A Beechworth woman living in Beijing has told of a "resilient and determined" China in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
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Erica Livy shared her family's experience of empty streets, schools cancelled and temperature checks when entering buildings, including where they live, on Facebook on Saturday.
And despite receiving a warning from Australian authorities who told them they could board the Australian evacuation plane from Wuhan to Perth, Mrs Livy and her husband Korey decided the trip to get to the epicentre of the virus outbreak would be too dangerous.
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"China is our home and we feel safe here," Mrs Livy said.
"We considered flying to Australia but decided that the 14 hour flight and the 18 hour layover in other Chinese cities, or 12 hour stop over in Bali, was more of a risk to us than staying safely inside our home.
"Even if we wanted to board that plane, it would be impossible for us to get into the locked down city of Wuhan, we would have to put our family at risk by travelling to the epicentre of this virus."
Mrs Livy said they have been "constantly amazed" at the resilience of the Chinese people.
"I am in awe that this Coronavirus is not crushing the collaborative spirit that is China," she said.
"When you hear rumors about China or are quick to judge an entire population of people, please know that there is always another side to the story.
"Know that we are here on the ground and we are amazed by what we are seeing in this time of crisis."
For the meantime the Livys are catching up on assignments and spending time with their daughter.
