Xi'an cracks whip on square dancing

Public dancing is a consequence of China's rapidly aging society, observers say. [Photo by Zou Hong/China Daily]

Square dancers in Xi'an may be fined 200 yuan ($32) if their acts disturb public order, according to Huashang Daily.

Xi'an Municipal Environmental Noise Pollution Prevention and Regulations states individuals who engage in square dancing, exercise with whips or play with spinning tops will be fined 200 yuan ($32) if their acts are deemed disturbing public order and they refuse to cease action upon notice. The organization behind these acts may be fined 500 yuan ($80) if they refuse to cooperate. The notice came into effect on Feb 1.

The regulation prohibits use of speakers in public events and exercises in noise-sensitive public spaces around streets, squares and parks from 9:00 pm to 7:00 am. Noise from hitting spinning tops and whipping whips are also deemed disturbing to the well-being of residents.

Square dancing has become popular among Chinese dama, a term that refers to older Chinese women who are often retired. Damas often gather in public squares after dinner and dance merrily with loud music from speakers.

Long leather whips are often used by the older Chinese generation to exercise often in parks and squares. The whips are waved high into the air and slammed hard onto the ground, creating a loud noise when it lands.