Strict measures in place as smog hits Chinese cities

Local governments have taken strict anti-pollution measures as smog has again covered many Chinese cities.

In Shijiazhuang, capital of north China's Hebei Province, the city government issued a notice on Thursday night demanding all car owners follow an odd-even car restriction until the end of the year following days of acrid smog. Previously, it issued different restriction policies on Nov. 8, Nov. 10, Nov. 11 and Nov. 15.

The local government also halted seven major industries in the city, including steel, cement and glass.

Shijiazhuang has been haunted by smog over the past few days, with authorities on Tuesday issuing an orange alert, the second most severe in a four-tier color-coded system.

In Taiyuan, capital of the northern Shanxi Province, authorities have issued a yellow alert for the next 48 hours on Thursday night, the first this winter. Kindergartens, primary and middle schools have been advised to reduce outdoor activities, and production in major industries like steel has been limited. The air in Taiyuan will not clear up until Sunday.

Smog has also hit the southwestern city of Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province. Local authorities have sent law enforcement officials to inspect construction sites and outdoor barbecue.

In the northern municipality of Tianjin, the municipal government has limited production of local industrial plants. A total of 119 companies have been asked to halt production until January.

Moderate smog will remain in parts of Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Shandong, Henan, Shanxi and Shaanxi from Saturday morning to Sunday morning, according to the National Meteorological Center (NMC). Central and southern Hebei, northwest Henan and central Shaanxi are expected to be hit by heavy smog, said the NMC. Endi