Why thousands of Chinese students bicycled overnight for dumplings
By Carl Samson
Nighttime cycling for dumplings has become a viral sensation in central China, drawing thousands of university students who pedal from Zhengzhou to Kaifeng for a taste of the city’s famous “guantang bao” (a type of soup dumpling).
State media say the craze began on June 18 when four students embarked on an impromptu, five-hour ride to savor the dish. Since then, waves of young cyclists, inspired by slogans like “Youth is priceless,” have filled the roads at night, bringing energy and tourism to Kaifeng’s historic streets.
“It felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said participant Liang Yalin, who reveled in the exhilaration of the journey despite the fatigue.
However, the sheer scale of the movement — with up to 200,000 riders at its peak — has created significant traffic disruptions, prompting police to shut down major cycling lanes and bike rental firms to impose geographic restrictions. While they initially welcomed the trend, authorities now stress its strain on public resources and safety hazards, urging more organized and reflective participation.
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