2021, Clive Astin defied the odds and entered China during its strictest Zero-COVID period. What followed was a gripping tale of resilience, frustration, and personal growth. From gruelling quarantines to relentless lockdowns, and finally catching COVID himself, Clive’s story offers a unique perspective on life in China during one of its most challenging times.
Entering China Amidst Zero-COVID Restrictions
Clive’s journey began with a monumental challenge: entering China when the country was virtually closed to the world.
- No Direct Flights: Traveling to China required navigating complex routes and endless layovers.
- Endless Testing: Mandatory COVID tests and health code checks became a daily routine.
- Grueling Quarantine: A 21-day quarantine tested his patience and resolve from the very start.
Life Under Zero-COVID: A Rollercoaster of Challenges
Once inside China, Clive faced the full force of the Zero-COVID policies.
- Weekly Tests and Health Codes: The constant monitoring and restrictions became a way of life.
- Lockdowns and Isolation: A single positive case could trigger a lockdown, leaving Clive stranded on an island with no escape.
- Stranded in a Hotel: Cut off from the world, Clive’s patience wore thin as he grappled with isolation and uncertainty.
The End of Zero-COVID and a New Wave of Challenges
When Zero-COVID policies finally eased in late 2023, the virus swept through China like wildfire.
- Streets Emptied: Fear of the virus kept people indoors, creating an eerie silence in once-bustling cities.
- Catching COVID: Clive contracted the virus for the first time, leaving him bed-bound over Christmas.
- Juggling Responsibilities: Despite his illness, Clive had to manage exam prep, adding to his exhaustion.
A Bittersweet Farewell to China
With family troubles back in the UK and the toll of his experiences weighing on him, Clive made the difficult decision to leave China.
- Unforgettable Friendships: Amidst the challenges, Clive formed lasting bonds with locals and fellow expats.
- Cultural Insights: His time in China offered a deep understanding of its unique culture and bureaucratic systems.
- Transformation: Clive’s journey was not just an adventure but a life-changing experience that tested and shaped him.
Why Clive’s Story Matters
Clive’s account is more than just a personal memoir; it’s a window into a historic period in China’s history.
- Resilience and Adaptability: Learn how Clive navigated one of the world’s strictest COVID regimes.
- Cultural Quirks and Challenges: Discover the unique aspects of life in China during Zero-COVID.
- A Story of Growth: Clive’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and adaptability.
Get the Full Story
Experience Clive’s incredible journey in his own words. His new Kindle book, Come to China, They Said, is now available on Amazon.
Come to China, They Said
A Foreigner’s Tale of Breaking in and then Out of the Great Firewall Throughout Zero-COVID
