Night Riders: The Viral Student Bike Journey to Kaifeng

Thousands of Chinese university students have sparked a viral trend in which they borrow shared bikes for an overnight ride to Kaifeng. Dubbed the "Night Riding Army," these young people bicycle more than 60 km to enjoy a simple breakfast of soup dumplings, amidst limited job prospects and financial pressure.

In a viral phenomenon sweeping through central China, thousands of university students have taken to borrowing shared bikes for an adventurous overnight ride to Kaifeng, a city known for its breakfast dumplings. The youthful trend, called the "Night Riding Army," has clogged highways and prompted calls for order from local authorities.

The bicycle pilgrimage, which started in June after being shared by four college students on social media, has seen a massive turnout. Participants, driven by an urge for economical travel, pedal the 60 km route beside the Yellow River, a symbolic journey of youthful freedom and resourcefulness in challenging financial times.

This movement, however, has not escaped scrutiny. Traffic restrictions were enforced over the weekend, and bike-sharing companies including Hellobike and DiDi Bike took measures to limit rides to designated zones. Authorities continue to monitor such spontaneous gatherings, urging young people to balance adventure with sensibility.

(With inputs from agencies.)