A cloud of dust and sand devours Shandan horse ranch in Zhangye, Northwest China’s Gansu province, on Monday. Photo: VCG

The yellow wall of sand towering around 100 meters (330 feet) sweeps through the horse ranch. Photo: VCG

The wall of sand descends upon the Shandan ranch. Photo: VCG

A thick haze shrouds an area in Zhangye on Monday. Photo: VCG

Primary school students brave the polluted weather. The sandstorms are expected to affect multiple regions across China until Thursday, Weather China reported. Photo: The Paper

Traffic police officers clear up a road in a sandstorm-hit area of Aksu, Northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, on Sunday. Photo: Courtesy of Aksu public security bureau’s official WeChat account

Traffic police officers prop up a road barrier toppled over by strong winds. Photo: Courtesy of Aksu public security bureau’s official Wechat account

Masked motorcyclists ride through the sand and dust in Beijing on March 14. Photo: VCG

Sand and dust engulf buildings in Beijing’s Changping district. Photo: VCG

The Corner Tower of the Forbidden City in Beijing stands amid the haze on March 10. Photo: VCG