On January 24th, on the day when officials Zhang Yuxia and Liu Zhenli were announced to have fallen from grace, the core sensitive areas of Beijing were seen swarming with armed police and special police, along with police checkpoints set up to check people’s identification cards and search their belongings. Areas near Zhongnanhai were even off-limits for street photography.
Prior to the official announcement, a noticeable increase in security measures different from the daily routine was observed in the Zhongnanhai area of Beijing. People entering the core area documented the unusual scenes on the streets that day, sparking high levels of external interest in Beijing’s internal situation.
A “verified” Weibo user known as “Master Mei,” who has been working in the business training industry in China for many years with over 250,000 followers across major social platforms, traveled from Shanghai to Beijing last week. From the morning to noon of January 24th, he captured the street scenes near Zhongnanhai in Beijing.
Master Mei set out from the Marco Polo hotel in Gu Lou at 10:20 am on the 24th. He encountered police checkpoints immediately upon entering the subway interchange passageway, where every person passing through had their identification checked and their faces verified. He remarked that such stringent checks were rare in other cities. In Shanghai’s subway, random ID checks by police may occur without setting up checkpoints, but no one was checked every time.
After exiting the subway station, Master Mei walked for over an hour to arrive near Zhongnanhai. On Jing Shan Qian Street, he observed frequent police patrols, as well as armed police and special forces officers.
Continuing along Jing Shan Qian Street, Master Mei encountered another police checkpoint where he was told to undergo a security check – bag search and ID check. During the bag search, a police officer specifically looked at a contract document. Mockingly, Master Mei commented that the officer seemed vigilant about the paper material, perhaps mistaking it for some “leaflet” and trying to assert authority.
He sarcastically added that the strict security measures guaranteed a “safe” area, as it would deter any criminals from passing through. Those attempting to subvert the socialist state would be intimidated. So, after the security check, he entered a highly “secure” area where criminals and anti-Chinese individuals would undoubtedly be kept at bay.
Reflecting on the experience, Master Mei noted that it was the first time he encountered such a situation, gaining a broader understanding of Beijing.
Continuing along Jing Shan Qian Street, he was abruptly stopped by an undercover police officer and instructed not to film further ahead, as it was prohibited.
He then had to walk from North Chang Street to the entrance of South Chang Street, where another checkpoint checked IDs. A long line formed at the entrance from South Chang Street to North Chang Street, with individuals waiting to have their IDs checked before they could proceed.
Standing near Tiananmen West subway station, Master Mei noticed a sign stating that passage to Dong Chang’an Street was only permitted for those with prior reservations. Another checkpoint was in place, with police informing him that only those who had made advance reservations the day before could pass through. On-the-spot reservations were not allowed.
Originally planning to walk to Wangfujing Street in Dong Chang’an Street for a friend’s appointment, Master Mei had to alter his route due to the restrictions. Unable to proceed, he took the subway from Tiananmen West to circumvent the sensitive area and then headed to Wangfujing Street via Tiananmen East.
Upon entering the subway station, Master Mei observed that everyone leaving had to scan a QR code and undergo another security check.
Based on geographical locations, the areas Master Mei traversed that day were mostly centered around Zhongnanhai. Jing Shan Qian Street bordered the northern wall of Zhongnanhai, while North Chang Street, South Chang Street, Tiananmen West station, and Dong Chang’an Street formed the core security zone to the south. The denser checkpoints and repeated security checks in these areas were uncommon in Beijing’s usual daily state.
Under Master Mei’s video, many netizens commented on their perspectives. Some speculated that the strict security measures were a response to fears of Zhang Yuxia’s close associates plotting rebellion. Others criticized the indiscriminate ID checks on the streets and subway passages as excessive, paranoid, and authoritarian.
There were also jokes online about being mistaken for Zhang Yuxia’s associate and supporting him in Beijing, as well as humorous remarks daring individuals to brave the heightened security measures.
In summary, the unprecedented high-intensity security checks in Beijing’s core areas, the sudden official announcements, and the flood of various news surrounding these events collectively paint a vivid picture of this rare incident in the political arena.