China lifts 1-month lockdown in Xi'an, 2 million in Beijing tested

Chinese authorities lifted a monthlong lockdown on the northern city of Xi'an and its 13 million residents Monday as infections subside ahead of the Winter Olympics in Beijing in less than two weeks.

Meanwhile, the 2 million residents of one Beijing district have been ordered to undergo testing following a series of cases in the capital.

The government told people in areas of Beijing deemed at high risk for infection not to leave the city after 25 cases were found in the Fengtai district and 14 elsewhere.

Fengtai residents have lined up on snow-covered sidewalks in freezing weather for testing.

The Olympics are being held under strict controls that are meant to isolate athletes, staff, reporters and officials from residents. Athletes are required to be vaccinated or undergo a quarantine after arriving in China.

The announcement by Xi'an's government Monday followed the restart of commercial flights from the city the day before. The major industrial center and former imperial capit