More than 200 expressways were closed and residents were advised to stay indoors as China grappled with the worst smog of the year, ahead of the Paris climate meet on Monday.
China is the top polluter along with the US in green house gases. Last year The two reached an agreement to take ambitious action to limit greenhouse gases.
Chinese President Xi Jinping is in Paris to attend the inaugural session of the Climate meet stated to be the most crucial in clinching a global climate deal amid strong differences between the developed and developing countries.
The grim alert came ahead of the Paris climate meet where China is expected to make a strong case," Environment Minister Chen Jining said yesterday adding that China has achieved the pollution reduction targets for major pollutants.
The public has been warned to take protective measures when engaging in outdoor activities and those who suffer from respiratory diseases are advised to stay indoors.
The heavy smog is likely to continue in the morning, according to the provincial meteorological centre.
Shandong province issued a yellow alert as visibility in parts of the region dropped below 200 meters.