The buzz: A cool combination of oriental style and industrial design, DAO is the must-try for Shanghai's lounge lovers.

The look: DAO is very easy to find - right upstairs the Porsche store across Shanghai Art Museum. A long, dark corridor leads to a spacious room where you are greeted by a huge buddha and a luminous wall-to-wall bar.The wall behind the bar is decorated with  DAO's eye-catching logo - an arty representation of the Chinese character "缘" (literally meaning 'predestined affinity'). All these  co-exist in harmony with the deliberately bare ceiling and floor, adding a cool industrial vibe to the otherwise too smooth design. There are also three well-hidden private rooms with different themes, namely 'metal', 'wood' and 'water'.

The music: We were confused by the music we heard on the opening night. First it was some relaxing lounge, then it was turned into pumping house, and we were terrified to hear some out-of-date 50 Cent and Peas after midnight - what the what?

The drinks: The choice of cocktails (above 50rmb) here is abundant, be they classic or modern. The long list of martinis (60rmb) is rather impressive, conviniently categorized by their flavors.

The crowd: Stylish and happy-looking people who are not afraid to dance on the stage after two drinks or five.

Why you'll be back: For the decor, ambience and cocktails. - Stella Shu

DAO, 2/F, 288 Nanjing Xi Lu, near Xinchang Lu, 3366 3179.