Unlike in the west where you can see people singing their favorite songs loud in front of strangers in a bar on weekend night, KTV in China is a much more private and complicated affair. As one of the most popular pastimes here, KTV can be a very fun place to go with your family. Here is a quick guide to teach you how to KTV with your family in Beijing.
What is the KTV culture in China?
KTVs are mostly popular after dinner, therefore people can just graze light snacks (ranging from chicken feet to various fruits) and drinks. It’s better to book a room in advance since the price increases on weekends. Or sometimes people prefer a discount room during the day to get better discounts. Room sizes can vary from mini, medium to large size, typically the room is booked for a minimum amount of time depending on the KTVs.
According to the team at MusicCritic, “There are many different types of karaoke equipment, with varying features available in the market. While most of these sound systems are too much fun to be around, they may not be necessarily suited for your needs.” You have to find the right one for a particular situation, and that sounds harder than it actually is. There are only a few of them to pick.
Usually, there are five types of situations why people go to KTV in China: business meetings, friend gatherings, dates, overcoming a broken heart, or even family fun. In China, one of the most common reasons for a karaoke night is to help build a good guānxì (relationship).
If you find yourself invited with a group of friends to KTV, congrats! It’s time to show your beautiful voice! Regardless of your ability, inevitably you are expected to sing as a “guest.” Otherwise, you better wish someone in the room has the voice of an angel and is a microphone hog.
If you’re rolling in with kids or have a strong craving for kitsch themed rooms featuring movie characters like Iron Man or Peppa Pig, then you’re in luck, as some KTVs offer rooms decorated with pop culture figures.
Without further ado, here are some of our favorite family-friendly KTV options.
Family-friendly KTVs in Beijing
Windsor KTV
With good locations near Taiyanggong and in the Aegean shopping center with many family-friendly facilities, Windsor is a good choice to go out singing with the family. They have a complete music library with many English songs as well as Japanese, Korean, and German. On the same floor, there is also an outdoor playground for kids.
More info here. RMB 169 above. F5, Aegean Shopping Center. No.12, Qisheng Middle Street, Chaoyang District. 北京市朝阳区七圣中街12号 (8858 7777)
My Song KTV
Targeting young customers, My Song KTV is a popular KTV chain in China. As there are always good events for kids in Joy City Shopping Mall, the one near it could be a good place for family fun. If your kids love Hello Kitty or other cartoon characters, you can book a room decorated with those pop culture figures. For those songs you can’t find at a KTV, you can also connect your phone with their equipment to upload your own songs.
More info here. RMB 91 above. No. 19, Yacheng Lane 1 (next to the Baodao Glasses), Chaoyang District. 雅城一里19号(宝眼镜店旁) (5243 3995)
Tango KTV
Tango KTV is just near the south gate of Ditan Park, and next to the 24h Cantonese Restaurant Jingdingxuan. They have various songs in English as well as Japanese, Korean, and German to choose.
More info here. RMB 124 above. No.79 Hepinglixi Jie, by south gate of Dìtán Park. 和平里西街79号, 地坛公园南门 (6428 2288)
Melody KTV
Melody KTV, near the west gate of Ditan Park, is a quite popular family-friendly KTV choice in Beijing, also one of the old KTV brands in China. With reasonable prices and various family set meal choices, they have held a lot of family events there.
More info here. RMB 109 above. No. 198, Andingmenwai Street, Dongcheng District. 安定门外大街198号 (6056 9188)
How to KTV
Paying onsite usually charges more than booking online, however, booking a KTV could be frustrating if your Chinese is not that good since you need to use some apps like Dianping, Meituan, or their Chinese websites. So my suggestion is either you could go to KTV with Chinese friends or Chinese colleagues, ask their help, or you could make use of a translator to help you make a reservation.
Once you’ve managed to make a booking, the next step is to check in, just as you would at a restaurant. The staff will guide you to your room. Finally, don’t be afraid to ask the staff to help you learn how to operate the song system to make sure you make the most of your KTV experience.
Enjoy your family fun at KTV!
Photo: Pixbay.com, Dianping.com
