China's underground raves: Rebellion through rhythm

Young people in China are under immense pressure and held to high expectations. In the country where they reside, there is no freedom to choose leaders, opposition is suppressed, the party controls religious activity, any dissent is prohibited, and civil rights are restricted. In recent years, young Chinese have also faced bleak economic prospects due to China's slowdown in economic growth.

Chinese youth culture includes slang terms describing frustration and hopelessness: "996" is a work schedule from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, six days a week, which many companies demand from employees. On the other hand, "lying flat" is a growing trend involving abandoning all ambitions and striving to do as little as possible. Some young people have found another way to vent their frustration and seek community - they meet at underground, secret raves.

Some of these events actually take place underground. One of them was described by journalist Dake Kang for the Associated Press (AP). Kang attended a rave in the north-western city of Changchun. He wrote: "Slip through a small metal door and walk down a dark tunnel, and even before you reach the abandoned air-raid shelter, the air resonates with thumping techno beats. Young Chinese, with alcohol and cigarettes in hand, sway in a red-lit corridor beneath a large screen displaying quotes from Chairman Mao."

For Chinese ravers, these gatherings – often called "ye di," or "wild dances" – offer not only a rare space for unrestrained enjoyment but also signal resistance to the rigid functioning that stiff society expects of them. The AP journalist met with Xing Long, a DJ and rave organiser, who works in the office of a state-owned company in Changchun during the day.

Long discovered techno culture in the city of Shenzhen, where he studied. When he returned to his hometown of Changchun, he found that no one was organising raves there, so he took matters into his own hands. In a statement to AP, he said: "My job doesn’t give me the feeling that I am realising my values. Going to work is like playing a prewritten program." The 31-year-old added that whenever he attends a rave, his brain "wakes up with a bang."

In recent years, the space for grassroots culture and creativity has been shrinking in China. Authorities have tightened censorship of concerts, performances, exhibitions, and other cultural events. Many independent bookstores and creative spaces have closed, while state-sanctioned media promote "uplifting," candy-coated narratives.

Flyers and posters promoting raves often only include the date, DJ lineup, and admission cost. Sometimes, the party's location is revealed only an hour before it starts. Some organisers require guests to cover their phone cameras with a sticker. Police raids do occur. DJ Loong Wu told AP: "Restrictions exist, but that’s why we need to create our scene." She added: "We need 'wild dances.' We need to dance beyond the established rules."