How bad is the pollution? Smoking?

How bad is the pollution in late June, early July in Beijing, Xian, Hangzhou and Shanghai? Suggestions to combat it?

Also, is smoking allowed everywhere? Even on the internal Chinese airlines?

How bad is the pollution? Smoking?

Depending on the heat, I%26#39;ve heard the pollution can get pretty heavy, especially in Beijing. Shanghai would probably be a close second, as would Hong Kong. As of last fall, when we visited China, smoking was most definitely NOT allowed on domestic Chinese airlines. But it is still allowed in most public places, though they%26#39;re working on improving that. Hope this helps!

How bad is the pollution? Smoking?

Smoking seems to be far worse in Vietnam and Japan. Many of the atractions are outdoors so you will be OK. The Chinese internal airlines are OK.

Beijing is bad in terms of pollution. The only way to avoid it is to hope all industry shuts down whilst you visit. That won%26#39;t happen!!!

Thanks for the info LAAdventurer and xiantraveller.

So with the pollution-just grin and bear it? Do many of the tourists/locals wear masks?

Glad there is no smoking on the airlines, that would be tough in an enclosed space.

I have seen masks on TV news programs but did not see any being worn in Beijing, Shanghai, Xian and HK.

Actually, there is a growing awareness about the pollution problem in China, and we did see some locals wearing blue medical masks (or they could have just been sick at the time). But even more common is carrying a handkerchief and putting it up to one%26#39;s nose/mouth area whenever a bus rushes by.

So, grin and bear it? I suppose that%26#39;s all one can do for now.

The pollution in Beijing is getting worse now. I came back from BJ 2 weeks ago, and when you land , you feel the chemicals in your nose and troath.

They dont care about it, because economy is more important, and they open one coalburned powerstation in CHINA every week.

The burning of coal in China gives more CO2 to the air than all the cars in US and Europe together!! Difficult to imagine..

Wow, the pollution sounds very discouraging. I thought they would try to clean it up for the Olympics, but as you said, economy comes first.