Originally Posted by
michellemck99
Oh, and I'm going to Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. I understand the pollution in Beijing is lousy, but then I've read it's supposed to be getting better as the government is making changes in preparation for the Olympics. Do people really wear masks when they tour around Beijing? I would do it if others wear them, but I also wouldn't want to be some Michael Jackson-type recluse if it's not somewhat customary.
Imagine the air quality of 1970's LA and the smell of post-Katrina New Orleans. I didn't see many people wearing masks, but there are times I wished I had one. Although the Chinese government has planted millions of trees, it will take a while to clean up the air. The government has also tried to curb the spitting habit, but with the air quality, I can actually understand the need.