A visit to 'Silent Noodle Shop': if you need help, please tap me(1/8)

A staff member of a noodle restaurant in central China’s Henan Province holds up a sign that reads, "If you need help, please tap me gently," which is used for their daily silent service, Dec. 3, 2025. (Photo: China News Service/Fan Xiaoheng)

Dec. 3 marked the 34th International Day of Persons with Disabilities. At a noodle restaurant in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, run by eight hearing-impaired individuals, customers communicated with staff through writing and gestures, creating a quiet and warm atmosphere. Many regulars affectionately call it the "Silent Noodle Shop."

A customer communicates with a staff member through a writing board at a noodle restaurant run by hearing-impaired individuals in Zhengzhou, central China’s Henan Province, Dec. 3, 2025. (Photo: China News Service/Fan Xiaoheng)

Staff members prepare food for customers at a noodle restaurant run by hearing-impaired individuals in Zhengzhou, central China’s Henan Province, Dec. 3, 2025. (Photo: China News Service/Fan Xiaoheng)

A stuff member delivers two bowls of beef noodles to a customer's table at a noodle restaurant run by hearing-impaired individuals in Zhengzhou, central China’s Henan Province, Dec. 3, 2025. (Photo: China News Service/Fan Xiaoheng)

Staff members communicate through gestures at a noodle restaurant run by hearing-impaired individuals in Zhengzhou, central China’s Henan Province, Dec. 3, 2025. (Photo: China News Service/Fan Xiaoheng)

A hearing-impaired staff member communicates with a customer via a mobile phone at noodle restaurant in Zhengzhou, central China’s Henan Province, Dec. 3, 2025. (Photo: China News Service/Fan Xiaoheng)

Photo taken on Dec. 3, 2025 shows a group photo of staff members of a noodle restaurant run by hearing-impaired individuals in Zhengzhou, central China’s Henan Province. (Photo: China News Service/Fan Xiaoheng)

Photo taken on Dec. 3, 2025 shows bamboo slips for order at a noodle restaurant run by hearing-impaired individuals in Zhengzhou, central China’s Henan Province. (Photo: China News Service/Fan Xiaoheng)