Beijing shrouded in heavy smog at start of Lunar New Year

Beijing was shrouded in smog on Saturday as the capital celebrated the Lunar New Year holiday.

The PM 2.5 air quality level in the city's urban areas reached 239 micrograms per cubic meter according to Xinhua, a Chinese state media outlet.

"The air is horrible," said 35-year-old cosmetics sector worker Katie Li. "Starting the lunar new year with this kind of weather is a bit depressing," she said.

At the popular Mutianyu section of the Great Wall there were around 5,000 visitors according to several members of staff. Of those, some complained about the haze affecting the views.

But others, such as 32-year-old banking sector worker Brandon Chen, were unfazed by the conditions.

"Even though the air isn't great, for Chinese people walking up to a high point in the new year carries a lot of importance," Chen said. "Doing so will mean things will get better and better for you in your life and you'll become more prosperous with each passing day," he added.

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