Shanghai's nightclubs must close at 0200

Fatboy Slim - whose real name is Norman Cook - played for one and a half hours before police stopped the gig.

The British DJ managed a 15-minute encore before the club owners turned the lights up and ushered people out at 0215.

Police had also refused entry to about 200 people who had queued for several hours, and so only 600 of the 800 people who bought tickets to the gig, which sold out weeks ago, gained entry.

Officers said this was because they considered the club would be too full if all the ticket holders gained entry.

The situation was indicative of the conflict going on the city over how to strike a balance between liberalism and control.

Crackdown

Shanghai has been trying to rebuild its status as a dynamic and entertaining city.

But, at the same time, there has been a crackdown on vice in nightclubs and excitable club-goers.

In October, police began enforcing a city regulation that all bars and clubs must shut at 0200.

Dancing licences were revoked and many clubs were told they could only stay open if they played soft music and put tables on the dance floor.