Zhengzhou, China – What began as a simple night-time cycling adventure for four Chinese university students in search of dumplings has evolved into a massive trend involving thousands of participants. On Friday, the streets of Henan Province were flooded with reports of up to 100,000 cyclists, overwhelming the small city of Kaifeng and prompting the intervention of authorities.
The initial group of students, predominantly utilizing public share bikes, embarked on a journey from their campuses in Zhengzhou to Kaifeng, traversing approximately 50km of road. The experience was described as a collective effort, with participants singing and supporting each other during the challenging uphill sections of the ride. “I could feel the passion of the young people. And it was much more than a bike ride,” shared Liu Lulu, a student at Henan University.
However, the influx of cyclists quickly pushed Kaifeng to its limits, with accommodations, eateries, and public spaces reaching full capacity. Videos circulated online depict the overwhelming presence of thousands of cyclists on the roads, leading authorities to urge participants to leave either by bike or on free buses. To prevent a recurrence of the chaotic event, temporary restrictions on roads and cycle paths were implemented for the weekend, alongside warnings from bike share apps regarding the remote locking of bikes taken outside designated zones in Zhengzhou.
The cycle to Kaifeng originated in June when the initial group of students decided to seek out the city’s renowned oversized soup dumplings, sparking a social media trend with the hashtag “youth is priceless, night ride to Kaifeng has it.” While the wholesome activity was initially embraced by authorities and media, the surge in participants surpassed all expectations. Despite efforts to promote domestic tourism and offer incentives, the sudden increase in cyclists led to complaints from local residents about overcrowding, littering, and disturbances caused by the event.
The night cycling trend, which has begun to gain popularity in various Chinese cities, has posed challenges in terms of infrastructure and support for the overwhelming number of participants. As debates ensue regarding the responsibilities of universities, authorities, and the media in managing and promoting such activities, the enthusiasm of the students remains undeterred. Some have even continued their journey on foot, determined to experience the youthful energy and excitement of the night ride to Kaifeng, despite facing obstacles such as bike bans and restrictions.
While the night cycling trend has sparked both admiration and criticism among the public, it serves as a testament to the adventurous spirit and camaraderie of the younger generation in China. As the cycling phenomenon grows and evolves, it raises important questions about the balance between encouraging youth engagement and ensuring the sustainability and safety of such large-scale events. The future of the night ride to Kaifeng remains uncertain, but its impact on the cultural and social landscape is undeniable.