The quest for breakfast dumplings turned chaotic in central China, as thousands of cyclists descended upon the ancient city of Kaifeng, causing significant traffic disruptions. What began as a fun social media challenge quickly spiraled into gridlock, with tens of thousands of riders on rented bikes cycling from the nearby city of Zhengzhou.
The night ride, dubbed "Night Ride to Kaifeng," was initially started by four university students who cycled 50 kilometers (30 miles) to taste guantangbao, a type of soup dumpling. Their adventure ignited a wave of enthusiasm among young people stricken by economic woes and job scarcity, leading to a flood of participants on rented bicycles.
On Friday night, as cyclists filled a major expressway linking the cities, local authorities urged them via loudspeakers to disperse. Bike rental firms even threatened to remotely lock bikes taken out of Zhengzhou due to safety concerns. One participant claimed, “You don’t get a second chance at youth, so a spontaneous trip with friends is essential.”
What was intended as a vibrant celebration of youth and a boost for Kaifeng's economy quickly turned sour. While initial media coverage hailed the ride as a symbol of youthful passion, the reality on the ground was far from joyful. Cyclists faced long delays on their journey, with reports indicating it took up to three hours for some to traverse roads that usually took just one hour. Some riders found themselves forced to abandon their bikes and push through the crowd.
The number of cyclists swelled drastically, with estimates suggesting between 100,000 to 200,000 people took part. Many experienced regrets upon reaching Kaifeng, unable to secure taxis or hotel rooms due to the overwhelming demand. A frustrated student lamented on social media, “I really regret going,” reflecting on her lack of accommodations after a grueling seven-hour ride. Criticism arose regarding littering and encumbering local residents, with some locals expressing their resentment towards the influx of university students.
In response to the disturbances, several major bike platforms issued pleas for riders to consider alternative transport for long distances. By the weekend, police in both Zhengzhou and Kaifeng began halting access to essential bike lanes and encouraging students to return to their campuses. Authorities are wary of large gatherings, fearing potential unrest, as seen in previous crackdowns on public celebrations.
Despite the disruptions, some participants like Ms. Li maintain that such spontaneous gatherings illustrate the resilience and joyful spirit of youth amid pervasive stress. As concern grows over the growing restlessness and discontent within China's younger generations, such events continue to resonate as outlets of joy and rebellion.
