How do Chinese pupils exercise in heavy smog? In a ‘blow-up’ sports hall

An elementary school in China has come up with an innovative way to protect its pupils from the increasing problem of air pollution while playing sports – an inflatable sports hall, mainland media reported.

The 1,000-square-metre building, in Shijiazhuang, Hebei province, is large enough to accommodate badminton and tennis court and up to 100 pupils, the China News Service reported.

The hall has been particularly well used by children since the start of December because the province has been badly affected by persistent heavy smog.

Its airtight plastic walls and roof are inflated and supported only by warm air pumped in through vents that keep it continuously circulating inside.

The temperature, humidity, lighting and speed of the air circulating inside the hall can all be precisely adjusted, the report said.