PHOTOS: Epic sandstorm turns Dunhuang into post-apocalyptic wasteland

By Ryan Kilpatrick, March 31, 2015

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Think Beijing's sandstorms are rough? You ain't seen nothing yet.

PHOTOS: First sandstorm of 2015 hits Beijing, sending air quality readings through the roof

At 6:00am this morning, a massive cloud of sand, dust and good old fashioned smog swept through the Gansu city of Dunhuang (unofficial sister city of Mars). One of the main pit stops along the old Silk Road, the ancient frontier garrison town is no stranger to the desert and locals reacted with a corresponding sense of stoicism.

Looking at the blackened skies and thick haze that reduced visibility to just 20 meters, however, we're suddenly feeling lucky to live in eastern China were we only have to worry about invisible PM2.5 particles slowly choking us.

At least an afternoon in Dunhuang would great training for China's Mars One Project candidates.

READ MORE: Two Chinese among shortlisted candidates for Mars One

[Images via Sina]

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