New Delhi, january 05, 2026: In a world where parenting styles are often scrutinized, a recent incident at a scenic park in China has set the internet ablaze. A Pakistani couple, visiting the popular Qianling Mountain Park in Guiyang, sparked a global conversation after they chose to leave their twin infants in the care of a park security guard to enjoy a cable car ride.
The story, which went viral in early January 2026, has divided social media into two distinct camps: those who see it as a heartwarming testament to the safety of Chinese society, and those who view it as a shocking example of parental negligence.
The Incident: A “Doll-Like” Handover
According to local reports and viral footage shared on platforms like Douyin (China’s version of TikTok), the young couple—estimated to be in their late 20s or early 30s—arrived at the cable car station at Qianling Mountain Park. Facing the logistical challenge of hauling a double stroller up the mountain, they approached Chen Daying, a female security guard on duty.
Despite a significant language barrier, the couple managed to convey their request: they wanted to ride the cable car and asked Chen to watch over their five-month-old twins—a boy and a girl. Without leaving contact information or a phone number, the parents headed off, returning about an hour later with ice cream in hand.
A Community Effort
The scene that followed was captured by a bystander known online as “No Cilantro.” Far from being abandoned, the twins became the center of a local community’s affection. When one of the babies began to cry, Chen Daying and several female tourists stepped in:
- A Gentle Touch: One woman rocked the stroller while another adjusted the babies’ blankets.
- Emergency Care: When it became clear one baby had a soiled diaper, the security guard, noting her hands were “icy cold” from the mountain air, asked a passerby to assist with the change.
- Feeding: Onlookers helped feed the infants with bottles found in the stroller, keeping their voices low so as not to startle the “little dolls.”
The Viral Debate: Trust vs. Safety
The video of the incident has racked up over 22 million views, triggering a fierce debate over modern parenting and travel ethics.
The Pro-Trust Argument
Many Chinese netizens highlighted the story as a “gold standard” of public safety. Supporters argue that the couple’s comfort in leaving their children with a uniformed official reflects the high level of security and communal trust within the country.
“This proves how safe and warm our society is,” wrote one observer. “The parents knew their children were in good hands.”
The Criticism
Conversely, a large segment of the audience expressed disbelief at the parents’ “carefree” attitude. Critics pointed out several risks:
- Medical Emergencies: Without contact details, the guard would have had no way to reach the parents if a baby had choked or fallen ill.
- Abduction Risks: While China is generally safe, critics argued that leaving children with a stranger in a crowded public park is an unnecessary gamble.
- The Guard’s Burden: Some argued it was unfair to place such a heavy responsibility on a security guard whose primary job is park surveillance, not childcare.
A Cultural Perspective
For Chen Daying, the guard at the center of the storm, the situation was simple. As both a security professional and a grandmother, she felt it was her duty to help. “The babies were so cute, like little dolls,” she told local media. “My only priority was keeping them safe while their parents enjoyed the park.”
While the couple eventually returned, thanked the crowd in broken Chinese, and reclaimed their children, the incident serves as a fascinating case study in how cultural expectations of safety and “village-style” parenting vary across borders.
