A heartwarming yet controversial incident at a popular Chinese park, where a visiting Pakistani couple temporarily left their five-month-old twins in the care of a stranger, has ignited a fierce online debate about trust, safety, and parenting choices. The episode, captured in a viral video, unfolded at the scenic Qianling Mountain Park in Guiyang and has amassed millions of views, drawing reactions ranging from admiration to sharp criticism.
The Incident: A Leap of Faith in a Foreign Land
According to a report by The South China Morning Post, the foreign couple, eager to experience a cable-car ride at the park, approached a security guard named Chen Daying. Due to a significant language barrier, they could not exchange detailed contact information but managed to convey their request: could she watch over their twin babies, a boy and a girl, while they were away? The infants, snug in their strollers under blankets and wearing pink hats, were left in Chen's care.
Soon after the parents departed, the babies began to cry, drawing the attention of other visitors in the park. What followed was a spontaneous display of communal care. The now-viral video shows several local Chinese tourists stepping in to console and assist the infants. One woman gently rocked a stroller, another carefully adjusted the blankets, while security guard Chen Daying took on the primary caregiver role, feeding the twins with their bottles.
Community Steps In: Feeding, Comforting, and Changing Nappies
The situation required more than just soothing. When the crying persisted, Chen, acting on instinct, checked the babies and discovered one had a soiled nappy. After the nappy was changed, the infant settled down comfortably. The report adds a touching, messy detail: at one point, one of the twins even "coughed up milk" onto Chen Daying, a moment she handled with grandmotherly calm.
Nearly an hour later, the parents returned, holding ice creams, and gratefully thanked Chen Daying and the helpful visitors before leaving with their children. Speaking to local media afterwards, Chen, who is also a grandmother, said the parents "just wanted to explore the park." She emphasized that her dual role as both a security officer and a grandparent made it natural for her to prioritize the children's safety and well-being.
Viral Reaction: Applause for Kindness, Criticism for Carefreeness
The video, shared widely on Chinese social media platform Weibo, has garnered over 22 million views, triggering a polarized response. Many netizens celebrated the scene as a beautiful example of human trust and cross-cultural harmony. One user on X (formerly Twitter) captured this sentiment, writing, "Many warm-hearted tourists also helped look after the babies together. Really love this kind of trust and harmony between people!"
However, a substantial number of commentators strongly criticized the parents' decision. They labeled the act as "too carefree" and potentially dangerous, warning that leaving young children with an unvetted stranger, despite the guard's uniform, could have ended very differently in another location. This side of the debate highlights deep concerns about child safety and responsible parenting, especially in an unfamiliar environment.
The incident at Qianling Mountain Park presents a complex narrative. It showcases a remarkable moment of spontaneous human kindness and trust across cultures, facilitated by the compassionate actions of Chen Daying and the park visitors. Simultaneously, it raises valid questions about risk and parental judgment, ensuring the story resonates as much more than just another viral clip.
