Clouds of smoke billow from the chimneys at a Chinese chemical plant rumbling with activity, more than a year after authorities closed it following protests by thousands of people.
The factory in Dalian was ordered to halt work and relocate 17 months ago after local residents took to the streets, fearing a toxic chemical spill that might poison them and their children.
But now it appears to be functioning, although at what capacity is unclear.
The apparent U-turn raises questions about how China’s communist rulers, ever fearful of social unrest, can deal with its pollution problem while also retaining the manufacturing operations that have powered economic growth.
Across China public frustration mounted this week as dense smog blanketed swathes of the country, with even state-run media questioning the authorities’ ability to meet their goal of building a “beautiful China”.
The darkened skies prompted premier-to-be Li Keqiang to call for stricter enforcement of environmental protections – but failing to fulfill even simpler promises such as shutting the plant in Dalian could further prime popular anger.