Originally Posted by
hensleyrob
Thanks for the advice. We'll be staying at the Grand Hyatt Beijing and unfortunately won't be able to get out of Beijing this trip to see other areas. Do you happen to know the three heavy firework days? I did a quick search but apparently I'm not searching for the right thing. All I'm seeing is one day, Feb. 10th. Thanks again.
The area around the GH is well controlled and in many areas in the CBD you are not allowed to do fireworks during CNY. I saw on another forum that the GH has started the renovation process of their rooms already (floor 9 and above). I don't think there will be anyone working during CNY, but it is hard to say as not everyone can go back to their hometowns to celebrate. Better ask before you arrive or at check-in!
With regards to the masks for your wife - the P100 / N95 does help a bit, see the site from the US Embassy
http://beijing.usembassy-china.org.cn
/20130201-pm25-steps.html
It is always better than not having one on a bad polluted day!