A mainland fitness craze known for its loud, large-scale public marches has recently made its way to Hong Kong — with Victoria Harbour serving as its latest stage.
Dubbed “explosive walking groups,” the trend is largely composed of middle-aged and elderly participants — particularly women — and has frequently made headlines across the mainland for its disruptive use of public spaces.
Several videos circulating since Monday show a large group dressed in matching blue uniforms, white caps, and orange waist bags walking in coordinated formations and performing stretches near the West Kowloon Cultural District.
Accompanied by blaring music, their synchronized movements quickly drew the attention — and irritation — of nearby passersby.
The footage soon went viral, with many mainland internet users expressing embarrassment over the noisy display.
“They take over every public space they go, and now they’ve come to Hong Kong,” one commenter wrote.
Others even urged Hong Kong residents to report the gatherings to the police as noise disturbances.
Due to their large numbers and frequent disregard for traffic rules, such walking groups have faced mounting criticism in recent years across China — often labeled the latest public nuisance following the square dancing aunties phenomenon.
While the activity is ostensibly meant to promote fitness and community bonding, critics argue it often causes serious public disruption. In one widely reported incident in Liaoning in July, a walking group blocked a fire truck responding to an emergency call.
