CRI听力:Incredible 'Beijing Blue' Brings Outing Boom

Since Thursday, the capital city of Beijing has embraced blue sky and puffy white clouds after thunderstorms and strong wind took away air pollution.

The so called 'Beijing Blue' has transformed the city which has long been criticized for its smog pollution.

CRI' Wang Wei reports.

Photos of the capital's breathtaking blue sky and fleecy clouds have gone viral on social network websites.
The uncommonly clear sky and fresh air have enticed many residents to go outdoors and take a photographic record of the good weather.

Local residents have expressed their passion for the summery conditions.

"I feel that APEC blue has come back, and the clean air makes people feel comfortable." "I like going out in such good weather, and I hope this can last in the future. Young people are more willing to going outdoors. It's good for us." "Beijing has witnessed really good weather recently, with blue sky and white puffy clouds. It'll be great if this can carry on."

Thousands of people are choosing to hang out in parks or suburban areas getting close to nature and enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Not only Beijing, but also neighboring Tianjin city has seen blue sky.

Ma Xuekuan with China's National Meteorological Center explains the reasons.

"The cold vortex in high altitude brings continuous fresh cold air which can help to dilute and diffuse pollutants in the air. Meanwhile, the cold vortex brings more rainfall, also contributing to air cleaning. So air condition in the north region of the country is very good."

Besides meteorological factors, the authorities have made intense efforts in recent years to curb air pollution in the capital which is frequently enveloped in acrid smog.

To prevent the situation from worsening, the government has banned substandard vehicles and increased funding to fight pollution.

The capital has closed a series of coal power plants, to bring back "APEC Blue" -- a phrase describing the city's clear skies during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings last November.

Local authorities also aim to reduce the density of PM 2.5, particulate matter that causes hazardous smog, by twenty percent by 2017.

An anonymous Beijing resident says she is confident about the government's measures to tackle air pollution.

"I believe that through the government's efforts in fighting air pollution, residents can enjoy more and more clean days like this."

At the same time, officials point out that 'Beijing Blue' could ease the public's concerns over the air pollution problem and attract more tourists from both home and abroad.

Statistics show that the capital has witnessed a steady decline in tourists' number from 2012 to last year, with air pollution considered a major factor.

For CRI, this is Wang Wei.