An unmarked grey door is the only advertising for Butterfly Bar, a sure sign its owner isn't concerned with financial trivialities.

And while drinkers pack the neighbouring Kai Bar to the rafters, there is always a seat in Butterfly to knock back equally cheap alcohol. Combining Tsingtao and spirits and mixers for 10 yuan with tulip lanterns, it is a mystery this Sanlitun bar is often more than half-empty, particularly as the bartender is not stingy with the spirits.

A mini spiral staircase, each step lit in bright orange, leads to comfortable sofas and wicker chairs. A man sits by a computer in the corner clicking the mouse to pump out house music while simultaneously playing solitaire. Sometimes, the noise of a new message on MSN finds its way onto the speakers and the volume level of the tracks creeps up, conquering conversation.

A room of beds and more sofas can be found at the far end of the upstairs area. It changes colour according to the sequencing of a grid of dotted lights and for impromptu private parties, an opaque glass door can separate it from the main area. Alternatively, you can ask at the bar to reserve the room, which fits up to 30 people at a push.

Butterfly's only real distinctive feature is a green lizard, which seems completely disinterested in house music and lives in a box downstairs. But the formula of cheap drinks and creative lighting set it apart from other places in the bar-packed neighbourhood and people aren't here just to sink doubles as quick as possible before moving on to a club. On Fridays and Saturdays, DJ decks replace the computer and the clientele, as much Chinese as foreign, can dance away to whatever time they like.

Butterfly Bar
Location: Sanlitun Beijie (around the corner from Poachers Inn and next to Kai Bar), Chaoyang District
Opening time: 6pm-late
Tel: 010-64176357