According to Chinese media outlet QQ, Keep Running has come under fire after reports revealed that the production team allegedly received 8.5 million yuan (approximately $1.2 million USD) from Jiangshan to promote the city’s tourism and culture.

The revelation shocked many viewers because the show had long cultivated an image of supporting local tourism as a public-interest initiative rather than a paid commercial arrangement.

Industry insiders claimed that the production team regularly charges local governments between 5 million and 20 million yuan to film episodes promoting regional attractions and cultural landmarks. In addition to these fees, local authorities are reportedly expected to provide security, venue preparation, accommodation for celebrities, crowd control, and logistical support during filming.

The backlash intensified because Keep Running had frequently presented its tourism-focused episodes as charitable efforts designed to support local economies. As reports of substantial promotional fees spread across Chinese social media, many viewers accused the production team of misleading the public.

Comments criticizing the show quickly gained traction online, with netizens questioning why a commercially successful program would portray paid promotional campaigns as goodwill initiatives.

Another controversy erupted during a recent episode filmed in Anyang. Despite reportedly receiving significant funding to promote the city, producers mistakenly included footage and imagery from a completely different city located in neighboring Hebei Province. The error sparked outrage among local residents, who argued that the production failed to properly represent the city despite receiving substantial financial support. Following public backlash, the show’s producers issued an apology for the editing mistake.

The controversy deepened when large crowds of fans gathered at Yinxu Museum during filming. According to reports, visitors trampled grass, damaged facilities, and left significant amounts of trash behind. Local authorities reportedly spent approximately 50,000 yuan repairing damaged areas and cleaning up the site after the event. Photos and reports of the aftermath circulated widely online, further fueling criticism toward both the production team and attendees.

The show’s cast has also become the target of online scrutiny. Actress Bai Lu has been criticized for allegedly displaying a dismissive attitude during games and interactions with veteran cast members. Some viewers accused her of avoiding physically demanding challenges and making comments perceived as disrespectful toward senior entertainers including Li Chen, Zheng Kai, and Sha Yi. Several moments from recent episodes have been widely debated on Chinese social media, with critics claiming her behavior lacked consideration for older cast members.

Meanwhile, Fan Chengcheng has also faced criticism for comments directed at veteran member Zheng Kai. Some viewers interpreted his remarks as disrespectful and accused him of undermining original cast members who helped build the show’s popularity.

The controversies arrive at a time when many longtime viewers already believe Keep Running has experienced a decline in quality. Critics argue that the show increasingly prioritizes celebrities with large fanbases because they generate social media engagement and attract advertisers, rather than focusing on entertaining content.

Many viewers have also complained that:

  • Games feel less exciting than in earlier seasons.
  • Cast chemistry has weakened.
  • Celebrity favoritism has become more apparent.
  • Tourism-focused episodes often fail to showcase local culture effectively.

As criticism continues to spread, some netizens have even called for the program to undergo major changes or end altogether.

While the production team publicly apologized for the Anyang editing error, they have not directly addressed allegations regarding tourism promotion payments. The controversy has become one of the most-discussed entertainment topics on Chinese social media, reportedly generating more than 100 million views across various platforms.

Whether Keep Running can recover from the growing criticism remains to be seen, but the latest disputes have intensified concerns about the show’s direction and credibility.

Sources: TP