Commuters queue for a bus Wednesday at a bus station in Tongzhou, Beijing on the border of Yanjiao in Sanhe City, North China’s Hebei province. Three county-level divisions under the administration of Langfang City in Hebei issued a new travel policy Tuesday, allowing people to commute between Beijing and Langfang with Covid-19 negative proof and multiple certificates. Photo: VCG

People who live in Hebei’s Sanhe city, Dachang Hui autonomous county and Xianghe county were banned from entering Beijing for more than 20 days due to Covid-19 restrictions. Photo: VCG

Passengers wait to pass a checkpoint Wednesday in Dachang Hui autonomous county in Langfang after the local government lifted travel restrictions there on Tuesday. Photo: Li Congxun, Intern Reporter/Caixin

To pass checkpoints, passengers need to provide multiple documents such as a 48-hour negative Covid-19 test, health code and identity card. Photo: Li Congxun, Intern Reporter/Caixin

Mr. Chen fails to pass the checkpoint in Dachang Hui autonomous county Wednesday as he cannot provide a residence certificate. The travel restrictions forced him to live in a hotel for more than 20 days, spending over 3,000 yuan. Photo: Li Congxun, Intern Reporter/Caixin

A worker in a protective suit takes a break at the checkpoint Wednesday. Photo: Li Congxun, Intern Reporter/Caixin

Passengers ask police personnel for relevant information at the checkpoint. Photo: Li Congxun, Intern Reporter/Caixin

Passengers complete the formalities at the checkpoint. Photo: Li Congxun, Intern Reporter/Caixin

Police personnel guide passengers at the checkpoint. Photo: Li Congxun, Intern Reporter/Caixin

Millions of cross-city commuters live in Sanhe City, Dachang Hui autonomous county, and Xianghe county located at the Beijing-Tianjin and Beijing-Hebei junctions. The Covid-19 outbreak has disrupted their regular commute. Photo: VCG

People queue for a bus to take them from Beijing to Yanjiao in July 2021. Commuters are often stuck in crowds and heavy congestion at bus stations and checkpoints on their way to or from downtown Beijing. Photo: VCG

The Chaobai River separates Beijing (left) from the commuter zone of Yanjiao in Sanhe City. Photo: VCG