Over the past two years outbound travel, for most of us, has been significantly curtailed. Various travel restrictions or advisories remaining in place, people have been changing their plans and aspirations. However, a carefully planned staycation can result in a very successful, indeed meaningful experience even in a familiar place. Many have seized this opportunity to discover more of the unique beauty and diversity of China. A boon, of course, to local economies, particularly in less-developed rural areas.

In Beijing there is the ongoing 2022 Winter Olympics at the same time as strict measures are needed to keep the pandemic from spreading. This all coinciding with the annual Spring Festival holiday. I saw this as a chance to simply concentrate on and appreciate what Beijing has to offer.