Smog causes economic damage

A strong cold front is dissipating the week-long smog that has shrouded Beijing. Hazy conditions in the Chinese capital have not only affected the lives and health of local residents, but also caused economic damages.

Dong Zhaoqing works at one of China's largest tourist agencies. As Beijing's week-long haze grabbed public attention at home and abroad, Dong also received questions about whether the city was still a desirable travel destination.

Dong Zhaoqing, deputy GM of China Comfort Travel Group Co. Ltd., sadi,"The smog has definitely hurt the image of Beijing. It is hard to tell the actual sales impact on tourism in such a short time, but I think it will affect the number of tourists coming to the city."

Beijing's air quality index readings rose to dangerous levels last Thursday. The capital was covered by a thick smog, making its usually enjoyable tourist spots barely visible.

"I just arrived yesterday. The impression was quite bad yesterday. I rode my bicycle for 2 hours, and I didn't feel very good."

The thick haze also caused highway closures, flight delays and traffic jams, turning trips to and from Beijing into nightmares.

Beijing tourism was not the only industry affected. According to research from Tsinghua University, air pollution has cost China at least 560 billion yuan, or 1.2 percent of the country's GDP in 2012.

Li Nan, Beijing, said,"Beijing seems to be recovering from the current haze. But the air pollution sourses are still there. The government will need to strengthen its enforcement of environmental laws and fins more solutions to tackle air pollution. Otherwise, we will be looking at more damages in the future."