“Peng Zaizhou” Reappears? Rumored Chengdu Overpass Banner Displaying Anti-Communist Slogan

Two years ago, the incident where Chinese citizen Peng Zaizhou (real name Peng Lifa) hung anti-Communist and anti-Xi banners at Sifang Bridge in Beijing caused a sensation. The anti-Communist backlash triggered by the event is still fermenting, with more people following Peng Zaizhou’s lead. Today (15th), news circulated online that a banner criticizing the Communist Party was hung on a flyover in Chengdu, Sichuan, directly stating that “the people do not need a party with unrestrained power.”

Early on April 15th, a photo began circulating online showing three large banners with white backgrounds and red text hanging from a flyover at night. The words on the banners were clearly visible under the streetlights. The top parts respectively read: “Without political system reform, there is no national revival”, “The people do not need a party with unrestrained power”, and “China does not need anyone to dictate directions, democracy is the way.”

According to online reports, the incident took place outside the Chadianzi Bus Station in Chengdu, where the person who hung the banner stated, “I have prepared this slogan for a year, hoping to spread the message.”

Netizens commented:

“In the country with the highest surveillance density, this person is truly brave.”

“Praise Chengdu.”

“Each statement is absolutely true; the Chinese people are waking up.”

“So far, whether it is banner slogans on bridges, if they lack sharpness or context, no one can surpass Peng Lifa.”

“I tried posting multiple times on WeChat moments, but why were they all blocked so quickly?”

“Recruitment for bridge guards is expanding, providing more job opportunities.”

This incident has been likened to the Sifang Bridge incident in Beijing.

During the three years of the pandemic from 2020 to 2022, Xi Jinping’s “zero tolerance” control policy caused calamity to the Chinese people. On October 13, 2022, activist Peng Zaizhou hung banners on the Sifang Bridge in Zhongguancun, Beijing, with one reading “We want food, not nucleic acid tests! We want freedom, not lockdowns! We want dignity, not lies! We want reform, not the Cultural Revolution! We want votes, not leaders! Be citizens, not slaves!” Another banner read “Boycott classes, strikes, impeach the dictator and national traitor Xi Jinping.”

In his online propaganda materials, Peng Zaizhou called on military personnel, police, and government officials nationwide to rebel: “Main point: Let the military, police, armed police, and government officials receive the information. When facing citizen protests, turning them against the authorities is a more effective method, hoping eventually for a national hero like Cai E to completely oust the dictator.”

Despite the Communist Party’s nationwide suppression of information related to Peng Zaizhou, details of the event spread rapidly domestically and internationally, becoming known as the “Sifang Bridge incident in Beijing.”

The price Peng Zaizhou paid was arrest, and his current status is unknown. However, he inspired the awakening of the conscience of many Chinese people. At the end of November 2022, historic protests against the strict “zero tolerance” measures erupted nationwide. In Shanghai’s Wulumuqi Middle Road, angry crowds chanted for “Xi Jinping to step down” and “Down with the Communist Party.” This protest is considered a trigger for the sudden cancellation of the policy by the Communist authorities in December of that year.

Following the Sifang Bridge incident, on June 3, 2023, outside Beijing’s “Bird’s Nest” National Stadium, a woman climbed a tower, waved the American flag, and distributed leaflets declaring independence, earning her the title of a heroine alongside Peng Zaizhou. On September 27, 2023, a netizen captured a photo of “End the monarchy” written on a bridge in Shijiazhuang, Zhongshan Road, and these words appeared to have been there for several days.

Before the eve of October 1st in 2023, slogans demanding freedom and democracy appeared in Guangdong and other places.

On July 30, 2024, in Xinhuaxian, Loudi City, Hunan Province, someone hung Sifang Bridge banners on a bridge and played loudly over a sound system, “We want freedom, democracy, and the right to vote! Boycott classes, strikes, impeach the dictator and national traitor Xi Jinping.” The protester reported to be a university student named Fang Yirong.

Since the 2022 Sifang Bridge incident, before sensitive dates, the Beijing authorities have stationed guards to monitor bridges, creating specialized stability maintenance jobs.

On March 2, before this year’s Two Sessions, Epoch Times reported that in Beijing’s Maju Bridge and other locations, there were surveillance personnel stationed on roads and bridges, with patrols conducted on buses and streets.