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China ‘left-behind aunties’, known as senior girl group, gain popularity for charm, dance skills

A troupe of left-behind rural women in central China has gained online fame through group live streams orchestrated by local Gen Z managers.
In Junying village…

By Samantha Johnson / March 30, 2026

A troupe of left-behind rural women in central China has gained online fame through group live streams orchestrated by local Gen Z managers.

In Junying village in Henan province, more than 20 women with an average age of 60 wear sunglasses and gloves, colourful jackets and dance with props in a disused courtyard.

But this is no ordinary square dancing.

Pink confetti-like pieces fill the air as the aunties perform. Photo: mp.weixin.qq.com
Pink confetti-like pieces fill the air as the aunties perform. Photo: mp.weixin.qq.com

In group live-streams, the aunties take on the viral dance routines favoured by younger internet users, while viewers send virtual gifts and vote on the song choice or who takes centre stage.

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Off camera, their young managers keep up a rapid-fire commentary, thanking fans by username and driving the energy of the room.

At peak times, a single session can draw over 10,000 concurrent viewers.

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For the aunties, however, the performances mean more than online attention.

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