Restaurant Keeps Leftover Food from Keep Running Stars for Photo Ops — Sparks Backlash Over Flies and Hygiene Concerns

(Haikou, March 27) The popular Chinese variety show Keep Running recently began filming its 14th season in Haikou, Hainan. However, an unexpected controversy emerged after one of the filming locations sparked online debate.

A local restaurant reportedly preserved a dining table used by the show’s cast, leaving behind leftover food and tableware as a “fan photo spot.” Images of the setup quickly went viral, drawing criticism from netizens over hygiene concerns.

The table was labeled as the “Keep Running cast dining table,” with name tags for celebrities including Li Chen, Fan Chengcheng, Bai Lu, Zhang Zhenyuan, Ryan Zheng Kai, and Sha Yi, attracting fans eager to take photos.

According to reports, the food had been left overnight after filming on March 26. Some images even showed insects on the dishes, raising serious hygiene concerns.

The incident quickly sparked backlash online, with many criticizing the practice as inappropriate and unnecessary. Some suggested that if the restaurant intended to create a fan attraction, it would have been more appropriate to use food replicas or offer themed menu items instead.

Following the backlash, the restaurant has since cleared the table and carried out disinfection procedures. Staff explained that their intention was to preserve a memorable scene for fans, but acknowledged that they had overlooked potential hygiene issues.

Season 14 of Keep Running has officially begun filming at the Mission Hills Film Studio in Haikou, featuring returning members Li Chen, Zheng Kai, Sha Yi, Bai Lu, and Fan Chengcheng, along with new additions Meng Ziyi and Li Yunrui.