Shanghai reopened on Wednesday following two months of lockdown, as the number of new Covid-19 infections continued to drop.

The financial hub reported 15 new local cases, including five symptomatic infections.

People were seen travelling on Shanghai's subway and heading to office buildings, while many shops reopened.

Yellow barriers that had been used to fence off housing compounds were taken down in many areas deemed “low risk”, and residents are now allowed to move around the city freely.

Deputy Mayor Zong Ming told reporters on Tuesday that the easing will impact about 22 million people in the city.

Malls, convenience stores, pharmacies and beauty salons will be allowed to operate at 75 percent capacity, while parks and other scenic spots will gradually reopen, she added.

Cinemas and gyms remain closed, and schools will slowly reopen on a voluntary basis.

A teacher working in Shanghai told RTHK that the past two months, which saw the city closed down in sections from late March, was “a cycle of hope and disappointment”.

But Remo Notarianni expressed hope for the future.

"Well, it's the first morning, so it's early days. But over two months it's been like a cycle of hope and disappointment.

"There were fireworks on the compound and barriers being taken down...I think if there's a lot of gatherings, probably there's a chance some rebound might happen, but let's be hopeful."

Meanwhile, Beijing also reported 15 new local cases – the majority of which were symptomatic.

Across the mainland, there were a total of 68 local infections, 29 fewer than the previous day.
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Last updated: 2022-06-1 HKT 17:15