The Beijing I know and love has horrific pollution. It is a city masked and armed to slowly shrug off the cloak of Communism. In light of the cold weather, pollution, and filth, I felt the need this Christmas to return to the city that tugs at my heartstrings. Beijing.
In case you haven't heard, parts of China are dealing with major air pollution issues right now. China is suffering the world's worst pollution, which is the direct result of the over-reliance on coal. China's environmental challenges are enormous, but as the country's government, businesses and citizens increasingly recognize the link between healthy natural systems and the country's prosperity, folks seem to be reaching out more to help reach a sustainable future.
During my visit, Chinese friends happily reported I brought Hawaii blue skies to Beijing. The skies were blue and the weather cold, yet it was manageable, even quite nice. We were able to take walks, shop outdoors, and enjoy the blue skies. A real treat for Beijing locals. Closer to dinner time I could see the smog rolling in. At my friend's house in ChaoYang District her beautiful master bedroom looked out across the Beijing skyline and a towering smoke stack at least 5 stories high smoke, smoke, smoking away. In DaXing District where I stayed, a coal refinery sat next-door to my friend's beautiful apartment complex.
To see up to the minute pollution readings in China click here http://aqicn.org/mask/
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