China's Tianjin city issues first red alert for pollution

China's port city of Tianjin issued its first ever red alert for air pollution, the most serious level, as it joins neighbouring Beijing in fighting the lingering winter smog.

The red alert will last from 0.00 a.m. Wednesday to 6.00 a.m. Thursday, Xinhua cited a government statement as saying.

During the red alert, cars will be allowed on the roads depending on whether their license plate ends in an odd or even number.

Enterprises and public institutions will adopt flexible working hours and large outdoor activities and construction work will be suspended.

Kindergartens, middle schools and primary schools also cancelled classes on Wednesday.

Key polluting industries cuts production as continuous cleaning operations were conducted in the city's downtown areas.