A social media craze that began as a quest for breakfast dumplings has spiralled into a massive cycling event, bringing traffic chaos between two cities in central China.
The Journey Begins
In June, four university students cycled 50km from Zhengzhou to Kaifeng to try guantangbao, a local specialty soup dumpling. Their spontaneous adventure sparked a viral trend, “Night Ride to Kaifeng,” as thousands of young people followed suit.
Gridlock and Concerns
Last Friday, tens of thousands of cyclists rented bikes and rode through the night, overwhelming a six-lane expressway between Zhengzhou and Kaifeng. Police intervened, using loudspeakers to urge cyclists to leave, while bike rental firms threatened to remotely lock bikes taken out of Zhengzhou.
Economic and Social Implications
The event highlights China’s economic woes and scarce job prospects, driving young people to seek affordable travel experiences. State media initially praised the trend as a display of youthful “passion,” but local authorities now face logistical challenges.
Eyewitness Accounts
“It was like going back to my college days,” 27-year-old Ms Li told the BBC. “Everyone was beaming with energy, interacting with people around them.” She joined the ride on Friday night, noting heavy police presence, ambulances, and drones monitoring traffic.
Government Response
Kaifeng officials initially offered discounts and events targeting college students, but the unexpected gridlock has raised concerns. The trend mirrors last year’s influx of visitors to Zibo, which drew millions for its barbecues.
China’s Youth Seek Escape
The “Night Ride to Kaifeng” phenomenon reflects China’s young people’s desire for spontaneity and escape from an overly competitive job market. As one of the original four students said, “You don’t get a second chance at youth, so you must go for a spontaneous trip with friends.”
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