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The women, usually retirees, meet at dusk and dawn in public squares, plazas or parks and perform synchronized dance routines to deafeningly-loud music -- often with costumes or props.
Public dancing has exploded in popularity in China as these women -- and a few men -- look for low-cost ways to stay fit and socialize.
"Our main purpose is to get some exercise," said Ma Lijun, 56, a square dancer. Since 2012, she has shown up religiously at 8 p.m. in the square in front of Beijing's Raffles shopping mall.
She said she has tried walking and running alone in the past, but that can't compare to the the happiness of being in a group.
"It's like a big family here. I feel free," she said.
Backlash
The dancing grannies have also faced a backlash at home.
Restrictions
The new citywide regulation reads: "People must organize fitness activities without disturbing public order."
Zhang Jinsu, choreographer of the group that performs outside the Raffles mall, said the troupe has loyal fans and makes passersby happy. She's confident they won't fall foul of the new regulation.
"If we can't dance here due to pollution or bad weather, we feel uneasy just staying inside," she said.
Other dancers agreed that they look forward to the routine every day. For them, it's one of the rare moments where they can enjoy themselves.
The bigger problem, Zhang said, is a lack of public amenities for the elderly.
"We hope the government can provide us healthier public spaces," Zhang said.