‘She didn’t realise how dangerous it was’: London-bound student held in China over Tibet support

Zhang Yadi, who has not been heard from since her arrest in July. She was outspoken on Tibet and had written for a pro-Tibetan news site. Photograph: Handout

As Zhang Yadi toured remote villages in the Chinese province of Sichuan last year, she updated her friends with messages and photos of lush forest landscapes, colourful streets and locals wearing traditional Tibetan clothing.

The largely Tibetan parts of the province have become a popular tourist destination for holidaymakers. But the 22-year-old, on a break from her studies in Europe, told friends she was saddened by what she saw.