Wuhan, a city of 11 million people, is where the covid-19 epidemic started spreading on a large scale. The hardest hit place in China with thousands of deaths, the city was put on total lock-down on January 23rd 2020, for over two months during which residents were confined to their home.

This is essay documents Wuhan getting back to life following the end of the lock-down, while the disease was spreading globally.

Wuhan Unlocked

Passengers on a ferry crossing the Yangtze River, looking at Wuhan skyline at sunset, in January 2021. Wuhan, a city of 11 million people, is where the covid-19 epidemic started spreading a large scale. The hardest hit place in China with thousands
On Qingming day (celebration of the dead), a couple arrives at Biandanshan cemetery holding the portrait of a dead relative and carrying his ashes. A member of their neighborhood committee has come along. This was the second day residents of Wuhan w
Graves at Biandanshan cemetery, one of the largest in Wuhan, and where many of the city Covid victims have been laid to rest.
At a shut down restaurant, a cook is taking a nap (April 2020). As Wuhan was slowly opening up, restaurants were not allowed to take patrons, but they some were operating for deliveries.
A the canteen of a Lenovo factory producing smartphones and tablets, the formerly communal cafeteria tables have been partitioned off by vertical barriers covered in reminders to avoid conversations. The barriers have been set-up to avoid possible c
A packed restaurant on Friday evening, with maskless clients (January 2021). Since the lockdown ended, and with months without a single local case of covid transmission, restaurants are packed again with young crowds.
At an exhibition on the fight against the covid epidemic, visitors watching a video showing volunteer medical staff who have come to Wuhan in support, as the outbreak strained the local healthcare capabilities beyond its limits. Local medical staff
At an exhibition on the fight against the covid epidemic, a video shows President Xi Jinping making a speech. The containment of the epidemic is a victory for the Chinese Communist Party with Xi Jinping at its helm, stresses the official narrative.
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At a punk music concert an enthusiastic crowd waving at the band (January 2021). Wuhan is well known for its punk-rock scene and concert venues have resumed their regular schedules holding as many as five concerts a week. Many in the audience don’t
On January 1st 2021, a group of tango aficionados has gathered for a small party at a private studio apartment.
On new year’s eve 2020, a group of students is celebrating the beginning of a 2 months holidays, with food, songs and lots of drinks.
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At the entrance of a park a security guard is pointing a handheld thermometer to a visitor’s forehead (April 2020). Parks don’t have anymore body temperature or health code checkpoints.
On a popular pedestrian street crowds of yound people have gathered to celebrate the new year, overwhelming the police trying to channel the flow of revelers. A year after the outbreak, residents are no longer worried about large gatherings.
A couple listening to a pop song concert at a newly opened music bar.
A couple adjusting a face mask on their toddler. Face masks are no longer mandatory in Wuhan, except in public transports and hospitals, however most people still wear one in public places both indoor and outdoor.
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Families at Happy Valley entertainment parks during a show. Once the lock-down lifted, entertainment parks have become popular destinations again.
A line has formed at a popular attraction of Happy Valley entertainment park.
In a neighbourhood earmarked for demolition, an elderly couple in front of their home. Entire old neighborhoods are planned to be demolished/rebuilt as the city revamps itself.
A woman, on her way to grocery shopping, holding her face mask in a demolished neighborhood. Entire old neighbourhoods are planned to be demolished/rebuilt as the city revamps itself.
In Zhongshan Park, a woman dressed up for a portrait photo, while a member of the team is looking on from behind.
A man in a Wuhan park on the day the city lock-down was officially lifted (April 8th 2020)
On a chill winter day, a swimmer about to jump in the Yangtze River as a cargo loaded with cars is cruising along.
A man looking at Wuhan skyline by the Yangtze River under the Yangsigang bridge.
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