Yesterday was a beautiful autumn day in Beijing. I you read any western newspapers they invariably write about how bad the pollution is in Beijing In a recent video I took of Beijing Stadium, the sky was incredibly hazy. This could be due all of the construction work going on in the area.

Beijing does have a problem with pollution, but it is not necessarily as bad as what some journalists make out. The Xinhua news agency reported that Beijing had up until the end of September, 186 registered “blue sky” days this year - one day more than the same period last year.

China burns coal for much of its electricity production and the government reported that it will be closing down 1000 coal mines before the start of the Beijing Olympics. A new subway line, line 10 is also due to open next week which should help reduce congestion on the streets.

Beijing’s newly opened National Theater