Spring yet to come: Small businesses at Beijing's tourist hot-spots struggle

A chef prepares food in the Qianmen district, one of the top tourist destinations in Beijing, as the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues in China April 8, 2020. Picture taken April 8, 2020. REUTERS/Thomas Peter

BEIJING (Reuters) - For Zhang Yu, who runs a cafe in one of Beijing's top tourist spots, business has never been so bad.

To contain the spread of the coronavirus, bars and cafes in the Wudaoying hutong - a top Lonely Planet destination built around a narrow lane - are permitted to provide take-away services only. Non-residents must show proof they have an appointment to enter the area.