KTV Activity for Summer Interns

This year, CIP’s Summer Programs in China hosted over 187 participants who either subscribed to Internships, Chinese Language Summer Camp or customized program. It was full of Learning, fun, exposure, trips, and networking. Together with our clients, we dissected the Chinese Culture and Business Codes of China which a valuable arsenal for every young graduate. We have improved our Intern approval rates by 9.2% from 81% to   Many believe that karaoke was a Chinese invention, especially the Chinese who attribute every necessity to have originated in ancient China. However, as the origins of the word “karaoke” would suggest, it actually originated from Japan around the 1960s.

The one thing that differentiates the western concept from the eastern concept is the space. You might be more accustomed to an open space karaoke at a bar, restaurant, or someone’s home.  In China, you’ll have difficulty finding a karaoke bar but will instead find an impressive selection of establishments with private rooms of varying sizes called KTV.

What then is KTV? KTV stands for “karaoke TV” and as a term is more commonly used than “karaoke”.  Private KTV rooms can be found at restaurants (dine and sing), bars (private party), clubs (VIP party), and KTV shops where they only have KTV rooms and waiting areas.

Yes, KTVs are so popular there are waiting areas with home theater setups and free refreshments to keep customers happy. It can take hours to get a room on a weekend night, even with a reservation!

What many foreigners soon realize is that Chinese like to party in the privacy of their KTV rooms where it’s always invitation only! No wonder people go to KTV for their birthdays, for after parties, post-wedding, and any time they just want to “go out”.

KTV rooms can be reserved for a few hours at a time, for half the day, or for 24 hours. You can order various teas, alcohol (table service), food, and snacks in your KTV room.  Some KTVs even provide buffet dining.

While some foreigners cringe at the thought of KTV and think of elaborate ways to get out of an invitation, it’s part of the China experience!  Hence why we, at CIP, took our interns this year for our own KTV session on July 15, 2016.

We had started at 8pm and sang for a total of Eight hours, singing English and Chinese songs. We reclled the old RMB and hip-pop songs while we digh through the list for more modern arts. It was fun singing

• Lazy song by Bruno Mars
• Gwen Stefani’s Holla Back Girl
• Rihanna’s B*tch Better have my money
• Eminem topped with the highest song sung
• Justin Bieber’s Baby
• Beyonce

After KTV, we wrapped up the night at the club with some dancing! When you’re in China, try KTV with your Chinese friends! Remember, everyone has to sing at least once!  Most KTV stores have English songs, and if they don’t have the latest Top 100, at least they’ll have classics that you can prepare yourself with (e.g. The Eagles, Elvis, Michael Jackson). If you’re staying longer, try rehearsing a Chinese song for the oohs and aahs of your astonished friends!