Recently, a netizen from Baoding City, Hebei Province, posted a video saying that except for pharmacies and hair salons, all other stores collectively closed down due to inspections by the Market Supervision Administration.
The viral video shows empty commercial streets in Baoding, with convenience stores, restaurants, and even vegetable markets all closed. Some shop owners mentioned, “Business was already difficult, and now all shut. Let’s take a break, it’s been too tough these days.”
On December 25th, a local information blogger known as “Baoding Urban Life” and a popular Weibo user “Baoding Conversations” shared a message saying, “Starting yesterday, many shops in Baoding have closed, even more so today. Closed shops include convenience stores, hardware stores, restaurants, hair salons, and even foot massage parlors and phone accessory shops. What’s more extreme is that some large vegetable markets have also shut down, causing issues for people to buy groceries.”
Regarding the reason for the closures, opinions are varied, with some attributing it to inspections by higher authorities. Regardless of the cause, the abnormal closure of so many shops raises suspicion about the business environment in Baoding.
A netizen with the IP address in Hebei commented, “Many merchants in Baoding closed due to inspections. Both city and county areas have many closures, regardless of compliance. You ask why? It’s about who has the final say on compliance.”
Video blogger and Weibo influencer “Bringing Literacy” said, “Not sure if the rumors are true. The relevant departments in Baoding need to speak up in time to prevent panic. If it’s indeed a sudden inspection, we need to see if it’s about violations or just for fines. If the department is short on funds at the year-end, trying to solve it temporarily through fines is essentially killing the goose for its eggs. The logic is simple, if shops are fined and afraid to open, what about tax revenues in the future?”
Financial blogger “70,000 Hours, 17-Year Trader 2” suggested, “Support Baoding merchants, don’t let the situation worsen where more fines mean more gains lost.”
Netizens commented, “Hebei is in the dark under the lamp, it’s not looking good.” “With this kind of fine, even compliant businesses won’t dare to open. Running a physical store has become increasingly difficult, paying rent for a year, and risking fines for multiple years would rather keep the shop closed.” “Running out of money?” “Year-end, government employees about to receive their annual bonuses.” “End of the year, tasks not yet completed.”
On February 26th, a reporter from “Qilu Evening News” contacted the Market Supervision Administration of Lianchi District, Baoding City. They confirmed the inspections but denied any mandatory closure orders. Subsequently, the reporter reached out to the News Department of the Baoding City Committee, and the staff mentioned, “Wait for the official notification,” before hanging up the call.