Even before Covid, I always thought China, unlike all other countries I've been to, was an alternate universe. All the major Western tech platforms don't work (Google, gmail, FB, Youtube, Google Maps, Uber, etc), and the massive crowds of domestic tourists suggest little need for foreign tourists. It just intensified recently.

On one hand, self-sufficient domestic tourism is a pride very few major countries can enjoy. This is just part of the mosaic of self-reliance China has been working towards.

On the other hand, it makes it highly unattractive to foreigners.