China's youth defy norms: Underground raves as silent rebellion

Youth in China are under immense pressure and face high expectations. In their country, there is no freedom to choose leaders, opposition is suppressed, religious activity is controlled by the party, dissent is forbidden, and civil rights are limited. In recent years, young Chinese people have also faced bleak economic prospects due to the slowing economic growth in China.

Chinese youth culture has been influenced by a series of slang terms describing frustration and hopelessness: "996" refers to a work schedule from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, six days a week, which many companies require. Meanwhile, "lying flat" is an emerging trend of abandoning all ambitions and aiming to do as little as possible. Some young people have found another way to vent frustration and seek community—by meeting at underground, secret raves.

Some of these events actually take place underground. One such rave was described by reporter Dake Kang for the Associated Press (AP) portal. Kang entered a rave in the northwestern 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 is filled with pulsating techno beats. Young Chinese, with alcohol and cigarettes in their hands, sway in a red-lit corridor below a large screen displaying quotes from Chairman Mao."

For Chinese ravers, these gatherings—often called "ye di," or "wild dancing"—offer not only a rare space for uninhibited fun but also a form of resistance against the rigid expectations imposed by society. The AP reporter met with Xing Long, a DJ and rave organizer, who works by day in the office of a state-run company in Changchun.

Long was introduced to techno culture in the 17-million-population city of Shenzhen, where he studied. When he returned to his hometown of Changchun, he found that no one was organizing raves, so he took matters into his own hands. In a statement to AP, he said, "My job does not give me a sense of fulfilling my values. Going to work is like replaying a pre-written program." The 31-year-old added that every time he enters a rave, his brain "wakes up with a bang."

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

Flyers and posters promoting raves often only include the date, DJ lineup, and entry fee. Sometimes the event location is revealed just an hour in advance. Some organizers require guests to cover their phone cameras with a sticker. There are occasional police raids. DJ Loong Wu confessed to AP: "Restrictions exist, but that's exactly why we have to create our own scene." She added: "We need 'wild dancing.' We need to dance outside the established rules."