Tang Li

654030846@qq.com

DURING the May Day holiday, while countless people reveled in popular tourist spots, a specific group opted for an unconventional destination: the outside of a police station in Changsha, Hunan Province.

Reports emerged of visitors flocking to the spot, with many mimicking being arrested — heads bowed, hands clasped behind their backs. Chinese social media users joked that the Pozi Street police were “the most efficient in the world” because they were making so many “arrests.” The police station is tolerant of this trend, only reminding the public to behave in an orderly fashion and not to disturb officers while on duty.

The police station was catapulted to fame by the success of the 2019 Chinese documentary series “Guardians of Jiefangxi,” which follows officers from Pozi Street Police Station as they patrol the Jiefangxi business district in central Changsha. The station’s proximity to popular food and shopping streets inadvertently facilitated the influx of visitors.

Nonetheless, the concept of a police station as a photo spot evokes mixed sentiment. Many, unfamiliar with the reality show, wonder: What makes a police station check-in-worthy? Even for those familiar with the show, traveling specifically to a location for photo ops begs the question: What do people get out of this experience?

With the rise of internet “check-in” culture, almost any venue can become a viral hotspot. Many “check-ins” are absurd when we look back. In an era when visibility reigns supreme, participation in a viral trend might be the sole purpose for many. Ludicrous it may seem, such check-ins, as long as they don’t bother local residents, and in this case, the police officers, while not to be encouraged, hardly warrant serious critique.

Nevertheless, amidst the growing clashes between these “check-ins” and the life of locals who feel disturbed, preserving boundaries is necessary.

Then, there’s another question one should always ask themselves: Does following an unconventional online trend really say anything about their personality or uniqueness?

(The author is a Features editor of Shenzhen Daily.)