Behind the Bars: China's prison-themed bars blend jail blocks, orange jumpsuits and an interrogation room into an immersive nightlife experience
Across China, prison-themed bars have sprung up, inviting customers to share an immersive experience that resembles a jail cell. Patrons wear orange inmate jumpsuits as interiors feature metal bars, mugshots, and graffiti-covered walls layered with old newspapers. Each dining area is designed as a series of individual cells, turning a night out into staged confinement. To heighten the vibe, some venues reserve a dark room as an interrogation chamber stocked with handcuffs, foot chains, and sticks.
In This Article:
From pop culture to real bars: The Orange Is the New Black influence and the cell-like cubicles
Owners say the appeal lies in an immersive, shareable experience, with the Netflix series Orange Is the New Black cited as inspiration. The trend has appeared in Qingdao (Shandong), Hangzhou (Zhejiang), and Chongqing (southwest).
The experience at a glance: price, props and how it works
Prices are modest: drinks typically cost around 50 yuan (about US$7). Some outlets charge an extra 10 yuan to rent the signature orange jumpsuits. In practice, customers enjoy beverages inside the cell-like cubicles while the dark interrogation room deepens the realism.
Where it's spreading: Qingdao, Hangzhou, and Chongqing
Regional spread: Qingdao in Shandong province, Hangzhou in Zhejiang province, and Chongqing in southwestern China. The growing list suggests a broader appetite for themed, experiential venues that double as social-media fodder.
What this trend reveals about modern culture and consumer desires
The trend reveals how nightlife is evolving toward immersive, story-driven experiences that people want to photograph and share. Pop culture influences business ideas, with affordable, compact thrills redefining what a night out can look like.
