Chongqing — For years, square dancing in Chongqing was a cherished pastime but also a source of noise complaints, highlighting the challenge of balancing community needs in crowded urban China.

At the Mixc Mall in Chongqing’s Dadukou District, that long-standing tension began to ease in June 2024. A once-unused basement space was transformed into a 260-square-meter shared rehearsal room, complete with air conditioning and a stage. 

Today, more than 28 local groups take turns practicing there, turning what was empty commercial space into a lively public hub.

Dancers practiced at the rehearsal room in the Mixc Mall in Chongqing's Dadukou District. (Photo/Chongqing Daily)

For residents like Luo Yafang, who practices dancing several times a week, the change has been life-altering. "We used to dance in the park," she said. "In summer it was too hot, in winter too cold, and we always worried about the weather or disturbing others. Now we can rehearse indoors, with a proper schedule, and the atmosphere is so much better."

Behind the seemingly simple solution lies a broader experiment in participatory governance. The Dadukou District People's Congress has been advancing China's whole-process people's democracy by channeling local concerns directly to deputies, who then work with businesses and officials to craft responses. In this case, deputies recognized that the underlying issue was not just dancing, but a lack of adequate public space.

The breakthrough came at a district liaison station in the Mixc Mall, where manager Xu Ruiran revealed unused basement space. Sensing an opportunity, Zhang Lian, deputy to the Dadukou District People's Congress, researched and gathered residents’ feedback on creating a rehearsal room.

Many dancers stressed the importance of proper flooring and mirrors to improve training, while others emphasized clear scheduling to prevent disputes between groups. Non-dancers voiced concerns about potential noise inside the mall, pushing for stronger soundproofing. The feedback was compiled into a suggestion that shaped every detail of the project.

Renovation soon followed. The Mixc Mall converted a previously idle basement area into a fully equipped rehearsal room. Walls were soundproofed, floors were reinforced to handle heavy movement, and lighting and ventilation systems were upgraded for safety and comfort. 

By mid-2024, the effort had transformed a neighborhood flashpoint into a shared resource. The rehearsal room not only reduced noise disputes but also turned an underutilized mall space into a lively community hub. 

"At its root, the problem was a lack of public space," Zhang explained. "By aligning with Chongqing's 15-minute quality living circle initiative, we created a win-win solution."

What began as noise complaints over square dancing has now evolved into a blueprint for community problem-solving.  The rehearsal room's success shows how small, practical solutions can reshape urban life in ways that benefit everyone.