While China's official death toll is barely ticking higher, UK-based health data firm Airfinity estimated last week that around 9,000 people in the country are probably dying each day from COVID.
"This virus should just go and die, cannot believe this year I cannot even find a healthy friend that can go out with me," wrote one social media user based in eastern Shandong province.
But in the city of Wuhan, where the pandemic began three years ago, thousands of people gathered to despite a heavy security presence.
Barricades were erected and hundreds of police officers stood guard. Loudspeakers blasted out a message on a loop advising people not to gather. But the large crowds of revellers took no notice.
In Shanghai, many thronged the historic riverside walkway, the Bund.
"We've all travelled in from Chengdu to celebrate in Shanghai," said Da Dai, a 28-year-old digital media executive who was visiting with two friends. "We've already had COVID, so now feel it's safe to enjoy ourselves."
