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Heavy smog continues in N. China
Heavy smog continued across north China on Wednesday, causing the cancellation of flights and road closures.
The average density of the fine particulate matter PM2.5 in Beijing's six downtown districts was 279 micrograms per cubic meter at 2 p.m. Wednesday, according to data with the Beijing Environmental Protection Monitoring Center.
Many pedestrians in the capital chose to wear masks while outside. Visibility was less than one kilometer in some areas.
Poor visibility also caused Beijing's smaller Nanyuan Airport to cancel some flights Wednesday.
Beijing authorities advised citizens to reduce outdoor activities and better manage construction projects, which are known for stirring up dust.
Hebei, Shandong and Liaoning provinces, as well as Tianjin Municipality, all issued a yellow alert for smog.
Most expressways in Hebei were shut due to dense fog on Wednesday, according to traffic police.
