It's the soup dumplings that make 200,000 students jostle to cycle 50km at night

Just because of this familiar dish, about 200,000 cyclists caused congestion on the main road between the two cities, forcing the police to issue a ban.

University students from Zhengzhou cycle to Kaifeng, 30 miles away, on the night of November 9 in Henan province, China - Photo: CNN

According to Asia News , Chinese police have recently implemented restrictive measures to control the trend of long-distance cycling.

Among them, thousands of people, mostly university students, cycled more than 80km from Zhengzhou city to Kaifeng just to enjoy the famous soup dumplings, also known as Chinese dumplings, xiǎo long bao, or tang bao (汤包).

This steamed dumpling has a paper-thin skin that encloses a filling of marinated pork and a hot, rich soup. This delicious dish is the most famous dish of the Jiangnan region of China.

Chinese dumplings, xiǎo lǎo bāo, tāng bāo (汤包), or “soup dumplings” (as it is interestingly translated on some menus) - Photo: The works of life

200,000 cyclists cause traffic jams

The trend began in early November when a group of students began cycling at night on a route connecting the capital Henan to the city of Kaifeng, famous for its soup dumplings.

This trip usually takes about five hours. For students who don't have much money, this is a way to travel on a budget.

"People sang loudly and cheered each other as they climbed the slopes. I felt the enthusiasm of youth. This was not just a simple cycling trip," Liu Lulu, a student at Henan University, told China Daily .

Thousands of Chinese students join night bike ride in search of soup dumplings - Video : The Guardian

However, the trend quickly attracted a large number of people to participate after students shared their journey on social media, prompting the Kaifeng government to open parks and attractions for free.

“When they come to Kaifeng, many students also take the opportunity to explore cultural and historical sites, bringing a vibrant atmosphere and new energy to the ancient city,” commented the People's Daily , the official state media.

These youthful adventures demonstrate enthusiasm, curiosity, determination and passion for discovery, creating new nuances for the tourism industry."

University students from Zhengzhou cycle to Kaifeng, 50km away - Photo: The Guardian

On the evening of November 8, an estimated 200,000 cyclists caused congestion on the main road between the two cities.

Kaifeng city is quickly reaching its capacity limit, with accommodation, restaurants and public spaces all overloaded.

Videos circulating online showed tens of thousands of cyclists flooding the six-lane Zhengkai Avenue and much smaller streets in Kaifeng, while police used loudspeakers to order students to leave, offering free bicycles or buses.

Willing to give up the bike and walk long distances to eat soup dumplings

Initially, local authorities welcomed the activity, but due to traffic disruptions and safety concerns due to the large number of participants, restrictions were imposed, starting with universities.

Large number of bicycles causes traffic congestion in China - Photo: Asia News

Police ordered the closure of universities in Zhengzhou and required students to stay on campus over the weekend, requiring them to apply for a permit if they want to leave.

Non-motorized vehicles will be banned from this route from 4pm to midday to minimise chaos.

Kaifeng authorities warned of safety risks, saying cyclists could get into accidents or interfere with emergency medical services.

The public bike service also announced that bikes will automatically lock if used outside city limits.

Still, some students were determined to leave their dormitories and try the journey to Kaifeng again, despite the bicycle ban, this time making the journey on foot.

“I followed my boyfriend on the night bus to Kaifeng, but now the traffic police don't allow cycling there anymore.

There were a lot of bicycles abandoned on the side of the road, so students started walking. It's great to be young, this is youth" - one student shared on social media.

In recent years, these types of trips have become increasingly popular in China. Young people strive to see as many places as possible in the shortest amount of time and spend as little as possible.

Online comments suggest the authorities are concerned about the economic crisis and social tensions that could arise from large gatherings of young people - many of whom are increasingly unemployed - turning into protests.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/la-banh-bao-sup-ma-khien-200-000-sinh-vien-chen-chuc-dap-xe-50km-vao-ban-dem-20241112083722229.htm