Chongqing - At 8 pm, Chongqing Playa Maya Water Park’s wave pool was filled with energy as visitors enjoyed the show and live music to beat the summer heat. A 65-year-old lady surnamed Hu and her friends, members of a seniors’ dance troupe, added even more color to Chongqing’s bustling night economy with their public square dancing.

The elderly ladies are performing public square dancing in the water park. (Photo/Liu Li)

In 2023, China’s cities have experienced steady growth in their vibrant night economies, with Chongqing leading the way. The night tour concept in water parks has become incredibly popular, providing relief for visitors seeking to escape the sweltering summer. Surprisingly, the enjoyment is not limited to the younger crowd, as elderly people like Hu also find happiness in these water park experiences.

Public square dancing in the water park

Fueled by her passion for dancing and travel, Auntie Hu, a local term of endearment, leads a lively life after retirement. She heads the Tangjiatuo Tongluo Art Troupe and loves exploring different places. For her and her friends, the downtown water park is the perfect destination as it satisfies their need for a refreshing break and is conveniently located.

The elderly ladies’ dance and smile lit up the nighttime water park. (Photo/Liu Li)

During their visit to Chongqing Playa Maya Water Park, they were pleasantly surprised by the band playing music for visitors in the evening. Hu and her friends spontaneously joined in with their dance moves, creating a joyful and vibrant atmosphere. The experience exceeded their expectations, and they even joked about posting a dance video on Tiktok to capture their happy moments.

Colorful life after retirement

Embracing a colorful life after retirement, Hu and her dance troupe friends indulge in various activities, including climbing mountains, strolling along Binjiang Road, and traveling as a group. They cherish the physical and psychological benefits of these pursuits, always seeking new experiences and capturing their joyful moments through photos and dance videos.

The art troupe sings during community activities. (Photo provided to iChongqing and Bridging News)

Reflecting on the past, Hu recalls that she never received formal dance training during her younger years. While working in a factory, she and her colleagues learned to dance mostly independently, occasionally receiving professional guidance. Nowadays, their passion for dancing and other art forms has led them to establish an art troupe, presenting high-quality dance performances. The company now boasts nearly a hundred senior members, including the eldest participant at over 70 years old.

The art troupe is rehearsing. (Photo provided to iChongqing and Bridging News)

With their positive and open attitude, the elderly ladies are eager to try new things, such as exploring night markets and popular spots for young people. This approach to life brings them happiness and a sense of fulfillment, making their retirement years colorful and enjoyable.

（Ying Zhuyu, as an intern, also contributed to this report）