What began as a daughter's simple social media request to help her aging father slaughter pigs has blossomed into a nationwide celebration of rural traditions in Qingfu Village, Chongqing Municipality. The viral plea from resident Daidai attracted over 500,000 online engagements within two days, culminating in a 10-kilometer traffic jam as thousands journeyed to participate in the paozhutang ritual – a traditional pre-Spring Festival activity deeply rooted in China's agricultural heritage.
The unexpected gathering transformed into an impromptu folk festival, with visitors joining villagers in preserving pork, making blood tofu, and sharing communal meals. 'This isn't just about food preparation,' explained 68-year-old participant Zhang Wei. 'It's about keeping alive the warmth of collective labor and neighborly bonds that modern life often forgets.'
Cultural analysts note the event's timing during peak Spring Festival travel season reflects growing public interest in reconnecting with rural traditions. The Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism recently reported a 34% year-on-year increase in visits to traditional village preservation sites through 2025.
As smoke rises from Qingfu's cooking fires, the phenomenon demonstrates how digital platforms can unexpectedly bridge urban-rural divides while preserving intangible cultural heritage. With Spring Festival 2026 approaching, many participants say they'll incorporate revived traditional practices into their own New Year celebrations.
