China's open borders mark an end to covid zero, spark homecoming rush

While the Covid zero policy managed to keep the virus at bay for much of the pandemic as it killed millions elsewhere, they became increasingly irrelevant with emergence of more infectious variants

There was jubilation and heartache in cities across China as the long-awaited border reopening — the final step in country’s dismantling of Covid Zero  — sparked a homecoming rush for many diaspora.
 

Gu Tingting was looking forward to seeing her grandfather and eating local cuisine in Beijing after a three-year absence in London, where she works for an energy company.

“I’m gonna cry, I’m back in Beijing and will eat dumplings, lamb skewers, everything I like,” said the 28-year old, who flew into the capital via Hong Kong.

Starting Sunday, China no longer requires quarantine for arrivals after authorities ditched