BEIJING, July 29 -- Recently a netizen nicknamed Lin Huang Ming Jiang posted his experience about being fined for singing songs in the subway tunnel in a famous BBS. It resulted in hundreds of comments from other netizens, leading to a heated discussion on street culture in Shanghai.

Lin Huang Ming Jiang is also called Ganlin, a 24-years-old vagrant singer in Shanghai. He was fined once before, but didn't give up singing. He recalled his experience.

"It was on a hot July night. I was indulging in my music. Some passersby dropped one or two yuan. Ten minutes went by and a policeman and a security guy came to me, saying I was not allowed to sing here. According to the related regulation, I should be fined five yuan, even though I just earned three yuan. But I won't give up so easily. By singing in the subway, it's a way to express my dream."

The click to Ganlin's post reached thousands and millions quickly. Many admire Ganlin for realizing their dreams in music and some say they will support him if they see Ganlin on the subway again and hope to see more various forms of street culture in Shanghai.

A netizen called Dielucker says, "It's brave to sing out. The speed of life is too fast now. Being touched is just a moment of feeling. In fact, everywhere is the stage of singers."

Some who love music express they are willing to join the vagrant singers.

Another poster called "Why should I wait" says he would like to join Gan to sing for free--not for money, but to express his love for music.

Gan is from Yunnan. He moved to Beijing when he was 17 years old with only 21 yuan on him. Even though he has been stopped many times for singing in the subway or in other public places, he says he won't give up and will organize a band.

Street performers need to consider public interest.

The Shanghai subway company says according to the related regulation on security, it is forbidden to sing and beg in the subway.

The police also say singing in the subway is forbidden for security reasons. People gathering in front of singers make it inconvenient to pass through the subway, especially at rush hour. Street culture needs respect, but it is important to consider where the stage is, if it affects other people's interests or not.

(Source: CRIENGLISH.com)