A sandstorm blankets much of northern China covering cities in unhealthy dust and grit.
Strong winds moved across the north bringing the sand from the northwestern desert.
Thick pollution now covers many major cities on the eastern coast.
Authorities blame the sandstorm on cold weather and lack of rain.
"After two rounds of cold air hit northern China, plants have withered, which made it easier for sand to fly up in the air. But the main reason is that there were few rainfalls in early days."
Many other factors have contributed to the increase in sandstorms in recent years.
Overgrazing, deforestation, urban sprawl, and drought helped expand deserts in the west and north -- now covering one-third of the country.
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