Lantern Festival traffic and fireworks cause smog in Beijing
Millions of migrant workers flowed back to cities on Sunday, formally marking the end of celebrations for the Lunar New Year period in China.
Air pollution in Beijing spiked higher on Sunday as more traffic and fireworks caused smog on the traditional Lantern Festival, when millions of migrant workers flowed back to cities.
The Lantern Festival formally marks the end of celebrations for the Lunar New Year period, 15 days after it began, and is celebrated by viewing lanterns and setting off fireworks, among other activities.
The government issued a smog alert on Sunday for central and eastern parts of China, the official Xinhua news agency said. Heavy air pollution in recent weeks has been blamed on coal-burning and auto exhaust emissions.
Local officials urged people to limit the amount of fireworks they set off, CCTV reported.
The Ministry of Railways estimated around 6.4 million people would make train journeys on Sunday.
Many of China’s migrant workers living in rural areas delay their return to their workplaces beyond the official public holiday, which lasts only a week.
In Shanghai, worshippers thronged the Jingan Buddhist Temple, burning incense and tossing coins into a giant urn to make wishes for the coming year.