Sky's the limit as Beijing's smog lifts

Beijing residents are taking a collective deep breath and enjoying the best air the city has had for 11 years.

China's capital hit its 2009 target of 260 blue-sky days a staggering 41 days before the end of the year. The capital's environmental protection bureau said on Friday the reduced smog and improved visibility was the result of determined efforts, strict measures and good weather.

Air quality is measured by the air pollution index (API), which monitors the level of five airborne pollutants. When a day's API falls below 100, it can be officially called a blue-sky day.