In 2021, Clive Astin embarked on an extraordinary journey into China during its strictest Zero-COVID era. What followed was a tale of resilience, frustration, and transformation—a story of breaking into and then out of the Great Firewall. From endless quarantines to lockdowns, and finally catching COVID himself, Clive’s experience is a gripping account of life…
Planning to study or travel in the UK? Navigating visa applications can seem daunting, but with the right preparation, it’s a straightforward process. Here’s a quick guide to help you get started! 1. Understanding Your Visa Options Student Visa (Tier 4): For those enrolled in a UK university or educational institution. Standard Visitor Visa: Perfect…
It may have happened rapidly, but COVID-19 is effectively over in China: Effective January 8, 2023, there is no longer a requirement for quarantine for international arrivals entering the PRC Health codes are no longer required Lockdowns are no longer actioned Masks are required on public transport. They are not always required in shopping malls, but…
As of July 2022, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang province has heightened its COVID-19 control measures. Although fewer establishments require the scanning of the Wenzhou health code WeChat mini program, which conveys test and vaccination status, as well as recent travel, regular tests are now required by all citizens. It is recommended to visit one of the…
After the last big UK lockdown of 2021, I scrambled to get out of the UK whilst I could. I decided to flee the country and arrive in China early before my contract with a Chinese university began: In case another lockdown took place, or even before travel restrictions worsened and delayed, or even completely…
Despite the challenges to travelling and indeed, to all industries that the COVID pandemic continues to ravage, an interesting statistic derived from Bloomsberg is that the number of Chinese applicants to UK universities now outweighs those from the EU. Whilst this might well highlight the effect of Brexit, it is also the result of increasing…
Leaving a somewhat COVID-fatigued UK on a Sunday in July and arriving in Nanjing, China was like stepping into another world: one which takes the risks of COVID cross-infection very seriously and that systematically strives to halt, track and trace any spread of the virus at every given opportunity. My first inklings that China’s relationship…
