In pictures: Smog hits Beijing
- Published
Air pollution has shrouded parts of northeast China since Friday, leaving residents choking on hazardous levels of smog.
Particulate readings in Beijing soared to 15 times WHO-recommended safe limits on Friday - reaching "orange" levels, the second-highest possible.
The smog has persisted through the weekend, shrouding other Chinese cities including Hangzhou.
By Monday the alert level was down to "yellow", but many residents wore protective masks as they went about their daily lives.
In response, the Beijing government has ordered checks on construction work and polluting industries, and banned open-air barbecues in the city.
Residents have lived with the pollution for several years - and it tends to get worse in winter.
High levels of smog can be harmful to health, the WHO has warned, causing respiratory illness in vulnerable people.