Chinese government tells Beijing citizens to 'smile and drink more tea' to combat smog

Beijing has been hit by so much smog in the last week that authorities have issued a 'red alert' level warning for the first time ever.

Air pollution in the Chinese capital is currently ten times higher than what the World Health Organisation deems a safe level.

But the Chinese state broadcaster, CCTV, has told Beijing's 22million residents to 'try to be positive' as they carry on their daily business.

'Tips to survive the smog' include smiling, drinking tea, and blowing your nose regularly:

Cars have been ordered off the roads and production has been stopped at many coal-burning power plants and factories in a three-day shutdown designed to bring the air pollution back down to safer levels.

HT Guardian

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