At dusk, squares and park plazas across China fill with dozens or even hundreds of dancers in neat rows — the world-famous "square dance" (guǎngchǎngwǔ).
Origins: from the 1990s city-square boom, middle-aged and older women ("Chinese aunties") turned fitness, sociability and music into self-organized troupes.
Common styles: aerobics, folk dances (fan dances, yangge) and ballroom; soundtracks run from "Zuixuan Minzu Feng" to Phoenix Legend — heavy beats.
Social meaning: square dancing is the retirement generation's main social circle — exercise, companionship, community organizing. It has even "exported" to parks in New York and Paris.
How to watch: head to a city square or park at 7-9 pm after dinner; just watch, and many dancers will gladly teach a foreign visitor a few steps. Some cities manage noise — be respectful.
