Silent Disco turns up the volume

Shanghai's dynamic environment makes it an ideal launchpad, according to Li, who described the debut as "a creative collision between a mature entertainment act and a dynamic historical city".Dancers pass dozens of historic buildings in the Bund area on the summer route.

Route locations were carefully curated to immerse participants in the city's diverse aesthetics. "We selected paths that fully showcase Shanghai's urban landscape and integration of past and present," says Li. "Audiences appreciate classic views while experiencing revitalized historic districts that come alive through their presence and movements."

A post-show survey by the organizer revealed that around 60 percent of attendees were in their 20s, with nearly 97 percent under 45.

"Though an introvert, I was thrilled to participate in the event — it provided a truly novel experience for me," says a 27-year-old participant surnamed He.

"At the start, I felt constrained and self-conscious but gradually entered the flow. The music played was what I regularly enjoy, which transported me to my bedroom dance sessions in the real world. I felt the stress of work fully melt away," she says.

"In that instant, I stopped caring about the others and let myself enjoy the moment," He adds.

The Silent Disco fever aligns with Shanghai's growing appetite for public outdoor fitness activities in summer. Activewear brand Lululemon's recent Summer Sweat Games Shanghai event spanned over 200 meters of Anyi Road in Jing'an district. Among the dozens of free workout stations were air bikes, flying disks, football, ping pong, tug of war, and other fitness offerings.

Throughout the fair, coaches led group sessions in running, High-intensity Interval Training (HIIT), yoga, dance and cardio, getting people to embrace the summer heat through exercise.

A participant surnamed Zhao gets nostalgic as she watches participants around her enjoying the games. "This atmosphere reminds me of the sports meets I loved in school."

Zhao says the vibrant spirit of the games seems to transport players back to their younger days — sweating alongside friends and savoring physical activities at the moment.