Strong northwestward wind plunges China's capital into sandstorm

China’s capital Beijing has been hit with the largest sandstorm of the year.

The city has been shrouded in thick sand and dust as storms since early morning on March 22, resulting in the largest sandstorm to hit the capital this year, China Daily reports, citing the Beijing Municipal Ecological and Environmental Monitoring Centre.

According to the Centre, the sandstorm and dust from outside areas started to affect the city at 3 am, which were brought in by a strong northwestward wind.

The sandstorm that originated from Mongolia on March 21 entered China on the same day night and has affected a wide range of areas in the country, covering from its northeast regions to northwestern Gansu province.

The city's parks have suspended the operation of cruise boats and cable cars to ensure the safety of tourists.

Beijing Municipal Ecological and Environmental Monitoring Centre urged vulnerable people including children, the elderly and patients to stay at home and avoid outdoor activities.