Contrast of pictures taken in and after sandstorm in Beijing

Beijing is clear Thursday after strong winds swept across the capital, following one of the biggest sandstorms in 13 years on Wednesday. Much of Beijing was blanketed in grit that affected visibility.

Many areas in the capital recorded PM10 air pollution readings of nearly 1,000 micrograms per cubic meter, a level considered hazardous.

Contrasting pictures taken in Beijing on Wednesday during the sandstorm and Thursday after the strong winds. [Photo/CFP]