China's Underground Raves Offer Escape and Resistance

In a controlled society, young Chinese find freedom in clandestine techno gatherings.

Underground raves in China, known as 'wild dances,' provide a rare space for young people to express themselves freely amidst societal pressures.
Rave organizers like Xing Long and Feng Zhe create these events as a form of cultural resistance and personal fulfillment.
The techno music scene in cities like Changchun and Shenyang thrives in hidden locations, often avoiding government scrutiny.
Despite the risks of police intervention, these raves continue to grow, fueled by the desire to break from routine and societal norms.
Participants find a sense of release and anonymity at these gatherings, which are characterized by industrial music and a lack of drugs.