While not a revolutionary break with the neighborhood norm, Gulou 121 at least provokes interest with its stage for weeknight jam sessions and weekend shows featuring bands playing Western and Chinese music. The style is a clash of saloon bar and minimal Chinese kitsch, the drinks a fairly pedestrian selection of cheap beers, whiskeys and cocktails. Battle it out on the upstairs foosball table, or relax on the breezy rooftop terrace with a view – enjoy it while you still can – of the Gulou rooftops. Gulou 121 is pleasantly spacious, with ample seating provision around large tables on both floors. Whether you’ll all fit on the dance floor once bands like Hanggai get going is a different matter.