Residents in parts of northern were warned not to go outside on Saturday as gale force winds caused hundreds of flights to be cancelled.
State media reported rail services were also suspended as potentially record-breaking winds came from a “cold vortex system” that formed over Mongolia.
The China Meteorological Administration (CMA) said the severe weather conditions began on Friday and were expected to last through the weekend.
“The strongest winds are expected during the daytime of April 12, with wind speeds at some observation stations approaching or even surpassing historical records for the same period since 1951,” the CMA said in a statement.
Beijing also issued its first orange alert, the second-highest tier possible, in a decade warning of strong winds over the weekend.
What were the impacts of the winds?
Up to 699 flights were cancelled at Beijing’s two airports by Saturday afternoon, while high-speed rail lines saw services suspended, state broadcaster CCTV said.
Tourist attractions including the Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, Beijing Zoo and the Universal Studios theme park had temporary closures imposed.
Beijing authorities also postponed a half-marathon that would have featured humanoid robot racers on Sunday.
No injuries were reported but 300 trees in the capital had been toppled and 19 vehicles damaged, CCTV added.
Edited by Jenipher Camino Gonzalez
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