63 Xi Zeng Rd (former site of Guangzhou Bear Factory), Liwan Dist, 137-9813-2332. The Chinese name has nothing to do with 'Bear Pub,' although the place is full of pandas. Very smokey.

Comments from Utopians:

"Get off at Metro Line 5 Xi Cun Station, Exit D. Turn right when you get out of Exit D, walk for 50m and then turn right again. Walk through Xi Zeng Rd and you will see a big gate at the end of the road." -- Bearadam, Jan 20, 2013

See listing under Restaurants.

"A new, cool, gay-friendly bar/lounge has opened this week-end in Guangzhou Tianhe area and it's exactly what we've been waiting for: a hidden, cool place, with super friendly owner and patrons. It's still confidential, but give it a try on Fri and Sat night. YIYU by nio in Room 201, No 86 Ti Yu Dong Rd (one small street one block north of Rebel Rebel/Oakwood), 139-2270-5336. It's on 2/F (you can only see some small red light) so you have to climb a stair." -- suehiro, Nov 25, 2012

Tianhe Bld, 133 Ti Yu Xi Lu, in the west gate of the Sports Center in Tianhe Dist, 3886-2388. The English name is a very poor, shortened rendition of the Chinese which means "Coming Out Of The Closet." This venue has some of the hallmarks of a genuine gay club. The crowd here is less chic than Velvet, but far more friendly. Nice mix of ages and social backgrounds to give a democratic feel, and an absolutely incredible floor show towards 1am, with very well-built male dancers who do erotic, acrobatic dancing. Foreigners are very welcome here but may get somewhat bored with the Chinese obsession with dice and drinking games. Fun crowd at this dance bar.

1/F no 403 International Electronic Mansion, Huanshi Dong Lu, Chinese Overseas Village, 8732-7801, 8732-7802. Gays head here when the other clubs empty. Very smoky, crowded place. After 3am they turn down the music and people start leaving. Generous on alcohol. Beware of bartenders are not very honest (double check the prices); rude and incompetent security; pick-pockets. A fashionable club with plenty of foreigners and some gays.

"Now, after Velvet, around 2am, the gay guy's go to SUNS on Guangzhou Party Pier (Zhujian old beer factory) on GZ TV Tower side of the river (go east, right after the Liede Bridge). All taxis know the place because it is the only area that closes late (5-6am) and so straights also go there. SUNS and WAVE can be gay some nights." -- suehiro, Nov 29, 2012