The China high-speed railway’s ban on eating instant noodles has sparked widespread controversy among netizens, trending on July 21. Those in favor and against the ban are at odds, triggering a deeper discussion.
Some Chinese netizens recently shared on social media the regulations banning the consumption of durians and instant noodles, considered pungent foods, on high-speed trains. The official website of China Railway 12306 also states, “The passenger train compartments are enclosed spaces. In order to create a good travel environment and ensure fresh air, please do not consume durians, instant noodles, and other strongly scented foods during the journey.”
On July 20, the 12306 customer service responded to the Beijing News, stating that odors in enclosed spaces can affect other passengers, especially those who are sensitive.
However, the Shanghai customer service of 12306 told The Paper, “We do not have any requirements or prohibitions on eating (instant noodles) on the train. If passengers want to eat, there are no additional restrictions.”
The news of the instant noodle ban on high-speed trains has sparked wide discussion among netizens, with both supporters and opponents voicing their opinions adamantly.
Supporters of the ban believe that the train compartment is a public space, and strong odors do affect others, so respect for fellow passengers is necessary. A netizen from Hangzhou, “No Sugar Milk Tea,” said, “The last time someone next to me ate braised beef noodles, the whole carriage was filled with the smell of seasonings, I almost threw up even wearing a mask!”
However, many netizens oppose the ban, arguing that passengers have the right to choose what they eat. The most talked-about issue among netizens is the value for money. Some netizens revealed that the cheapest boxed meal on the high-speed train costs 25 yuan, while instant noodles cost less than 10 yuan per pack, making it a more preferred choice for the working class and students. A student named Xiao Li said, “For a round trip of 6 hours, two packs of instant noodles can save me 40 yuan, enough for a hot pot meal!” Others pointed out the convenience of instant noodles, as they can be easily prepared with hot water. Some netizens criticized the limited variety and average taste of high-speed train meals, with one saying, “Because people eat noodles, the boxed meal that costs only a few tens of yuan becomes unsellable.”
The Beijing News pointed out that the essence of this controversy lies in the balance of public space rights: passengers have the right to choose what they eat, but it is also important to ensure the comfort of others. The “instant noodle dispute” on the high-speed train is not only about food choices but also about how public service can better meet the travel needs of passengers. Enhancing service intelligence and concepts is essential to balancing public environment and individual needs.
Some mainland experts suggest considering the practice of Japan’s Shinkansen, which has designated dining cars that allow passengers to consume flavorful foods in specific areas. They propose setting up “Instant Noodle Exclusive Cars” on high-speed trains. Additionally, they recommend lowering the prices of high-speed train meals to make them more affordable and appetizing.
A mainland self-media platform, “Fresh Perspective,” believes that the real breakthrough may not be in banning instant noodles but in fostering a public consciousness of “consideration for others.”
Sociology experts point out, “The etiquette standards in public spaces are transitioning from ‘not directly harming others’ to ‘not causing discomfort to others.'”