Five sets of directional speakers have been installed in Lianhua Hill Park's Wulin Square. These speakers are designed to project sound in a narrow beam, allowing individuals to hear the music only when the speaker is aimed directly at them (orange area). Courtesy of the city's urban management authority
Although tremendously popular, Chinese square dancing has increasingly become the subject of public complaints. Lianhua Hill Park's Wulin Square is no exception.
Over 100 million practitioners, predominantly female seniors, dance to loud music in the evening in public squares, plazas, and parks across the country as part of an exercise routine. Different dance teams will often be present at one location, each with their own speaker.
An investigation by the management office of Lianhua Hill Park indicated that there are five dance teams using Wulin Square. The largest team is composed of nearly 200 members, while the others have around 20 to 30.
During these dancing sessions, noise levels can reach approximately 95 decibels. This loud noise has not only disrupted the living and learning environment of nearby residents, but has also negatively impacted the operations of the nearby Peking University Shenzhen Hospital.
To address the noise complaints, the office sought a technological solution. Directional speakers were identified as a solution, and five sets were installed in Wulin Square.
Unlike traditional speakers that diffuse sound in all directions, these speakers are designed to project sound in a narrow beam, allowing individuals to hear the music only when the speaker is aimed directly at them. According to the office, the speakers are user-friendly and support plug-and-play functionality with USB flash drives.
The five sets of speakers have been strategically placed in five different dancing zones, ensuring that the music of each team does not interfere with other teams. This solution allows dancers to maintain their communal fitness atmosphere without disturbing the peace of local residents.