It looks like you're using an ad blocker.

To enjoy our content, please include The Japan Times on your ad-blocker's list of approved sites.

Thank you for supporting our journalism.

It’s 2025 in Beijing, five years since the start of the pandemic, and Chinese President Xi Jinping’s “COVID zero” policy is still an inescapable part of daily life.

Residents must get PCR tested every few days at one of the booths on nearly every street corner. A personalized health code app determines who can move around the capital, and where. Children have to test negative to go to the park. Something as simple as a visit to a coffee shop or supermarket can result in being locked down in your apartment, not even allowed out for food — which the state instead provides.

This could be due to a conflict with your ad-blocking or security software.

Please add japantimes.co.jp and piano.io to your list of allowed sites.

If this does not resolve the issue or you are unable to add the domains to your allowlist, please see this support page.

We humbly apologize for the inconvenience.

In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.

With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.

Your subscription plan doesn't allow commenting. To learn more see our FAQ

In turbulent times, Xi builds a security fortress for China, and himself

A new wine legend sprouts from the land of the gods

Biden: superhero, lame duck — or both?

Frozen U.S.-China cooperation presents new hitch for global warming

How to self-test for COVID in Japan, and which antigen kits to use

Sponsored contents planned and edited by JT Media Enterprise Division.

The Japan Times LTD. All rights reserved.