Still stepping' lively

Easy Talk: Life after retirement

According to Shanghai regulations, there is a "sound curfew" between 10 pm and 6 am when no musical instruments or audio equipment are allowed to be played in parks and public spaces near "noise-sensitive areas" such as schools, hospitals and hotels. Offenders face a fine of up to 500 yuan ($80).

The regulation took effect early last year, and Qian’s group was forced to move from a square on Nanjing Road, near Shanghai's most bustling shopping center, to their current location at People's Park.

Some areas such as Zhongshan Park on Changning Road have set decibel meters to monitor the volume of music. The numbers on the screen flicker between 60 and 70, and remind dancers to keep the volume under 70 decibels.

Qian says outdoor spaces are popular among the elderly because of a lack of indoor facilities in Shanghai for exercise.

"Outdoor spaces are wide and open, and there are no fees for using these areas," Qian says. "Besides, it is easier to attract new members."

A doorman at the Radisson Hotel across from People's Park, where Qian's group meets, says most visitors enjoy watching guang chang wu. Sometimes they take photos and even join the dancing.

Young people, though, are not so enthusiastic.

"The music is old-fashioned, and so are the moves," says Ge Yan, a university student. Ge says her parents have joined a guang chang wu group but this form of recreation holds no interest for her.

Qian doesn't listen to the detractors.

"Those who like group dancing will approve of it, while nothing can please those who dislike it."