Chongqing authorities crack down on viral 'landing visa' motorcycle photography trend on Nanbin Road following safety violations and traffic risks.
Tags:This Chongqing Motorcycle Trend Hit 650 Million Views—Now Authorities Are Stepping In
Two motorcycles filming on Chongqing’s Nanbin Road. Image: video screenshot, reproduced by Beijing Daily
It is called the “Chongqing landing visa”, but it has nothing to do with immigration.
The nickname refers to a viral motorcycle photo and video experience on Chongqing’s Nanbin Road. Tourists ride behind a professional motorcyclist while another motorcycle follows alongside to film them against the city’s illuminated skyline.
The finished clips are short, dramatic and designed for social media. But during the National Day holiday, Chinese media documented some of the risks behind the footage—and local authorities announced another round of enforcement.
Why is it called a “landing visa”?
The name is an internet joke: after “landing” in Chongqing, visitors are expected to complete this experience as though the city were stamping their passport.
A typical clip opens with a rider lifting or “catching” the tourist beside the road. It then cuts to the passenger sitting behind the rider, spreading their arms or making a heart gesture as Chongqing’s bridges, towers and neon lights move through the background.
The combination of motorcycles and Chongqing’s three-dimensional nightscape helped the format spread rapidly. In July, Xinhua reported that videos under the related short-video topic had received more than 650 million views. It also said some overseas visitors had traveled to Chongqing specifically to try the experience.
The motorcycle trend had already attracted overseas visitors by July. Image: Xinhua video screenshot
What did reporters find during the holiday?
During the National Day holiday, CCTV reporters visited the section of Nanbin Road between Ciyun Temple and the Eye of the Yangtze River, where many commercial motorcycle-shooting teams operate.
The report showed passengers removing their hands from the bike, opening their arms and leaning far backward while the motorcycle was moving.
Some riders were filmed controlling the motorcycle with one hand or turning around to interact with the passenger. On the following motorcycle, the person recording the video also used one hand to hold the camera while riding.
To create a more dramatic shot, some motorcycles repeatedly moved from side to side in a straight traffic lane. Residents living nearby said the teams sometimes focused on filming without paying enough attention to vehicles approaching from behind.
CCTV reported on the risks behind the viral motorcycle shoots. Image: CCTV News
According to the report, one salesperson dismissed questions about risk by saying the riders were highly experienced and that insurance was unnecessary.
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This was not the first warning
On August 24, two motorcycles were filmed riding side by side on Nanbin Road to record a “landing visa” video. One suddenly changed direction, forcing a car behind them to brake sharply.
Three days later, the Nanbin Economic Belt Development Center said traffic police had penalized both motorcycle riders. Neither rider disputed the punishment.
Official response to the August 24 filming incident. Image: Nanbin Economic Belt Development Center
The area had already attracted complaints involving motorcycles occupying traffic lanes, unsafe riding and noise late at night.
Authorities have now announced further enforcement
On October 5, local authorities said they were working with traffic police, urban-management, tourism and commerce departments to address safety problems connected with the motorcycle shoots.
The enforcement will focus on traffic violations, roadside business activity, illegal parking, equipment placed in traffic areas and noise disturbing residents.
Officials said designated parking areas and operating times had already been introduced, and commercial shooting teams had been called in for discussions about their conduct.
The service itself has not been completely banned. The current response is aimed at the dangerous and disruptive parts of the business—especially actions performed on public roads for a more dramatic video.
The “Chongqing landing visa” became popular because it packages the city’s nightscape into a few highly shareable seconds. The latest controversy reveals what those polished clips often leave outside the frame.
Source: 央视网
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