Dust clouds the air over Harbin, Heilongjiang province, where the air quality recorded light to moderate pollution on Thursday. Photo: VCG

The skies over residential areas in Harbin are obscured by sand and dust. Photo: VCG

People on the streets in Anda in Heilongjiang go about their business despite the haze, which was brought by the first sandstorm to hit the city this year. Photo: VCG

The sun tries to peek through the haze over Tianjin on Thursday. Photo: VCG

The Beijing skyline is obscured in the early morning by dust on Thursday. Photo: VCG

Pedestrians brace themselves against the strong winds and sand in Erenhot City in Inner Mongolia, with the severe weather affecting travel. Photo: VCG

Drivers struggle with limited visibility in Erenhot in Inner Mongolia. Photo: VCG

On Wednesday, the immigration management police of Erlian entry-exit Border Checkpoint carry out border inspection on a customs clearance train in a sandstorm weather in Xilin Gol League, Inner Mongolia autonomous region. Photo: VCG