Scared of the pollution in Beijing? Read this.

I've heard some westerners say that they want to visit Beijing but are scared of the air pollution, or the smog, in Beijing. Well, I would say, no need to worry so much. I admit that the air in Beijing is heavily polluted (even if I don't, there is so much evidence... ), but I'll give you some tips to keep your stay in Beijing safe.

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First, try not to visit Beijing in the winter. Just like most of the smogs in the world, Beijing's smogs usually take place in the winter, especially in December. If you avoid coming to Beijing in December, you'll have less chance of seeing a smog. If you avoid November, December, January, and February (and even late October), you'll probably be not meeting a smog in Beijing. Besides, Beijing's winter looks deserted and is thus not really worth seeing.

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Second, if you're concerned at all, bring an anti-pollution face mask to Beijing or buy one after you arrive in Beijing. It's very easy to buy an anti-PM2. 5 mask in Beijing - you can buy one from a pharmacy or a grocery shop. If you avoid the winter season but still meet a smog, just put on your mask and you're safe to go. There are actually several different types of masks, some of which can prevent more particles from entering your nose and mouth. If you're afraid that you're not strong enough, buy the best one (the most expensive one).

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The last tip is quite simple: relax. Beijing's smogs are not killers; although they contain something bad, there's not much sulphur dioxide. In other words, even if you expose to a Beijing smog for several days in a row, you're not gonna develop pneumonia or die from it. Your nose and throat may feel uncomfortable if you don't wear a mask during a Beijing smog, but after the smog is gone, you are immediately getting better. So don't be too worried.

Maybe you'll say, when there isn't a smog in Beijing, the air is still polluted. Yes, it's totally true. But no worries. When there isn't a smog, you can't feel the pollution. The air in London or Paris in winters is also heavily polluted with particles, but travellers never complain about it, because no one can feel it. The same thing applies to Beijing - when there's no smog, people have no feeling about the bad air.

All in all, if you avoid the winter season, put on an anti-pollution face mask when there's a smog, and stay relaxed, you'll be fine in Beijing.

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