Crazy scenes as Chinese city comes out of Covid lockdown

After locking down the city of some 17.5 million people, China's finance and technology centre of Shenzhen has since emerged following citywide Covid testing.

While China continues to try and suppress the virus and achieve 'Covid-zero', businesses and government offices were allowed to reopen earlier this week. Bus and subway services, which had been suspended, were also restarted, reportedly seeing massive crowds packing into Shenzhen subway stations.

China watcher and journalist Manya Koetse shared photos of the crazy scenes, citing a reduced number of trains as hordes of commuters waited together in confined spaces.

Last week China shut down all businesses except those that supply food and other necessities and told the public to stay home following a spike in cases.

Shenzhen is home to some of China’s biggest companies including telco equipment maker Huawei, electric car brand BYD Auto and Tencent, operator of the popular WeChat message service.

Shanghai avoids citywide shutdown

Meanwhile Shanghai, which has a population nearly as big as Australia at 24 million, avoided a citywide shutdown this week but authorities appealed to the public to stay home.

Bus services into the city have been suspended and visitors are required to show a negative virus test, while tourist attractions such as Shanghai Disneyland, Disneytown and Wishing Star Park were closed until further notice.

• Grim warning as Covid cases continue to soar: 'A way to go yet'

• China defends its stance on Russian invasion: 'Right side of history'

• New twist in China-Australia military dispute off NT coast: 'Malicious'

Earlier authorities suspended access to two residential areas and carried out mass testing at dozens of others.

Shanghai residents posted photos on the internet showing empty streets and subways during what usually is a crowded Monday morning rush hour.

The shutdowns prompted concern trade might be disrupted if ports near Shanghai and Shenzhen, among the world’s busiest, are affected. The Shanghai port moved paperwork functions online but said cargo was moving normally.

The government said last week it was trying to fine-tune anti-disease controls to reduce their economic cost and impact on society, but comments on Chinese social media, as well as a leaked video last week showing pandemic workers fighting with residents, suggest some sections of society are growing weary of the country's strict approach.

with AP

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.