China cracks down on viral ‘dumpling quest’ as thousands of cyclists cause chaos on roads.
At a Glance
- Thousands of cyclists block roads in China for late-night dumpling rides
- Trend started with university students, quickly grew to tens of thousands
- Authorities initially welcomed tourism boost, later imposed restrictions
- Police close roads, bike-sharing companies implement geographic limits
- Incident reflects broader social media-driven travel trends among Chinese youth
China’s ‘Night Riding Great Army’ Causes Traffic Chaos
Chinese authorities have been forced to crack down on a viral internet trend involving cyclists traveling from Zhengzhou to Kaifeng for…dumplings. What started as a simple social media post by university students quickly snowballed into a massive movement, with tens of thousands of participants taking to the roads in search of late-night culinary delights.
The phenomenon, dubbed the “Night Riding Great Army,” saw thousands of cyclists flooding multi-lane motorways, causing unprecedented traffic gridlock. The sheer scale of the event caught authorities off guard, initially welcoming the trend as a potential boost to local tourism. However, as the situation escalated, officials were forced to reconsider their stance due to mounting safety concerns and strain on public resources.
In China, a trend of night bike rides led by university students cycling from Zhengzhou to Kaifeng gained popularity, with over 17,000 students participating. Initially inspired by students seeking Kaifeng’s famous soup dumplings.
However, issues emerged, including traffic… pic.twitter.com/BTvurkGLyB
— Volcaholic 🌋 (@volcaholic1) November 10, 2024
Government Response and Public Safety Measures
In response to the growing chaos, provincial police announced road closures to non-motorized vehicles during specific times. This decisive action was aimed at managing the situation and preventing further disruptions to traffic flow. Additionally, shared bike companies imposed geographic restrictions, with bikes automatically locking in prohibited areas to prevent riders from contributing to the congestion.
“(You) have demonstrated the willful whimsy of youth, but… more and more people are starting to worry about the hidden dangers,” Kaifeng city government said.
The Kaifeng city government’s statement reflects the growing concern over the safety implications of this trend. While acknowledging the youthful spirit behind the movement, authorities are prioritizing public safety and orderly conduct on the roads.
Sky News: Thousands of students block China highway while cycling for dumplings https://t.co/kpMDizhkR8 https://t.co/uRRltWd8p1
— Species_X (@species_x) November 11, 2024
This dumpling quest phenomenon is not occurring in isolation. It’s part of a broader trend among Chinese youth, driven by social media platforms like Douyin (the Chinese version of TikTok). These viral challenges and spontaneous gatherings reflect a desire for adventure and a break from the intense work culture that many young Chinese face.
