According to Xiao's investigation, the city has around 46 entertainment spots where gay men like to hang out. These places receive about 3,000 visitors every day, 95 per cent of whom are gay or bisexual men. Most of the spots are located in Sanlitun, Qianmen, Xinjiekou, Zhongguancun, the Central Business District and around colleges and universities.

He said he also learnt that about 200 gay prostitutes provide sexual services every day, and more than 500 men have unprotected intercourse in public bathrooms.

"We're racing against time to let more gay and bisexual men know the importance of safe sex," Xiao said. "I want to bring homosexuals out from the underground and improve interpersonal relations by promoting daytime gatherings and encouraging people to discuss their problems openly."

When talking about his plan for this year, Xiao said he would continue giving lectures on AIDS prevention, delivering free condoms at saunas and bars and seeking better co-operation with hospitals on medical consulting and treatment to HIV/AIDS-infected homosexuals.

"My aim is to build a greater sense of responsibility for safer sex, help build self-esteem amongst this group," Xiao said, adding that he planned to set up a non-profit organization this year based on his team and his website, www.hivount.net.

Xiao said there are as many as 300 websites in China about gay men. In each provincial capital, there is at least one gay work group that is active on HIV/AIDS prevention among the high-risk group.

"Many people say that our gay activists have been able to stabilize the rising alarm over the spread of AIDS to win more manoeuvring space, including more acceptance from the government," Xiao said. "But that's just part of our aim; it's by no means the ultimate goal.

"We hope we can get more attention both from the government and the public, but not only because we are at high risk for AIDS.

"I hope one day, I can happily hang out with my boyfriend hand in hand and receive greetings from passers-by. I wish all the people, including gay men, can live healthy lives in a tolerant and harmonious society together. This is my dream."