The Dynasty is Teetering on the Edge of Collapse, and During the Two Sessions, Beijing is Closely Monitoring Pedestrian Bridges

Every pedestrian bridge in Beijing has designated bridge watchers. (Video screenshot)

[People News] On March 4, Beijing entered the 'Two Sessions' period, bringing a tense atmosphere that enveloped the entire city. Residents quickly noticed the return of 'bridge watchers' (bridge guards) on pedestrian overpasses, who vigilantly monitored every pedestrian stepping onto the bridge. A netizen from Beijing posed the question, 'What does this phenomenon of 'excessive security' reveal about the current social psyche?' An overseas netizen remarked, 'The dynasty is already on the brink of collapse; if it continues to squander its vitality, by the time it runs out of resources, the dawn will break.'

24-hour monitoring of bridges during the Two Sessions

According to official information from the Communist Party of China, the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference commenced at 3 PM on March 4 and concluded on the morning of March 11, lasting for 7 days. The National People's Congress began on March 5 and wrapped up on the afternoon of March 12, lasting for 8 days.

During the Two Sessions, all packages sent to Beijing must undergo at least two inspections, and the use of drones is prohibited. Additionally, residents observed that uniformed 'bridge watchers' reappeared on pedestrian overpasses, with an average of two per bridge, closely monitoring every pedestrian. These bridge watchers are not police officers; some refer to them as 'security patrol officers.' However, they have the authority to stop pedestrians at any time to check their identification or mobile phones, and they can also instruct individuals to open their bags for inspection. As for the legality of their actions, it appears that no citizen dares to question them.

According to The Epoch Times, on March 3, a security recruitment agent in Beijing informed their reporters: 'There is a significant demand for bridge guards right now, with wages set at 280 yuan for a 12-hour shift and 360 yuan for a 24-hour shift. This bridge guarding work is only required during the Two Sessions period.'

Another recruitment agent in Beijing mentioned that the job of guarding bridges is quite demanding, as it requires standing for 24 hours. While the pay is indeed higher than for other jobs, the work is challenging. Typically, bridge guards are younger individuals who need to be proficient with smartphones, capable of taking photos and reporting incidents. The pay is 350 yuan for a 24-hour shift, and there is currently a shortage of personnel.'

The agent explained, 'During the Two Sessions, we need staff to maintain order around the bridges near the venue due to concerns about potential emergencies.'

Recently, a video has been widely shared online, claiming that soldiers are stationed at every overpass in Beijing. In the comments section, a netizen from Beijing noted that there are guards present 24 hours a day, with militia members working in pairs. Some netizens humorously commented that 'we pay taxes to support these bridge guards in Beijing, which is quite ironic,' and 'defending Your Majesty.' Others joked, 'With (Iranian leader) Khamenei gone, we are even more fearful.' 'Startled birds and every tree a soldier.' (Video link)

The video was shared on X, prompting netizens to comment: "Isn't the Sitoqiao incident a result of the Communist Party's actions? They extract the blood and sweat money from the people and then use it to maintain stability. It's utterly disgraceful!" "Taxpayer money is being wasted on initiatives that create no value whatsoever", "Beijing Railway Station has already undergone a comprehensive secondary security check, according to a friend of mine", "Can someone analyze what this phenomenon of 'excessive security' indicates about the current social psyche? I genuinely don't understand", "They aren't afraid of you starving, freezing, dying in an accident, or succumbing to illness, but they are concerned about you walking in a crowd without a hard hat", "This is why farmers' welfare is so low; all the funds are directed towards maintaining stability", "The dynasty is on the brink, and if it continues to deplete its resources, when the coffers are empty and food runs out, the truth will emerge", "This is to prevent new Sitoqiao warriors; safety is merely an excuse", "The 'bridge guards' on Beijing's pedestrian overpass represent another remarkable initiative with Chinese characteristics, addressing employment issues while preventing emergencies", "The overpass is monitored day and night, supposedly to ensure student safety; what is truly being guarded is likely emotions and thoughts. Freedom is scarce below the bridge, and only vigilance remains above it. "This is taxpayer money being squandered, isn't it? Party leader, there's nothing anyone can do. Our government requires 40 trillion each year to function normally! India, with its 1.4 billion population, has government expenses of only 0.25 billion for the entire year?" "They are so fearful of people hanging banners; will they also need to assign security to guard rooftops in the future? The Communist Party will be overwhelmed by the rising costs of maintaining stability! "The regime was not established legally, and they live in constant fear of being overthrown".

In the comments section, a netizen from Beijing remarked, "It's available 24 hours a day," and added, "It's not for you to stand guard." Another netizen humorously commented, 

There were also netizens from mainland China, who appeared to have insider knowledge, stating, "Recently, I’m not sure what’s happening, but there are many people wearing red armbands at the entrance of the community," and "Beijing Railway Station has already undergone a comprehensive secondary security check." 

Furthermore, a video revealed that on February 26, a netizen in Beijing conducted a street interview with a bridge guard. The guard mentioned that he earns 320 yuan a day, monitoring the bridge around the clock, with his job being "to prevent anyone from damaging the bridge." This position is open to males under the age of 55. (Video link) 

Epoch Times reporters discovered several videos on Douyin recruiting bridge guards. One video from September 2025 indicated that in Beijing's Dongcheng District, bridge guards work in pairs, starting at 8 AM, with two meals provided, tents available for overnight stays, and they can sleep at 11 PM, working 24 hours for 300 yuan. Applicants must be between 18 and 52 years old and have no criminal record, with a significant number of positions available. 

During the Two Sessions, all packages sent to Beijing must undergo at least two inspections, and the use of drones is prohibited. (Video screenshot) 

Nationwide recruitment for bridge guards 

A knowledgeable source in Beijing informed Epoch Times that the introduction of bridge guards is linked to the Sitong Bridge incident. Since Peng Lifa displayed a banner there, Sitong Bridge quickly became a notable location in Beijing, leading the authorities to remove the sign for Sitong Bridge, leaving many unsure of its name. The authorities are also concerned that petitioners from other regions may come looking for Sitong Bridge. 

On October 13, 2022, just days before the CCP's 20th National Congress, Chinese citizen Peng Lifa (online alias Peng Zaizhou) publicly protested against CCP leader Xi Jinping at Sitong Bridge in Beijing.

At that time, Peng Lifa disguised himself as a construction worker and hung several protest banners on the Sitong Bridge in Beijing. The banners read, "No nucleic acid tests, we want to eat; No lockdowns, we want freedom; No lies, we want dignity; No Cultural Revolution, we want reform; No leaders, we want ballots; We want to be citizens, not slaves," as well as, "Strike classes, strike work, remove the dictatorial traitor Xi Jinping." He also ignited items to create smoke to draw the attention of passersby and vehicles, while using a loudspeaker to broadcast the demands from the banners.

Peng Lifa was later taken away by the police. Within hours, related photos and texts circulated globally. In response, the Beijing authorities quickly deployed "bridge watchers" at major overpasses.

Reports indicate that this phenomenon of "bridge watchers" has emerged not only in Beijing but also in cities across China.

Wu Shaoping, the head of the Overseas Chinese Human Rights Lawyers Alliance, commented to The Epoch Times that bridge watchers represent "a very bizarre phenomenon." The one-party dictatorship of the Chinese Communist Party is insufficient; it has evolved into a personal dictatorship, turning society into a collective political hell. "It does not address the fundamental issues, such as if China were to implement political system reforms, grant freedom and rights to the people, and conduct fair elections, these issues would not exist. Instead of solving problems, it targets those who raise them." △