Blog: As a Foreigner In Beijing, I Never Felt So Unwelcome Before

The soothing warm but at the same time cool weather; the yellow, white, pale pink buds beginning to bloom. Spring has arrived in Beijing. After a heavy winter lockdown due to the outbreak, the arrival of spring has brought a whole new level of appreciation.

As Beijing gradually reopens, cars start bustling through the avenues, scooters start zigzagging through the streets, people start feeling confident and safe to be outdoors. Nonetheless, the guard is not let down. Precaution hygiene reminders are everywhere you go — on the elevator, on the subway, on billboards and on signs in the park. Nowadays, the mask has become another extension of ourselves.