Sleeping is the new rock music for China’s youth

Weekly Skinny

12 Apr

With the arrival of warmer weather, flowers and blooming trees have begun their annual return, seeing many Chinese making outings. Spring time often sees parks hosting rock concerts, however the interpretation that some people have of the park has changed this year. Instead of listening to music, picnicking or frolicking on the lawn, some Chinese choose to see the park as a "giant bed." They invite friends and leisurely take a nap on the lawn or even on benches in the park.

Chinese sleeping in the park — *Many young people are starting to arrange meet-ups with friends to enjoy naptime on the park's lawn. Images are from @苹果加橙 @白日烟火 @炸根薯条吃吧 on RED*

AIRPARK in Shanghai and Xuanwu Lover’s Garden in Nanjing have capitalised on the trend, initiating activities called “"Sleeping with Strangers" and the "Park relaxation plan," aimed at tending to urban youth who often suffer from overwork and sleep deprivation. What's more thoughtful is that Xuanwu Garden's event site provides half an hour of music meditation, while AIRPARK offers 50 custom-made mattresses for participants to better relax their emotions.

sleeping with strangers in shanghai — *"Sleeping With Strangers" at AIRPARK in Shanghai. Images from @恩妤 on RED*

park relaxation plan nanjing — *the "Park Relaxation Plan" at Xuanwu Lover's Garden in Nanjing. Images from @iamrubyyyy on RED*

Hilton Group, known for providing a good place to sleep, has also tapped into the behaviour, hosting a sleep concert at the New Bund BOCOM Performing Arts Center in Shanghai on World Sleep Day (March 21). The event provided nearly a thousand mattresses, and each participant received a complimentary eye mask and aromatherapy. As the lights dimmed, musicians played a set of music specially developed for aiding sleep, reportedly providing each participant with a unique sleep experience.