A spontaneous cycling movement that began with four female university students in Zhengzhou seeking late-night stuffed buns in Kaifeng has evolved into a nationwide phenomenon, drawing attention from Chinese authorities. What started as a simple food adventure in June has grown to attract over 200,000 participants, including students from across China and military veterans.
The movement gained significant momentum by early November, with students from Beijing, Tianjin, and other major cities organizing similar night rides in their regions. In Zhengzhou alone, the crowds became so large that shared bikes were completely booked, and many participants resorted to walking. Some participants were heard chanting patriotic slogans and calls for freedom, while veterans joined with their own rallying cries.
Chinese authorities implemented strict control measures in response to the growing movement. Universities across multiple provinces, including Henan, Shanxi, and Shaanxi, imposed campus lockdowns and prohibited students from participating. Roads were blocked, shared bike services were restricted, and educational departments issued urgent notices warning students about potential consequences to their futures if they participated.
Local educators and analysts suggest the movement reflects young Chinese people’s desire for public participation and self-expression. Some view it as an exploration of freedom of assembly, while authorities have labeled it a “political movement.” The scale of participation has reportedly exceeded that of the “White Paper Movement,” making it one of the largest spontaneous youth gatherings in recent Chinese history.
Despite the restrictions, many young people continue to express support for the movement on social media, viewing it as a symbol of youthful rebellion and self-expression in an increasingly controlled environment.
Source: Radio Free Asia, November 11, 2024
https://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/shehui/ql1-bike-ride-kaifeng-student-suppress-repress-11112024013053.html