Chinese youths have transformed “playful begging” into a trend, engaging in smoking, drinking, chatting, and taking photos, while rarely soliciting money – viewing it primarily as a mode of socialising.
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Recently, groups of young individuals, dubbed “professional and playful beggars”, have been seen lounging on the roadside in Dali, a renowned tourist destination in Yunnan province, southwestern China.
These young people display signs that read “begging” while partaking in leisure activities – igniting widespread conversations online.
A man surnamed Yang, who once donned the beggar persona, shared with the Xiaoxiang Morning Herald that a local “begging group” comprises around 80 members, with some working in Dali and others visiting temporarily.
He pointed out that while some might share their QR codes to receive small donations – often amounts like five, 10, or 100 yuan (US$14) – their main purpose is not to collect money.
“It’s not truly begging in the traditional sense; it’s more about having a good time. Passers-by frequently offer us cigarettes, beer, drinks, and snacks, but we rarely accept money,” Yang clarified.