"Maya is totally different, it targets white collar workers and other successful people above 25 years of age," said Henry Wu, vice general manager of Shen Shen.

"This is a place for them to hang out with friends over drinks, enjoy a live performance and to disco," Wu said.

It was a Wednesday night, cars sped by on Huaihai Road and neon lights shone brightly. I stopped at the Yunhai Mansion and a waitress led me upstairs. We made several turns and finally the waitress said, "Here we are."

It was a brand new world! At the entrance the wall was decorated with bamboo over which water flowed, making crystal sounds. Several primitive statues stood by the doors.

On the roof was a huge, winding Chinese dragon, lit from inside with green lights.

Large crystal lights hung down from the ceiling and heavy round pillars dotted the hall.

The large hall was divided into several parts which included bars in secluded corners at the two ends. In each part, the chairs and sofas were of different design, imported from Indonesia.

A shining colourful glass wall attracted my attention. Below the wall was a stage and a large dance floor was in front of the stage. An Arabian-styled wooden screen was hung from the ceiling. Since the roof was rather high, the screen didn't block the view.

If you want to escape the pressures of work, Maya Club is a great place for you to relax. Amidst dim light, twisting bodies and red hot music, your worries evaporate.

Light a cigarette, sip some coke, coffee, wine, beer or anything, and just be yourself.

Before 10:30 pm, four Filipino girls sing their hearts out on stage. The girls - in shining mini-skirts - dance as they sing, two men stand behind them, sometimes the men sing too. They sing popular songs in English.

From 10:30 pm until 3:00 am, it is disco time. You have listened to the songs for two hours, and now it's time for you to disco and sweat. Maybe you have no time for physical exercise. Now's the time. The music is inviting, the twisting, shining bodies are inviting too, the urge to dance becomes irresistible.

That night, guests came and left but the hall was always full of people. At 10:30 pm, the live singing performance ended, replaced by disco music. People jumped onto the dance floor and danced. The music roared on nonstop: underground, house, Trance and Techno.

The British and Japanese DJs smiled down on us, happy to see so many people enjoying themselves. The audience screamed, whistled, laughed and danced on.

Maya Club opens every night between 8:30 pm and 3:00 am

4-5F, Yunhai Mansion, 1329 Huaihai Road (near Baoqing Road)

Admission: 50 yuan including a soft drink

Tel: 6437-6962, 6415-2281