[Tommy Williamsen]

I will be going to Beijing and Xian the end of September but am worried about the pollution. For those that have been there what is your experience?

[Bob Montle]

My niece teaches in China and goes to Beijing frequently.

Her advice:
Just don't breathe and you'll be fine.

[Buck Wolter]

I think its more of a long term issue unless you have lung problems -- I wouldn't go for a run if it's bad but I wouldn't go for a run if it was nice either. Take some good 3M masks and wear them if it gets bad and you are doing something outside for an extended period like the Forbidden City.

I was in Beijing with some Chinese colleagues a couple years ago and one was taking pictures of the sky and I asked why -- there was blue sky that day and she had never seen that in Beijing.

Buck

[Mark Bourgeois]

First of all, the important thing is you are going to see some amazing sites! (Okay, even if they are shrouded in "fog.")

You know the AQI, the air quality index you sometimes hear about on the radio, eg "today's a Code Red day, all outdoor recess is cancelled"? Well, there are two colors even worse than red -- red isn't even halfway to the peak reading.

Consider that, and consider that sometimes BJ's AQI is *above* the maximum number on the scale. I have no idea how that is possible--but it can't be good. 

[Steve Lang]

 


AIR QUALITY INDEX (AQI)  100 IS NOMINALLY THE AMBIENT AIR QUALITY STANDARD, YOU CAN LOOK SUCH UP color charts
but the reality in China is that the 2.5 micrometer sized particulate matter (PM2.5) concentration levels are more than 5 times the numerical standard and shown in the color chart ranges,,,

China's 24 hour standard for PM in urban and industrial areas is 75 micrograms/cubic meter (ug/m3), its 35 ug/m3 in the USA and they're reporting levels >> 500 and are happy when air quality settles round 100 ug/m3...

Not a bad idea to have some face masks handy.

[Tom_Doak]

Tommy,


For what it's worth, the one time I was in Beijing, the air quality was not bad at all.  And it's usually not bad up by the Great Wall -- only in the city itself, because they put all of the smog-making energy plants and factories to the west of the city, where the wind blows it all right straight into town.  When it's bad in the city, though, it's really bad, as the numbers above would suggest.


I've not heard of it being a problem in Xi'an, but I've never been there.

[Wade Whitehead]

Tommy:

Try: http://www.stateair.net/web/post/1/1.html or http://aqicn.org/city/beijing/ as you get closer to your trip date.

I know masks are rated and that they aren't all created the same.

Great seeing you last week at Ballyhack.  Folks, Sweet T birdied six and seven (from >190 yards!).

WW

[Kerry Gray]

I live in China, almost 10 years now. End of September is a good time, better than average chance of getting good air quality. As some have said, if it's a real concern buy the 3M masks. For a short term stay I suspect the body can handle it without any long term effects. Visine is helpful for many as well. If you live here you get used to it, the price you pay to be part of a very vibrant country.
As for Beijing, go to Jingshan Park before going to the Forbidden City, you can walk down the hill from the park to the North entrance. Also, go to the street food market in Wangfujing at night, great experience. Take the Subway whenever you can, Beijing traffic can be exceptionally bad and it's easy to use the Subway here. Try to keep your schedule flexible, that is you want to be at the Great Wall when the air is clearest for a better experience. The hotel can arrange a driver on short notice to take you there, so if you wake up and it's clear, go.

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