Sandstorm hits northern China

Cyclists ride amid sandstorm in Jilin City, Northeast China's Jilin Province, March 31, 2007. Northern China was blanketed in dust on Saturday as the first sandstorm of the year struck the region, including the capital Beijing. (newsphoto)

A bird view of Longhe Square amid sandstorm in Lianyungang, East China's Jiangsu Province, March 31, 2007. Northern China was blanketed in dust on Saturday as the first sandstorm of the year struck the region, including the capital Beijing.

A cyclist wears a mask to protect against the sandstorm in Lanzhou, Northwest China's Gansu Province, March 28, 2007. Northern China was blanketed in dust on Saturday as the first sandstorm of the year struck the region, including the capital Beijing. (newsphoto)

A motorcyclist makes her way amid sandstorm in Kashi, Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, March 31, 2007.