Frustration appears to be mounting in Beijing as the Chinese capital comes under tight security and Covid restrictions ahead of a historic Communist Party congress.
Authorities have tightened access to the city, shutting out many travellers, returning residents, and deliveries.
Others had their movement restricted or were forced to quarantine.
It has sparked an outpouring of anger online. Meanwhile, photos of an apparent public protest have circulated.
The images and footage show two large protest banners unfurled on a bridge in Beijing’s North-Western Haidian district.
One read: “No Covid test, we want to eat. No restrictions, we want freedom. No lies, we want dignity. No Cultural Revolution, we want reform. No leaders, we want votes. By not being slaves, we can be citizens.”
The other called on residents to “go on strike at school and work, remove the dictator and national traitor Xi Jinping”.
The protest appeared to have been swiftly stopped by authorities. A visit to the scene later found no trace of it, but there was a visible police presence in the area.
The week-long 20th Party Congress, due to kick off on Sunday, will see about 2,300 top officials and party delegates descend upon the capital.
China’s leader is expected to be handed a third term, breaking decades-long tradition and shoring up his already firm grip on power.
BBC/Oluwayemisi Owonikoko
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