Local Governments Crack Down on Chinese Street Culture 'Guangchangwu' as Noise Pollution and Public Nuisance

Chinese square dance. Photo by Cheongnyeonmang capture.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-ju] The "Guangchangwu," often seen in the evenings in China, is under threat.

Guangchangwu is a dance performed by groups of 10 to 100 women mostly in their 50s and 60s, who dance together with loud music using simple movements.

Guangchangwu takes place wherever there is an open space across China and is mainly seen in the evenings. Having continued for decades, it is considered a unique folk culture of China.

However, recently, there have been increasing voices criticizing Guangchangwu as a "nuisance" because the loud music disturbs rest.

Conflicts over Guangchangwu locations also occur frequently. On Chinese social networking services (SNS), videos criticizing people who occupy basketball courts, parking lots, playgrounds, and other spaces for Guangchangwu can be easily found.

Noise levels of 60 to 70 decibels affect normal sleep and rest, but the noise from Guangchangwu has been measured at 70 to 99 decibels.

Amid this, a city in China has attracted attention by introducing regulatory measures on Guangchangwu.

According to the Xin Jing Bao on the 4th, Xuchang in Henan Province announced on the 2nd a "Civilized Behavior Promotion" ordinance that imposes fines for dancing Guangchangwu after 9 p.m.

The Xuchang ordinance stipulates that when dancing Guangchangwu or singing in public places, the noise must not interfere with others' normal life, work, or study.

Other regions have also implemented Guangchangwu regulations. Previously, Changsha City in Hunan Province limited Guangchangwu permitted hours to 7?9 a.m. and 7?9 p.m. Regulatory measures have also been introduced in Chengdu, Guangzhou, and Changchun.

Additionally, the Chinese central government issued documents twice in 2015 and 2017 stating that "Guangchangwu must not affect residents' lives or disrupt public order."