Shanghai martyr cemetry to ban recreational activities

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Shanghai authorities have tightened regulations on holding recreational activities in a martyr cemetery, following complaints calling the activities “disrespectful” and “disturbing.”

The issue sparked public outcry online when netizens discovered that people were square dancing in the Longhua Martyrs Cemetery, with some saying it was inappropriate to the soul of the “Longhua 24 Martyrs” from the Communist Party of China. The martyrs were executed by the Kuomintang party in 1931.

As the largest of its kind in Shanghai, the cemetery is a key cultural relic site under state protection in China.

Some residents have claimed that people engage in recreational activities there every morning before being ejected.

A screenshot shows people dancing at the cemetery, which sparked controversy. /Shine.cn Photo

In response, authorities from the Shanghai Civil Affairs Bureau and relevant departments laid out a strategy to “regain the solemnness and dignity of the cemetery.”

Under the preliminary guideline, excessively recreational activities are banned at all times, while activities unrelated to honoring the spirits of the heroes are banned in memorial areas.

There are usually two groups dancing in the area, one of which has over 200 members, according to Li Jun, a member of the cemetery's management.

The number of square dancers has reportedly decreased since municipal authorities issued the guideline. However, some disagree with the new policy.

“We brought prosperity to the dull place,” a square dancer told the Shanghai-based Kankannews.com. “They should be thankful.”

Longhua Martyrs Cemetery is one of the key cultural relic sites under the state protection. /CNR Photo‍

Square dancing is common in China, where large groups of middle-aged or retired people get together to dance in squares, plazas, or parks. It has been estimated that there are 100 million practitioners across the country, according to state broadcaster CCTV.