On October 13, 2022, Peng Lifafa (Peng Zaizhou) displayed a massive banner on the Sitong Bridge in Beijing that stated, "No nucleic acid tests, we want to eat; no Cultural Revolution, we want reform; no lockdowns, we want freedom; no leaders, we want ballots; no lies, we want dignity; we want to be citizens, not slaves." This act sent shockwaves both domestically and internationally. (Internet image)
[People News] On October 5, a Douyin blogger in China uploaded a video titled '68 and Its Two Fairy Neighbors,' featuring three characters labeled '67,' '68,' and '69.' Following the video's release, comments referencing the number '4' appeared in the comment section but were subsequently unable to be displayed normally. Reports indicate that the related video and the account that posted it are no longer searchable.
According to Radio Free Asia, Mr. Liu, an internet user from Jiangsu, stated in an interview that many people associate the combination of the numbers '4' and '6' with the June Fourth incident, and seeing '4' also brings to mind the Sitong Bridge in Beijing. He mentioned that some individuals have been suppressing their feelings for a long time, wanting to express themselves but feeling unable to do so, thus seeking opportunities to convey their emotions: 'The current issue is not about daring to speak out, but rather about being unable to. Once you mention something, they will either block your account or your post. You can only use alternative words to express it, and those who are aware of the situation can understand. Nowadays, many things cannot be said once they are spoken. Those who wish to express themselves but cannot will find ways to let others in their circle grasp the general meaning.'
Digital Comments Spark Associations with Sitong Bridge
Screenshots circulating online reveal that a netizen with an IP address from Tianjin commented: 'Actually, there is one with a 4 that hasn't been mentioned,' which received 1,670 likes. In response, a netizen from Beijing remarked: 'Don't make it seem like we don't have Douyin to watch,' earning 249 likes. Other users below asked, 'What does this mean?' 'What?' 'Same request, what does it mean?' indicating that some viewers were unclear about the significance of the numerical comment.
The video publisher stated in the caption: 'Can we not talk nonsense in my comment section?' and added: 'I'll see who has messed up my comment section when I come back from a meal.' Relevant screenshots indicate that the video once garnered around 23,000 likes and was shared approximately 24,000 times.
Mr. Liu linked the comment about 'the one with a 4' to the Sitong Bridge incident in Beijing. However, there is currently no evidence that the video publisher himself mentioned 'Sitong Bridge,' nor can the specific reasons for the platform's actions be confirmed based solely on the relevant screenshots.
The Expression Dilemma Behind Digital Wordplay
Mr. Zhu, who founded a private website and is knowledgeable about internet censorship in China, told Radio Free Asia that in China, netizens have transitioned from using homophones for mockery to engaging in wordplay and puns, reflecting a continuous shrinkage of free speech space. He stated: 'Why has it come to this? We all know that freedom of speech is one of the most fundamental human rights. Everyone is playing with puns, and I think that's great. We all want to express our opinions directly; even during the Mao Zedong era, there were people who spoke out. As long as one is human, has thoughts, and has a voice, using puns indicates that people possess wisdom.'
Chinese scholar Mr. Wang expressed to Radio Free Asia his disapproval of netizens using overly subtle language to convey their views. He stated, 'Such expressions are too vague, making it hard for most people to grasp the meaning; they require interpretation by the reader to uncover part of their significance. I believe individuals should engage in actions they can bear. If someone perceives the risk as too high, they should refrain from involvement.'
The Beijing Sitong Bridge incident took place on October 13, 2022, just before the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. Protester Peng Lifa (online alias Peng Zaizhou) displayed a banner at Sitong Bridge in Haidian District, Beijing, opposing the 'zero-COVID' policy and making demands such as 'No nucleic acid tests, we want to eat; no lockdowns, we want freedom,' while also calling for the ousting of Xi Jinping. He utilized loudspeakers to broadcast protest slogans before being apprehended by the police. A report from the China Aid Association, citing information from the 'Yesterday' platform in July 2025, indicated that Peng Lifa was sentenced to nine years in prison on charges including 'picking quarrels and provoking trouble' and 'arson,' and has since been incarcerated to serve his sentence.
Nearly four years have passed since the Beijing Sitong Bridge incident. On various social media platforms, netizens continue to reference this event using numbers, homophones, and abbreviations. A comment under this video stating, 'There is also one with a 4,' has reignited discussions regarding sensitive terms and content censorship online.
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