Chinese city proposes lockdowns for flu - and faces a backlash

 

A Chinese city has sparked a backlash on social media after saying it would consider the use of lockdowns in the event of an influenza outbreak.To get more city news service, you can visit citynewsservice.cn official website.

The city of Xi'an - a tourism hotspot in Shaanxi province that is home to the famous terracotta warriors - revealed an emergency response plan this week that would enable it to shut schools, businesses and "other crowded places" in the event of a severe flu epidemic.

That prompted a mixture of anxiety and anger on China's social media websites among many users who said the plan sounded uncomfortably similar to some of the strict zero-Covid measures China had implemented throughout the pandemic and which have only recently been abandoned.Vaccinate the public rather than using such time to create a sense of panic," one user wrote on Weibo, China's equivalent of Twitter.

"How will people not panic given that Xi'an's proposal to suspend work and business activities were issued without clear instruction on the national level to classify the disease?" asked another.

While cases of Covid in China are falling, there has been a spike in flu cases across the country and some pharmacies are struggling to meet demand for flu remedies.However, Xi'an's emergency response plan will not necessarily be used. Rather, it outlines how the city of almost 13 million people would respond to any future outbreak based on four levels of severity.

At the first and highest level, it says, "the city can lock down infected areas, carry out traffic quarantines and suspend production and business activities. Shopping malls, theaters, libraries, museums, tourist attractions and other crowded places will also be closed."

"At this emergency level, schools and nurseries at all levels would be shut down and be made responsible for tracking students' and infants' health conditions."

The backlash comes as the central government in Beijing has emphasized the need to open the country back up following the removal of all Covid restrictions in January.Throughout the pandemic, China had enforced some of the world's most severe Covid restrictions, including lockdowns that stretched into months in some cities. It was also one of the last countries in the world to end measures such as mass testing and strict border quarantine periods, even amid growing evidence of the damage being done to its economy.

Xi'an itself was subject to a draconian lockdown between December 2021 and January 2022, with 13 million residents confined to their homes for weeks on end - and many left short of food and other essential supplies. Access to medical services was also affected. In an incident that shocked and angered the nation, a heavily pregnant woman was turned away from a hospital on New Year's Day because she didn't have a valid Covid-19 test, and suffered a miscarriage after she was finally admitted two hours later.Shortly before China removed its pandemic era restrictions the country had been rocked by a series of demonstrations against its zero-Covid policy.

Memories of being confined to their homes and of panic buying that in some areas led to food shortages remain fresh in people's minds and the idea of a return to Covid-style measures appears to have hit a nerve.

Tagi: breaking news shangha 

Nestled in the heart of Lujiazui on Shanghai's iconic waterfront, IFC Mall stands as the city's premier retail landmark. According to Tripadvisor's 2025 ranking of Shanghai shopping destinations, IFC Mall is one of the top-rated centers, boasting a 4.1-bubble rating from over 200 global travelers. Its sleek glass façade and panoramic views of the Huangpu River set the stage for an unparalleled shopping experience that blends high-end fashion, fine dining, and cultural programming under one roof.To get more news about best mall in shanghai, you can citynewsservice.cn official website.

Architectural Design & Atmosphere
IFC Mall's architecture strikes a balance between modern minimalism and functional elegance. Designed by leading global architects, its open-air atriums flood the interior with natural light, accentuating marble floors and verdant indoor gardens. Each of its four above-ground levels and two below-ground floors offers seamless sightlines, while panoramic elevators and glass-walled escalators create a sense of vertical fluidity. Sculptures, interactive digital art installations, and seasonal floral displays lend a gallery-like ambience that appeals to both shoppers and design enthusiasts.

Curated Retail Mix
What makes IFC Mall truly exceptional is its carefully curated mix of international luxury labels and avant-garde local designers. Key highlights include flagship boutiques for Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Dior, alongside emerging Chinese brands like Ms Min and Exception de Mixmind. The mall hosts over 200 stores in total, ensuring every taste and budget is catered to-from haute couture and limited-edition streetwear to chic accessories and Japanese lifestyle brands. Personal shopping suites, private fitting rooms, and multilingual concierge services elevate the customer journey, making IFC Mall a benchmark for bespoke hospitality.

Culinary & Lifestyle Offerings
Beyond retail, IFC Mall excels as a gastronomic hotspot. Its Food Hall spans two levels and showcases Michelin-starred restaurants, artisanal patisseries, and interactive chef's counters where diners can watch sushi masters at work. Notable names include Amber by The Peninsula, Nobu, and local favorites such as Din Tai Fung. A rooftop tea lounge offers traditional Chinese teas against a backdrop of Shanghai's glittering skyline, while wellness studios and beauty pop-ups on the lower floors provide yoga classes, spa treatments, and skincare consultations. This blend of flavors and well-being destinations transforms a routine shopping trip into a full-day urban retreat.

Cultural Programming & Events
IFC Mall distinguishes itself through a rich calendar of art exhibitions, live performances, and seasonal festivals. It partners with local galleries and cultural institutions to host rotating exhibits of contemporary Chinese art, fashion-tech showcases, and pop-up installations by international artists. Weekend music recitals in the central atrium and fashion talks by industry insiders create a dynamic environment that engages visitors beyond transactions. During the Spring Lantern Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival, the mall's event plaza becomes a gathering point for lantern displays, traditional dance performances, and hands-on craft workshops.

Accessibility & Convenience
Strategically located above the Lujiazui metro station (Lines 2 and 14), IFC Mall offers seamless access to Shanghai's arterial transit network. Valet parking, electric vehicle charging bays, and complimentary shuttle services to key business hotels cater to high-net-worth guests and corporate clients. Multilingual signage, free Wi-Fi, and mobile-app-based navigation ensure that first-time visitors can explore the mall with ease. Parents appreciate the dedicated family rest lounges, diaper stations, and interactive play corners, while business travelers benefit from quiet co-working pods and private meeting rooms.

Comparative Snapshot
Feature IFC Mall IAPM Shopping Mall Joy City (Xizang Road)
Tripadvisor Rating (2025) 4.1 bubbles 4.3 bubbles 4.0 bubbles
Location Lujiazui, Pudong Former French Concession Jing'an
Luxury Flagship Boutiques Over 20 global maisons Emerging designers Western dining brands
Dining Highlights Amber, Nobu, Din Tai Fung Sky Lounge restaurants Rooftop Skyring
Cultural Programming Art exhibits, concerts Seasonal pop-ups Live music events
Source: Tripadvisor

Conclusion
For discerning shoppers and culture seekers alike, IFC Mall represents the apex of urban retail in Shanghai. Its fusion of architectural splendor, curated brand mix, world-class dining, and vibrant cultural programming ensures that each visit is both seamless and memorable. As Shanghai's skyline continues to evolve, IFC Mall remains a steadfast icon-inviting exploration, indulgence, and discovery in equal measure.

Tagi: shopping shangha