There will be a doorbell or bell for service personnel. When you want to order, just press the button and a server will come to take your order.
Tips for a fun KTV night
In my opinion, KTV is a really fun way to spend a few hours doing something that is what millions of locals like to do, so you can consider it an authentic cultural experience. I have many hours of KTV and karaoke under my belt, so here are my suggestions for a fun time, especially if you’re in a large group of people that you may not know well.
- Choose songs that have a fast pace. Nothing drags down a KTV night like slow songs.
- Find the “cancel” or “next” button on the song machine. Many songs have verses that go on forever. Feel free to press “next” to go to the next song (unless it’s your boss singing).
- Choose songs that are fun to sing in a group.
- Take some time to practice your own KTV song in the shower so you can really impress your friends with “I Will Survive.” Include some key dance moves.
