Beijing, China – What began as an innocent gastronomic adventure has exploded, quite literally, onto the streets of China. University students have sparked a cycling craze, one driven by their quest for delicious soup dumplings, leading to chaotic scenes on highways and streets.
The trend was ignited just weeks ago when four students from Zhengzhou University decided to take on the challenge of cycling 50 kilometers (approximately 31 miles) to Kaifeng, renowned for its oversized soup dumplings, known locally as guan tang bao. What was meant to be a simple evening ride transformed overnight thanks to social media posts, leading to what is now dubbed the "Night Riding Army." Their posts, reflecting both adventure and youthful passion, quickly gained traction and inspired many more to join.
Just last Friday, the riding party ballooned to nearly 100,000 students, causing significant traffic disruptions as they packed the six-lane Zhengkai Avenue, the main expressway linking Zhengzhou and Kaifeng. "People sang together and cheered for each other," reported Liu Lulu, a student who rode along. "I could feel the passion of the young people. And it was much more than just a bike ride!" Yet, the jubilant atmosphere took on another vibe as the influx of cyclists became overwhelming for the smaller city.
Initial reactions from authorities seemed to embrace this youthful enthusiasm. Kaifeng, aiming to attract more domestic tourists, offered free entry to local attractions as part of their welcoming campaign. Early reports lauded the rising tide of young travelers; state media even heralded it as revitalization for the ancient city. But reality soon set in – local accommodations, restaurants, and public spaces became overwhelmed with the sheer number of visitors, pushing local resources to their limit.
Just as it seemed the event would boost the local tourism sector, it also raised safety concerns. The sheer volume of cyclists led to chaos on the highway, prompting quick action from law enforcement and city officials. The provincial police announced restrictions for non-motorized vehicles on specific roadways during the weekends. They warned of road closures to prevent riders from cluttering key access points, especially as the roads became dangerous due to the mass gathering. Temporary measures were introduced, including remote locking of shared bikes if they strayed outside designated areas.
"You have demonstrated the wilful whimsy of youth," Kaifeng officials stated, noting, "more and more people are starting to worry about the hidden dangers". They emphasized safety and accessibility for emergency services amid concerns of potential injuries among the riders. Although biking is increasingly popular across major Chinese cities, the unprecedented scale of this event did not go unnoticed.
The enthusiasm from students was tempered by growing criticism from local residents. Complaints swelled among Kaifeng's citizens who felt the surge of visitors was excessive. Some took to social media platforms like Weibo expressing their frustration. One user lamented the outcome of what was initially seen as wholesome youth engagement: "At the beginning, it was hyped up, but by the end, it all ended in collapse and failure. Media should reflect on yourselves. At the start, you encouraged and praised this behaviour!" Many locals found themselves wading through bikes and litter left behind as the party-goers left the city.
Universities within Zhengzhou reacted sharply to the unforeseen consequences of the cycling craze. Some even issued bans on bike use and required students to obtain passes for leaving their campuses. The cycling escapade has become both the highlight and the cautionary tale of student life.
Initially, the event seemed harmless: bagging delicious dumplings for the late-night snack scene. Still, like many viral trends, what started as simple fun spiraled out of control. Riders took to the streets with excitement, and videos showing the vast tidal wave of bikes flooded social media platforms, echoing conversations about youth culture, tourism, and urban planning.
Authorities are now temporarily locking areas where shared bikes could proliferate, hoping to regain control over the chaos introduced by enthusiastic students on the hunt for food. What has unfolded is not only a cycling phenomenon but also raises questions about sustainable tourism practices within the cities. Kaifeng, upon becoming the apple of many students' eyes, must grapple with managing not just the excitement, but the impacts of unintended over-tourism.
Despite these growing pains, the cycling movement showcases the immense vitality and inventive spirit of today’s youth. Whether it’s about the dumplings or the ride, these students have undoubtedly made their mark, one bike at a time.
