China's Hottest Trend: Why 200,000 People Cycled Through the Night?

A unique craze is sweeping through China: hundreds of thousands of people are cycling between cities at night. As many as 200,000 people are riding their bikes between cities to enjoy the famous Chinese dumplings known as "tangbao," enduring long journeys to do so. According to the Chinese media outlet Asia News, this massive bicycle procession covers a distance of 80km, stretching from Zhengzhou to Kaifeng, attracting significant social attention.

Source: Asia News

A New Cultural Phenomenon Created by Bicycles

This unique phenomenon originated from a spontaneous trip initiated by a group of university students. The students, overcoming economic constraints, chose to cycle overnight. They began posting their journey on social media, and the videos and photos went viral, sparking a widespread craze. Many people are now joining this long journey to eat tangbao dumplings, and the enthusiasm has even caused traffic jams.

Thousands Embark on a 'Tangbao Journey' by Bicycle

Tangbao are famous Chinese dumplings, especially popular in areas like Shanghai. They are filled with juicy pork and broth inside a thin wrapper, known for their hot and rich flavor. The university students who embark on this nighttime cycling journey give it more meaning than just a trip. One student said, "We cheered each other on, sang songs, and shared our passion as we climbed the hills," adding that this journey symbolizes the fervor of youth.

Unexpected Traffic Congestion and New Restrictions

As the craze spread, the city of Kaifeng took action to alleviate the congestion caused by the massive bicycle processions. The bicycle processions, particularly at night, began to paralyze the city's main roads. On weekends, traffic authorities began restricting the movement of bicycles and non-motorized vehicles to maintain order. Universities in the Zhengzhou area implemented countermeasures, including restricting student outings during certain hours to prevent students from leaving their dormitories and traveling to Kaifeng.

Kaifeng's Hospitality and Subsequent Shortcomings

Initially, Kaifeng welcomed this spontaneous movement, opening many parks and tourist attractions free of charge. However, as the situation became more serious than anticipated, the city struggled to cope with the influx of people. Shortages of restaurants and accommodations led to inconvenience, and some students even abandoned their bicycles and continued their journey on foot. This phenomenon, while offering a positive opportunity for the city's tourism industry, also highlighted the problem of insufficient infrastructure.

A Symbolic Image of Passionate Youth

The journey to taste tangbao, undertaken by tens of thousands of students who spend the night traveling long distances, has become more than just a meal; it symbolizes the passion, curiosity, and adventurous spirit of youth. The Xi Jinping administration views these young people positively, and they are expected to shape a unique youth culture across China. This spontaneous and passionate culture is also likely to spread to other cities in China.

This entire situation is being recorded as an example demonstrating the vibrant energy and positive strength of China's future youth, and its influence is expected to expand in various ways in the future.

Kaifeng City (開封市)is a city located in Henan Province (河南省), China, situated near the Yellow River (黃河). Kaifeng is a city with a long history and culture, especially known as the capital of the Song Dynastyunder the name Bianjing (汴京). This city is considered one of the representative places of China's central plains culture along with its long history.

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Characteristics and History of Kaifeng City

1. Historical Significance

Kaifeng served as the capital of various dynasties since the Warring States period and particularly flourished during the Song Dynasty. At that time, Kaifeng was a center of politics, economics, and culture, and was even considered one of the largest cities in the world.

2. Historical Sites and Tourist Attractions

• Longting (龍亭) Park: A historical site where parts of the Song Dynasty imperial palace remain, forming a central landmark of the city.
• Iron Pagoda (鐵塔): A pagoda built during the Northern Song Dynasty, famous for its elegant design and well-preserved condition.
• Qingming Shanghe Garden (清明上河園): A theme park recreating the prosperity of the Song Dynasty, offering a glimpse into the daily life and culture of that era.

3. Cultural Heritage

Kaifeng is a city where multi-ethnic cultures have blended, and it is also known as a place where a Jewish community resided. It also maintains its reputation as a center for traditional Chinese painting and crafts.

4. Modern Kaifeng

Today, Kaifeng is a city with a thriving tourism industry based on its historical heritage, attracting numerous tourists every year. At the same time, it is undergoing modernization and plays a significant economic role as a major city in Henan Province.

Kaifeng City is a fascinating city where history and culture blend, making it a highly recommended destination for those traveling through China's central plains or seeking to understand its history.