Local authorities remind the public to stay vigilant regarding hidden sewage manholes or ditches when catching cicadas in the evening
2-MIN READ2-MIN ListenAlice Yanin ShanghaiPublished: 2:00pm, 28 Jul 2026A woman in eastern China who was catching cicadas one evening with her husband accidentally fell into a sewage manhole, while the spouse, worried about her safety, immediately climbed into the shaft to keep her company.
The couple were successfully rescued by firefighters shortly afterwards, the Dazhong Daily reported.
The incident unfolded in Dongying, Shandong province, on July 15 when the couple were catching cicadas in a green belt in their residential community.
It is a traditional summer activity across Shandong to catch cicadas for cooking. The people from the province are well known for their love of eating this insect.
This practice has led to a common joke widely circulated on social media, saying that no single cicada is able to leave Shandong alive.
There are popular cooking methods to enjoy this seasonal treat, including deep-frying and barbecuing. Some restaurants also add cicadas to cakes and hamburgers.
