How bad is the pollution in south China these days?

[Ailoi9]

I considered the spitting and littering common in China bad pollution as well.
And these bad practices can actually be easily prevented. It is pathetic the Chinese has these problems which can be prevented. Inconsideration for others is a major reason.

[msgsing]

There was a news show on the other day regarding foreigners who were working in Beijing. According to the report the pollution is so bad that with the exception of traveling to and from work people are just staying home in their off hours to protect their health. The show went on to say that many expats are now refusing to continue working in Beijing. I've never been to Beijing but almost all the video footage I see in the media shows heavy pollution obscuring the city.

[Bettafish]

Originally Posted by Ailoi9

I considered the spitting and littering common in China bad pollution as well.
And these bad practices can actually be easily prevented. It is pathetic the Chinese has these problems which can be prevented. Inconsideration for others is a major reason.

Pollution is "easily" prevented?... Well, if you have no industry.

[tomadwood86]

I was in SZ and HK for the past few years and can say that it gets really bad some parts of the year but its actually not all that bad the rest of the time.

But it depends what you're comparing it too. Compared to Beijing, for example, SZ will feel like you're in the Swiss Alps.

[tjarado]

I traveled thru China a few years ago and in one month saw the sun ONCE.. in Xian.
Everywhere else the 'sky' was the color taupe. Yes, taupe!
The city of Chonking, viewed form a surrounding hillside, presented an almost unreal image that reminded me of futuristic Sci-Fi horror movies of dreadful, industrial landscapes of dark skies, smoky plumes of who-knows-what, set in a valley of what appeared to be the confluence of two river basins of brown stagnant water.

Thank god I was only in transit from the river boat to the airport on my way to Llasa, Tibet.

I do not intend to ever return.

[Bettafish]

Originally Posted by tjarado

I traveled thru China a few years ago and in one month saw the sun ONCE.. in Xian.
Everywhere else the 'sky' was the color taupe. Yes, taupe!
The city of Chonking, viewed form a surrounding hillside, presented an almost unreal image that reminded me of futuristic Sci-Fi horror movies of dreadful, industrial landscapes of dark skies, smoky plumes of who-knows-what, set in a valley of what appeared to be the confluence of two river basins of brown stagnant water.

Thank god I was only in transit from the river boat to the airport on my way to Llasa, Tibet.

I do not intend to ever return.

Chongqing was known as the "fog city" over a hundred years ago, when there was no industry or pollution.
Although it is heavily polluted, it is fair to point out that part of China has always been the cloudiest place on earth. The annual sunshine hours of Chengdu and Chongqing are less than 2/3 of London's.

[bostonkid123]

Originally Posted by Bettafish

Chongqing was known as the "fog city" over a hundred years ago, when there was no industry or pollution.
Although it is heavily polluted, it is fair to point out that part of China has always been the cloudiest place on earth. The annual sunshine hours of Chengdu and Chongqing are less than 2/3 of London's.

Even more cloudy than this city?

[Tomboy-]

Good or OK for at least 50% of a year due to strong wind blowing away the pollution.
Yellow sand storm originating in the Gobi desert affecting Korea and Japan doesn't affect south China.

Originally Posted by tomadwood86

I was in SZ and HK for the past few years and can say that it gets really bad some parts of the year but its actually not all that bad the rest of the time.

But it depends what you're comparing it too. Compared to Beijing, for example, SZ will feel like you're in the Swiss Alps.