On September 20th, a netizen posted a video claiming that they were stopped by staff at the Daocheng Yading Scenic Area in Garze, Sichuan, when they were about to eat their own cup noodles. However, the scenic area was selling instant noodles soaked in hot water for 22 yuan per bowl, sparking attention online.
In the video, the netizen asked the staff at the scenic area, “Why can’t I eat cup noodles?” The staff responded, “The noodle soup could pollute the environment. The scenic area explicitly prohibits the consumption of instant noodles.”
At the end of the video, the netizen mentioned witnessing staff pouring the noodle soup onto the grass while cleaning, which was perplexing.
On the same day in the afternoon, when “Rushing News” journalists contacted the Daocheng Yading Scenic Area for verification, the staff stated that Daocheng Yading is a 5A-level scenic spot and a national-level nature reserve. The noodle soup could potentially harm the environment, whereas food like self-heating rice and dry noodles without soup are allowed in the area.
Employees of the Daocheng Ecology and Environment Bureau in Garze Prefecture told the “New Beijing News” that there is no specific regulation banning visitors from eating cup noodles in the scenic area. They only require that there should be no pollution within the protected area. The management of the Daocheng Yading Scenic Area in Garze Prefecture stated that they have formed a task force to investigate and verify the situation.
This incident quickly sparked widespread discussion.
Health and wellness blogger “Countryside Traditional Chinese Medicine” wrote in a post, “Even instant noodles need to be soaked. It’s not like they are eaten dry. The soup still needs to be poured out!”
Internet technology blogger and Weibo influencer “Discussing Now” remarked, “Using the protection of water sources as a reason, but the hot dry noodles sold in the scenic area can still be soaked. They cost 22 yuan on the mountain and only 8 yuan at the foot. The staff even poured the noodle water onto the lawn… In fact, everyone could accept not having cup noodles for the sake of environmental protection, but manipulating prices and disregarding rules is truly outrageous!”
A member of the China Artists Photography Association and the main photographer on the red carpet of the Shanghai International Film Festival, known as “Chief’s Blog,” commented, “This is clearly not about environmental concerns but about monopolizing the business.”
Commentator and essayist Qiao Zhifeng remarked, “Ugly behavior, like that of a bandit…”
On September 21st, the Daocheng Yading Scenic Area responded, confirming that the situation depicted in the video circulating on platforms like Douyin regarding the “5A scenic spot banning cup noodles for environmental reasons” was true. Following an investigation, the scenic area held the responsible person of the operating company accountable, ordering the company to immediately suspend operations for rectification and standardize garbage collection and disposal.