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Wednesday, November 4, 2026Nov 4

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Getting in rhythm: Over 31,000 in China set dance record

In this Saturday, May 21, 2016 photo, women wearing raincoats dance in unison on the Bund in Shanghai. According to the Guinness World Records website, 31,697 participants in Beijing, Shanghai and four other cities set a new world record on Saturday for mass plaza dancing in multiple locations by performing choreographed dance moves together for more than five minutes. (Chinatopix via AP) CHINA OUT
In this Saturday, May 21, 2016 photo, women wearing raincoats dance in unison on the Bund in Shanghai. According to the Guinness World Records website, 31,697 participants in Beijing, Shanghai and four other cities set a new world record on Saturday for mass plaza dancing in multiple locations by performing choreographed dance moves together for more than five minutes. (Chinatopix via AP) CHINA OUT In this Saturday, May 21, 2016 photo, women wearing raincoats dance in unison on the Bund in Shanghai. According to the Guinness World Records website, 31,697 participants in Beijing, Shanghai and four other cities set a new world record on Saturday for mass plaza dancing in multiple locations by performing choreographed dance moves together for more than five minutes. (Chinatopix via AP) CHINA OUT

BEIJING (AP) – China’s dancing grannies have taken their moves to the record books.

Guinness World Records says more than 31,000 Chinese participants have set a record for mass plaza dancing in multiple locations.

It says on its website that 31,697 participants in Beijing, Shanghai and four other cities set the new mark on Saturday by performing choreographed dance moves together for more than five minutes.

Participants in Beijing posed with Guinness representatives in front of the city’s iconic Bird’s Nest stadium.

Generally middle-aged and elderly women, such dancers are a common site in parks, plazas and other public spaces in Chinese cities. While considered a healthy way to exercise and socialize, the performances have sometimes drawn criticism from those living nearby over the loud music accompanying the moves.