Hundreds of adults in China took part in a nostalgic “school sneak-eating” contest inside a mall over the weekend, reliving childhood memories in a mock classroom setup.
Organisers created a fake classroom in a Beijing shopping mall and invited participants to compete while a referee, acting as a teacher, monitored them. Contestants used textbooks, water bottles, and papers as cover while trying to secretly eat snacks without being caught.
The event turned into a timed challenge. Participants sat in pairs at school-style desks and attempted to finish their snacks within 10 minutes. Those who avoided detection and completed the task moved to the next round.
The competition gained attention online as part of a growing nostalgia trend on Chinese social media, where adults take part in activities that recreate school-life experiences.
A participant, An Dahua, said the event reminded him of his childhood. He said he used to sneak snacks in class and felt the experience brought back strong memories. He also said watching older participants act like students made the experience more emotional.
Another contestant, Kang Weijing, said the event allowed adults to relive simple childhood joys. He added that many people enjoyed the break from daily routine and found the activity relaxing.
Organisers said the referee was a real teacher in everyday life and ensured fair play during the competition. A slogan displayed in the classroom encouraged students to “study hard and make progress every day,” a common message in Chinese schools.
Outside the competition area, visitors stopped to take photos and observe the activity, while other shoppers continued with their routine.
The event reflects a wider trend in China where young adults and older participants engage in nostalgia-based experiences to escape daily stress and reconnect with childhood memories.
