Looking to take part in some warm weather training ahead of the new football season, the squad, who finished sixth in the table last year, first flew to Guangzhou, and then on to Malaga in Spain.
However, during their travels the world had changed beyond imagination. Wuhan had been identified as the centre of the global Covid-19 pandemic and was in total lockdown, with all movement in and out of the city banned.
Furthermore, because they came from Wuhan, on their arrival in Spain they were shunned by the locals, fearing that they could potentially pass on the deadly virus. Pre-arranged friendly games against local teams were hastily cancelled, and the squad were largely confined to the luxury hotel and training complex where they were staying, except for the occasional trip to a neighbouring shopping mall.
In early March though, with coronavirus rife in Spain, the team decided it was better to try and go home. Unable to fly from Spain, they made their way to Germany, but had to endure a pronged wait near Frankfurt, before they could finally get a flight back to Shenzhen.
However, their problems were not over then either. Having returned from Europe where the pandemic had now taken a firm hold, strict Chinese laws meant that they had to quarantine and self-isolate themselves for a further three weeks before they could resume their journey.
Finally, they were given the all-clear, and they took a high speed train back to Wuhan, where travel restrictions have now been lifted, on Saturday evening. When the train arrived at the central station, the team was greeted by a large group of the clubs fans, all wearing masks and many of them dressed in orange, the teams colours. Songs were sung and bunches of flowers given to members of the emotional squad.
The players have been given several days leave with their families, who they had not seen since their ordeal began. They will return to training later this week, although it is not clear when the Super League will now start again. Originally scheduled to begin on February 22nd, late June has been tentatively suggested as when the action will kick-off again.