Ask Onix
Viral appeal draws thousands to Sichuan village
A young woman's social media call for assistance with a traditional pig slaughter ahead of Chinese New Year triggered an unexpected surge of visitors to her rural village, creating traffic jams and a spontaneous celebration.
How a simple request spiraled into a phenomenon
Daidai, a woman in her 20s from Qingfu village in Chongqing, posted on Douyin last week seeking help to slaughter two pigs for a community feast. Concerned her aging father would struggle with the task, she asked for volunteers, promising a pork banquet in return.
Her post, framed as a way to spare her father's pride, quickly gained traction, amassing over a million likes. Within days, thousands of cars descended on the village, far exceeding the number of helpers needed.
Traffic chaos and unexpected generosity
Drone footage captured long queues of vehicles stretching along rural roads, with some visitors opting to walk to bypass the gridlock. Daidai urged caution, noting that city drivers might be unfamiliar with countryside conditions.
Local tourism officials, recognizing the influx as an opportunity, donated additional pigs to feed the crowds. Small restaurants set up outdoor seating to accommodate the visitors, while the event was livestreamed to over 100,000 viewers, racking up 20 million likes.
A celebration of community and tradition
The banquet, initially planned for a modest group, expanded into a two-day festival with 1,000 diners on the first day and 2,000 on the second. Bonfires, live music, and feasting continued late into the night.
"The atmosphere reminded me of my childhood, when my family still raised pigs. It's been years since I felt something like this."
A visitor who drove over 100 kilometers to attend
Daidai expressed disbelief at the scale of the response. "I thought maybe a dozen people would come," she told Chinese media. "But there were too many to count."
Cultural longing and the power of social media
Analysts suggest the overwhelming response reflects a broader desire among Chinese people to reconnect with communal traditions, particularly during a time when many feel disconnected from their cultural roots.
The event also highlighted how quickly a small, personal request can snowball into a national phenomenon in the digital age. Daidai had to alert police to manage the crowds, and extra officers were deployed to maintain order.
Aftermath and future prospects
Exhausted after two days of hosting, Daidai announced the end of the celebration, urging latecomers to explore the region instead. She thanked the strangers who made the event possible, calling the experience "warm, healing, and meaningful."
Her father, initially the focus of her concern, was reportedly overjoyed by the turnout. "We've never experienced anything like this," she said, noting that he had to borrow tables and chairs from neighbors to accommodate the guests.
Local officials are now considering turning the event into a recurring festival, capitalizing on the enthusiasm for grassroots cultural gatherings. One villager told the People's Daily, "Here, neighbors help each other. Today I might help you slaughter a pig; tomorrow, you'll come to my place."
