Chinese husband jumps into deep well to join wife after cicada mishap

A woman in Dongying, Shandong province, was catching cicadas with her husband on the evening of July 15, 2026, when she accidentally fell into an uncovered sewage manhole in their residential community. Concerned for her safety, her husband immediately climbed into the shaft to keep her company. The couple were successfully rescued by firefighters shortly after, as reported by Dazhong Daily.

This unusual incident underscores the risks of cicada hunting, a beloved summer tradition in Shandong where locals catch cicadas for cooking—often deep-fried or barbecued. The province's passion for cicadas is so intense that a popular joke claims no cicada leaves Shandong alive. Local authorities remind residents to stay vigilant about hidden sewage manholes or ditches when catching cicadas in the evening. The couple's actions, while romantic, highlight the importance of safety during outdoor activities.