From Classroom to Crossroads: A Cycling Sensation Takes Kaifeng by Storm

Cyclists flood the streets of Zhengzhou and Kaifeng. Image: AsiaNews

Who would have known that what started as an adventurous 50-kilometre bicycle trek by four college girls would turn into a sensation in China? Through the night, they were joined by thousands of college students, who rode on mostly rented bicycles from Zhengzhou to Kaifeng. Their assignment? To savour guàn tāng bāo (灌汤包), a local variety of soup dumplings from Kaifeng.

This phenomenon literally became popular overnight, and attracted more and more young people to join in. As it grew in popularity, a contingent of young cyclists would make their way every week from Zhengzhou to Kaifeng, along Zhengkai Avenue. The students also found a sense of community and camaraderie. “Youth is priceless,”one freshman said. “It all seemed so wild, and we wanted to join in the craziness too!”

Such a phenomenon is made by possible by the convenience and ubiquity of public bikes all around China. Image: Xiaohongshu @名字就叫光华

This surprise was initially welcomed by the authorities in Kaifeng, who saw it as an opportune moment to promote their historical yet lesser-known city. Many of the city’s attractions provided free entry and souvenirs to students. This sought to elevate Kaifeng’s tourism scene.

However, too much of something isn’t always t a good thing. The initially positive sentiment towards the student cyclists quickly turned sour, due to concerns by Kaifeng residents about congestion and overcrowding. One commenter on Xiaohongshu said, “The traffic in Kaifeng was completely blocked, and the roads were jammed. We welcome everyone to Kaifeng, but we also have to lead our normal lives. I had to reach school at 6:50 but reached at 10 instead.”

Cyclist resting in the morning. Image: Xiaohongshu @名字就叫光华

Even though authorities did clamp down on the issue, this unexpected phenomenon shows the vitality and energy of China’s youth. Firstly, the speed and scale at which this trend spread shows how digitally connected the Chinese are to social media. Their social media may be different from international platforms, but no less viral and influential.

Second, as mentioned previously, a sense of community is important to Chinese people. Groups like the student cyclists sprung up also partially because of a genuine desire for connection, rooted in the collective mentality of Chinese people.

Third, China’s youth are an adventurous bunch. They want to get out there, off the trodden paths to explore new things and places. There is a market for this, even if they are only looking to do things on their own tight budget.