After the workers clock out around 6 p.m., most of 41-story Tower A at SOHO Newtown's office complex in Beijing goes dark until the next day.
But elevators dedicated to floors 30 and up start running full loads again from 8 p.m. until past 1 a.m.
Even when police barricaded the main entrance one night this month to investigate a suicide, passengers sneaked into the elevators through an underground parking lot.
Who were the desperate people in need of a lift? Japanese men leaving work, visiting Beijing or treating clients. They were ascending to the five Japanese-style bars at the top to pay to sit down with young Chinese women. The charge for enjoying the company of the ladies, who are under age 30, is at least 120 yuan ($14.80). Drinks, including those for the ladies, are extra, starting at 30 yuan for a bag of green tea and more than 100 yuan for sake or watered-down whiskey.