Beijing - Change in Visibility Over 24 Hours

[fasternyou929]

I've tried to explain to friends how much the air quality in Beijing can vary, and how quickly. Throughout a day visibility can change from a mile or more to a couple city blocks.

On my last trip, I had the most perfect weather I've ever seen there. Blue sky in Beijing proper, high 70 to low 80 degree temps. If at all possible I would've called in sick just get out and enjoy it.

The next day, I couldn't believe how much it had changed.

These pictures were taken on separate days, but within an hour of each other. The clear one taken from the Beijing office ~10am, the other taken from my hotel at 8:30-9:00am.