audio, stills, text and or video: Go to http://www.zReportage.com to see more - Beijing and some other cities in northern China have experienced their worst air pollution readings on record. Readings were more than 20 times higher than the World Health Organization recommendations, similar to that of an airport smoking lounge. China's rapid economic growth and urbanization have brought many more pollution producing vehicles to the city, Beijing is unlucky as it is surrounded by mountains that trap the soot-filled air from neighboring provinces heavy industries which churn out large amounts of steel, cement and products for China's domestic market. The China Daily newspaper said in an editorial recently ''It is time the nation made the hard but necessary choice to seek a better environment at the cost of economic growth.''
© Xinhua via ZUMA Wire
Jan 31, 2013 - Beijing, China - Journalist FU XIALI poses for a portrait in the Xicheng District. Fu said she had got used to wearing masks and watching weather forecast. Beijing has suffered from haze several times since the beginning of this year.
© Xinhua via ZUMA Wire
The office of Journalist Fu Xiali in the Xicheng District of Beijing. Fu said she had got used to wearing masks and watching weather forecast. Beijing has suffered from smog for several times since the beginning of this year.
© Xinhua via ZUMA Wire
Mar 31, 2013 - Beijing, China - Entrepreneur GAO WEI poses for a portrait in the Chaoyang District.
© Xinhua via ZUMA Wire
June 25, 2013 - Beijing, China - The living room of Gao Wei, who lives in the Chaoyang District.
© Xinhua via ZUMA Wire
Mar 14, 2013 - Beijing, China - Journalist WANG QUANCHAO poses for a portrait in the Xicheng District.
© Xinhua via ZUMA Wire
June 25, 2013 - Beijing, China - The office of Journalist Wang Quanchao in the Xicheng District.
© Xinhua via ZUMA Wire
Mar 8, 2013 - Beijing, China - Lawyer TONG FEI poses for a photo in a park.
© Xinhua via ZUMA Wire
June 25, 2013 - Beijing, China - A green plant in the corridor of Lawyer Tong Fei's home. He said he installed air cleaners in each room of his house.
© Xinhua via ZUMA Wire
Jan 31, 2013 - Beijing, China - PR Manager ZHANG QIAN (L) and her portrait in the Chaoyang District of Beijing, capital of China. Zhang said she spent nearly 10,000 yuan (about 1,627 U.S. dollars) on purchasing air cleaners. Beijing has suffered from haze for several times since the beginning of this year. This photo featured the indoor and outdoor experiences of citizens in Beijing during the haze weather.
© Xinhua via ZUMA Wire
June 25, 2013 - Beijing, China - The office of PR Manager Zhang Qian in the Chaoyang District. Zhang said she spent nearly 10,000 yuan (about 1,627 U.S. dollars) on purchasing air cleaners.
© Xinhua via ZUMA Wire
June 16, 2013 - Beijing, China - FENG DU and GAN QUAN share a moment in the Chaoyang District. The city cancels outdoor activities during smoggy days.
© Xinhua via ZUMA Wire
June 25, 2013 - Beijing, China - The house of the couple Feng Du and Gan Quan.
© Xinhua via ZUMA Wire
Jan 31, 2013 - Beijing, China - Freelancer CHENG LU poses for a portrait in the Chaoyang District.
© Xinhua via ZUMA Wire
June 25, 2013 - Beijing, China - The bedroom of freelancer Cheng Lu in the Chaoyang District.
© Xinhua via ZUMA Wire
Mar 26, 2013 - Beijing, China - ZHAO LINA, 58, poses for a portrait in the Chaoyang District.
© Xinhua via ZUMA Wire
June 25, 2013 - Beijing, China - The bedroom of Zhao Lina, 58, in the Chaoyang District.
© Xinhua via ZUMA Wire
Feb 24, 2013 - Beijing, China - The couple LIU YINGJUN and YANG GUANG and their portrait in the Chaoyang District.
© Xinhua via ZUMA Wire
June 25, 2013 - Beijing, China - The bedroom of the couple Liu Yingjun and Yang Guang in the Chaoyang District.
© Xinhua via ZUMA Wire
Jan 31, 2013 - Beijing, China - Lawyer ZENG TAO poses for a portrait in the Chaoyang District.
© Xinhua via ZUMA Wire
June 25, 2013 - Beijing, China - The office of Lawyer Zeng Tao in the Chaoyang District.
© Xinhua via ZUMA Wire
