While it might not be Chomsky's ideal hang out, the Propaganda bar and club brings both peace and the Promised Land for foreign students studying in Beijing's Wudaokou area.
The ground floor of the bi-level barroom reflects a commie meets coco cabana style decor with pieces of soviet art gripping the wall space in between plastic palm trees. The rattle of rolling dice spilling from students lounging on the top floor's orange sofas easily overtakes the Western-style R & B music playing in the background.
After fueling up on cheap Tsingtaos and hormones on the top floor, the hoards of students mingled with the occasional middle-ager, head down to the basement to dance like big brother aint' watching. While the dance floor might be described as 'cozy' by a real-estate agent, the surround sound speakers drumming out rap and dance music at stentorian volumes makes it the perfect place for body bumping. The massive murals encircling the dungeon-like dance floor display soviet style images of the working class. An additional bar and scattered seating provide temporary refuge for patrons taking a break from the basement's bump and grind.
Propaganda's ability to draw a large crowd any night of the week has made it a hot-spot for Beijing night life. As an indicator of Propaganda's 'partial bar' status there is no cover charge to get in, except on Wednesday's when the bar opens its flood-gates - offering an all you can drink for the entire night special for just 70 yuan at the door.
On nights when you have to pay Tsingtaos and Tigers are fairly cheap, costing 20 yuan. Most cocktails are sold for the same price, with the exception of Propaganda's self-titled house drink, the most expensive on the menu at 45 yuan.
Embedded in an area thick with universities, the Propaganda is located near the Wudaokou subway station.
(China Daily March 22, 2008)