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After an absence of several years, sandstorms have roared back in North China, causing people to seek shelter indoors to escape the dust-laden air and bringing the fine yellow layer that covers cars. Here are some of the most vulnerable cities.

1 Hohhot

The capital of the Inner Mongolia autonomous region has a long, dry winter with low temperatures and strong winds. In the dry season, sand is blown into urban areas from farming and herding regions. Recent desertification means the city now experiences sandstorms on an almost annual basis.