100,000 Chinese Students Have Joined the Late-Night Bike Rides for Dumpling Soups in China

A new late-night craze is sweeping across China, and it’s not the latest app or dance challenge. Thousands of young cyclists are ditching their cozy beds for two wheels and a bowl of soup dumplings, biking from Zhengzhou to Kaifeng in a 37-mile pilgrimage for a warm bite in the middle of the night. Inspired by a love for both adventure and food, this ride has garnered attention nationwide—but not without some controversy.

What started as a casual ride for dumpling-loving locals has turned into a cultural phenomenon, with waves of cyclists flooding the roads for a taste of Kaifeng’s famed dumplings. Beyond just a snack, the ride is a chance for young Chinese to connect with their peers, stay active, and embrace the open road after dark. The simplicity of it—an extended bike ride ending in a steaming bowl of dumplings—has proven to be irresistibly magnetic.

The dumpling ride might sound like a harmless foodie journey, but it’s causing headaches for some. As hundreds of bikes crowd the roadways, delays, and roadblocks have become an unintended side effect, frustrating drivers and raising safety concerns. Officials in Henan have attempted to curb the rides, citing overcrowding and blocking of main highways. Nonetheless, the riders’ enthusiasm persists, with organizers and cyclists finding ways to continue the late-night quest.

Social media has been a key player in turning this ride into a sensation. Riders document their journey online, creating viral posts that showcase the thrill of biking for dumplings and the camaraderie among cyclists. These images have caught the public's eye, inspiring many others to join the ride. In a country where food is a cherished part of the culture, it’s no surprise that a communal meal could spark such widespread enthusiasm.

With officials cracking down on the dumpling ride, many wonder if it’s a fad or a tradition in the making. While the popularity of the ride shows no signs of waning, increased regulations may limit the number of participants or even stop the event entirely. But for now, the cyclists’ determination to reach their destination—and their bowl of dumplings—remains a testament to the power of food and shared experience.