Strolling through the park as dusk falls, one might witness a peculiar sight: young people, adorned with glowing bracelets, engaged in a spirited game of cat and mouse. This isn’t a scene from a sci-fi movie but the latest trend in outdoor social games rapidly gaining popularity across China.
The game, which has evolved from traditional college campus activities, has swiftly caught the attention of urban youth looking for new ways to de-stress and connect with peers. Cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen are witnessing a surge in this nocturnal pastime that involves speed, stealth, and strategy.
Platforms such as Xiaohongshu and Douyin, brimming with search results for “cat-and-mouse game,” reflect its viral status. The setup is straightforward yet thrilling. For a minimal fee ranging from 7 to 19 yuan, participants are equipped with water, insurance, fluorescent bracelets, and light sticks. The game’s premise is a classic: participants divide into “cats” and “mice,” with the cats aiming to capture as many mice as possible within a set time and space.
Physicality is replaced with tactics, as a mere touch from a “cat” converts the “mouse” into a chaser, awarding the catcher a light stick. Accumulating the most light sticks earns the title “king of cats,” adding a competitive edge to the chase.
This modern rendition of hide-and-seek comes with a technological twist—participants must share their live locations via mobile apps, adding an element of tech-savvy to the traditional game. Unlike the static nature of classic hide-and-seek, this game encourages constant movement within a roughly five-kilometer radius, turning parks and city spaces into life-sized game boards that invoke a sense of an action-packed adventure.
The game’s appeal has led to dedicated columns in social sports mini-programs on platforms like WeChat, where enthusiasts can register for events, including themed versions like Halloween chases in prominent parks.
The attraction isn’t just in the thrill of the chase. Bao Jun, a 33-year-old participant, recounts the game rekindling fond childhood memories, offering a welcome break from the monotony of daily life. It’s more than a game; it’s a chance to forge new friendships and release work stress.
Chen, an organizer from Hangzhou, notes the game’s rise in popularity during the National Day holidays, emphasizing the importance of location for both enjoyment and safety. The activity’s non-competitive nature and accessibility appeal to a broad demographic, distinguishing it from sports like frisbee and flag football. It’s about strategy, teamwork, and the shared joy of accomplishment.
This surge in “cat-and-mouse” games underscores a deeper human need for social interaction, as internet analyst Ding Daoshi points out. In a post-pandemic world, such activities act as outlets for suppressed social desires, similar to the rejuvenation of tourism. The game’s success is also attributed to its simplicity and the nostalgic contrast it offers to adult participants.
Psychologist Nie Xiaojing views the game as a respite from reality. There’s no pressure to win or lose; it’s about the experience. The activity combines physical exercise with pleasure and encourages social bonding, which is paramount for a sense of community and interpersonal relationships.
Despite its low setup costs and ease of participation, the future of this burgeoning trend faces the test of colder seasons, especially in China’s north. But with organizers like Chen poised to innovate and infuse the game with fresh elements, the expectation is for a resurgence with the return of spring, promising that the game’s enchanting escapade is here to stay.
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