Beijing's Municipal Bureau of Environmental Protection warned that severe pollution would cloak the Chinese capital for several days, starting Tuesday morning.
According to the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, the air quality index stood at 250 this morning, classed as "very unhealthy" and 10 times higher than World Health Organization recommended levels.
Gao Yuanli, 35, told CNN that the smog frequently made her life difficult. She wears face masks during most winter days and bought an air purifier two years ago.
"I can't go out on weekends now if the air is bad, and I don't go to outdoor markets anymore," she said.
