In the end, Xi had to succumb to the inevitable. Everyone knew from the get go that lockdowns were not sustainable way to deal with COVID. But the Chinese dictator won't give up the idea until the virus dealt him a fatal blow.
Now the real fight begins in China, after 3 years of delay...
不能把疫情来势汹汹的原因都归结于“放开” - Yes, millions of people were infected before 放开, so Zero policy didn't work, costed huge money and destroyed economy, so CCP has to give up Zero policy and 放开! But China is Not ready for 放开 even 放开 too late!