XI'AN FREED FROM LOCKDOWN

Xi'an, capital of Northwest China's Shaanxi province, reopened this week after the 30-day lockdown imposed following an outbreak of the Delta variant of COVID-19 last year.

The first locally transmitted infections were detected in the city of 12.9 million on Dec 9, and all communities were sealed off on Dec 23 to curb its spread.

Local authorities said on Monday that all areas of the city were now deemed low risk and that people could resume normal activities and work.

With the approach of Chinese New Year, which falls on Feb 1 this year, customers streamed back to supermarkets and shops to buy celebratory goods.

In parks adorned with red lanterns, a growing number of families are venturing out to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air. Some migrant workers and college students have rushed to railway stations and airports to travel home.

Factories are also whirring back to life.

"More than 2,000 assembly workers have returned to work. Every day, over 400 heavy-duty trucks roll off the production line here," Zhang Jinshan, a senior manager at the Shanxi Automobile Holding Group, said during an interview with Xinhua News Agency.

Some restrictions will remain in place as a precaution against the threat of further infections.

For instance, organizers of events for over 50 people should integrate disease control protocols and register with officials in advance.

Residents have also been encouraged to limit family gatherings to no more than 10 people at a time.