Beijing, China - Feb 21, 2026 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)
1. Various of traffic, buildings in sandstorm
2. Mountains engulfed in sandstorm

Tianjin Municipality, north China - Feb 21, 2026 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)
3. Various of traffic in sandstorm
4. Passengers passing through ticket gates at railway station
5. Passengers on platform, high-speed train
6. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Shi Tong, duty officer, Tianjin Railway Station (ending with shot 7):
"We have reinforced safety reminders and guidance regarding movable items and passengers' luggage to prevent them from falling off the platform."
7. Passengers walking, getting on train

Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, north China - Feb 21, 2026 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)
8. Various of traffic, pedestrians in sandstorm
9. Trees swaying in sandstorm
10. Various of traffic in sandstorm
11. Various of passengers walking on platform, getting off train
12. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Feng Wei, duty officer, Baotou Station (ending with shots 13-14):
"We have optimized the ticket verification process and increased staffing to provide guidance and reduce passengers' waiting time on platforms. At the same time, we are conducting thorough inspections of equipment and facilities so that we can respond immediately if strong winds blow any objects onto the tracks and ensure passenger safety."
13. Passengers walking on platform, high-speed train
14. Train leaving station, staff member on platform

Datong City, Shanxi Province, north China - Feb 21, 2026 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)
15. Various of traffic in sandstorm

Strong winds and sandstorms swept across multiple northern regions of China on Saturday, prompting authorities to activate emergency measures to ensure public safety and the smooth operation of the ongoing Spring Festival travel rush.

On Friday, the National Meteorological Center issued yellow warnings for strong winds and sandstorms, as well as a blue alert for a cold wave.

The Chinese capital of Beijing experienced strong gales with speeds reaching 41.5-46.1 meters per second on Saturday afternoon. The strong winds brought sand and dust, significantly reducing the visibility.

Authorities have temporarily closed certain outdoor scenic spots and suspended some Chinese New Year activities from Saturday afternoon to Sunday morning due to a yellow warning for strong winds and a blue warning for sandstorms in effect in the city.

The violent winds, cold fronts, and blowing dust also affected Tianjin Municipality. As people begin returning from the nearly concluded Spring Festival holiday, the railway authorities have implemented response measures to ensure safe operations.

"We have reinforced safety reminders and guidance regarding movable items and passengers' luggage to prevent them from falling off the platform," said Shi Tong, a duty officer at Tianjin Railway Station.

In the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, the Hohhot Bureau of China Railway has activated a peak-period timetable to cope with unfavorable weather conditions.

"We have optimized the ticket verification process and increased staffing to provide guidance and reduce passengers' waiting time on platforms. At the same time, we are conducting thorough inspections of equipment and facilities so that we can respond immediately if strong winds blow any objects onto the tracks and ensure passenger safety," said Feng Wei, a duty officer at Baotou Station.

Most areas of Shanxi Province also experienced strong gales and blowing sand brought by the cold air on Saturday. In Datong City, residents were seen wearing heavier clothing, hats, scarves, and masks to protect themselves from the strong winds and thick dust. Local traffic authorities promptly stepped up efforts to warn and guide drivers.

China has a four-tier weather warning system, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow and blue.