Meteorological authorities in Beijing have lifted the red alert for air pollution in the city. The capital and surrounding areas have been covered in dense smog since Friday, forcing millions to wear protective masks.

Students wearing protective masks

A cold front moving in from Russia since Wednesday has caused the smog to weaken in Shanxi, Henan and Shandong provinces. The air quality in Beijing, Tianjin and most parts of Hebei province have also greatly improved.

Emergency measures in the capital, such as odd-even car restrictions, ended on Thursday, and classes also resumed.