03/11/2025
One aspect of Chinese culture that never stops fascinating me is the sense of community – the way people naturally come together in shared activities.
Here in Chengdu, it’s especially striking how much people love to dance – anywhere and everywhere.
In front of shopping malls, in parks, on public squares – people dance in groups, in pairs, or even alone if no one else is around.
What I love most is that you can simply join in.
No one looks at you strangely – on the contrary, there’s a shared joy in moving together and feeling the same vibe.
For me, this is one kind of the expression of the Daoist concept Xiaoyao – carefree ease. Even if it’s just for a moment, it makes you forget your worries and fills you with positive energy that lingers long after.
This way of living stands in strong contrast to what I know from Germany. There, especially older people tend to live more privately – it’s rare to see them outside, being physically active or social in groups.
Yet community activities like this can make such a difference – they help prevent loneliness, ease depression, and bring people closer together.
Here, life happens out on the streets. Young and old move, dance, laugh, and share space and energy.
That’s what real community looks like – and it’s exactly what makes this place so special.
