On Monday, the Chinese capital of Beijing experienced what its weather bureau called the worst sandstorm in a decade.
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The storm caused an unprecedented spike in air pollution measurements, with levels in some districts at 160 times the recommended limit.
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The tops of tower blocks in the city were barely visible on Monday morning.
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Beijing faces regular sandstorms in March and April due to its proximity to the Gobi desert.
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Commuters wore protective masks as they left work in the Central Business District. The sand was brought in by strong winds from Mongolia, where sandstorms have reportedly caused a number of deaths and left many missing.
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Some commuters were seen with substantial masks and improvised face coverings.
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Hundreds of flights were cancelled or grounded as the sky was covered with an orange haze.
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Despite the haze, one couple went ahead with a wedding photoshoot near the Forbidden City.
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China's Global Times media outlet reported that at least 12 provinces in the country, including the capital, had been affected.
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The sandstorms were expected to shift south towards the Yangtze River delta and should clear by Wednesday or Thursday, the environment ministry said.
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