By LI JIALIN

MONEY and a career are two means to a better life; money secures the approval of one's peers, and as a result, one becomes part of the elite. Making the acquaintance of and working together with such people is an exchange of intelligence, and also an intense pleasure.

The Rise of a High Building

The Chang An Club, a first-class business venue with, despite its conventional appearance, Chinese characteristics, is on Beijing's Chang An Avenue, the widest avenue in Asia. The club is generally thought of as a place of entertainment, but is actually much more. Nowadays, it is a major business venue.

The club's original goal was to provide support for reform and opening up, as well as to meet the demands of foreign businesspeople. Since opening in 1996, its membership of successful businesspeople has increased, and it has become representative of China's first-class business venues.

The first time I went to the Chang An Club, I was greeted by the manager of its functions department, Elaine Cui, a smiling Chengdu girl. The Club has ample scope for Elaine, an English major to exercise her skills, as it is an international club managed by the English CCA International, and has a high percentage overseas members.

We chatted over a cup of coffee on the third floor bar and I learned more about the club. With a total area of 24,000 square meters, three subterranean floors house a gym and social center, and on the ten floors above ground are restaurants, convention halls, libraries and offices. Hong Kong's top 5 -- Li Ka-shing, Fok Ying Tung, Zheng Yutong and Guo Bingxiang -- are its honorary directors, and it truly is a first-class club with a membership of 800 self-made people in such fields as finance, the IT industry, and real estate. The club provides them with suitable settings in which to do business, and enjoy entertainment and social interaction.

With so many activities, such as seminars on China's entry into the WTO, finance, and real estate, as well as conventions, business forum banquets, and the opportunity to do yoga, and even travel to Hawaii, it really is the best choice. No wonder it is a magnet for the elite.

Meeting the Needs of the Elite

On the fifth anniversary of the opening of the Chang An Club, our reporter went there for the second time.

This was a happy occasion, with all the guests and members in elegant evening attire, chatting while they enjoyed delicious bite-sized pastries.

A group of people, generally in their thirties, and who had made their mark either in the IT industry or financial management, could be seen chatting animatedly. They told our reporter that most members are between 30 and 40 years old, and come to the club with three aims: to meet the approval of their peers; fulfill the needs of their career; or simply enjoy themselves. As the old saying goes, birds of a feather flock together.

It is natural for a person who has achieved his career goals to wish to be seen to do so by his contemporaries, particularly those of his own mentality. Membership of an exclusive club is not only proof of achievement, but also a channel through which to become acquainted, and associated with, the elite.

The arrival of the information era, whose main characteristic is the instant transfer of technology, as well as rapid development, has made the prompt exchange of information imperative for such dynamic business types. Zhao Yong, director and general manager of the club, said, "Our club provides numerous activities that help members exchange, network, and collaborate." As the old saying goes, one takes on the color of one's company, and so many success stories in so many fields, all in one place, mean that the club abounds with business opportunities.

Enjoying one's life and seeking private space is another common demand of those dedicated to their careers. It is little wonder, therefore, that many come to the club, despite its high prices.

Chang An members come to the club for relaxation and entertainment, but also to help maintain their progress along the dynamic career path of their choice.

First-class Business Venues in China

Of the numerous first-class business venues in China, the Chang An Club is number one. As Tony van Gevelt, its general manager, says, "In Beijing, there are just three clubs as well-known as the Chang An, namely, the Capital Club, the American Club and the China Society Club. As for other cities, Shanghai has one similar club, but as regards comprehensive strength, the Chang An Club is top in the whole of China."

The Chang An Club is a pioneer, having come into being shortly after the adoption of reform and opening up. At that time the concept of a business venue, so well established in the West, was new to China. Today, with the increasing number of business high-flyers, more and more may be seen in China's bigger cities.

In this respect, Tony van Gevelt, who has been working and living in China since 1989, has his own theory on this phenomenon. "Rapid development in recent years has resulted in a demand for business venues, where business discussions, information exchange, and the opportunity to make fresh contacts can be accomplished all under one roof. In such an environment there is also the opportunity to relax in private, free from outside interference."

Apart from providing a recreation space for bankers, entrepreneurs, and IT industry and real estate operatives in the hinterland, such clubs also offer their services to transnational companies for international business exchange activities. Liu Jiangnan, vice president of the Alcatel China Co., Ltd., and a member of the Chang An Club, says, "Apart from providing a first-class service, the club also exerts an imperceptible influence on my business. I like to invite my guests here, as it helps bolster our image."

"For members already accustomed to a "business class" lifestyle, promotional activities are unnecessary, because they are already established," says Tony van Gevelt.

With the increasing number of so many bright, mobile and successful businesspeople in China, clubs like the Chang An will inevitably multiply.