The worst yellow dust storm so far this year has hit the Chinese capital Beijing.

Much of Northern China has been shrouded in yellow dust from sandstorms sweeping the country. On Monday, an orange haze hung over Beijing and swirling winds carried sand and grit.

Pedestrians were seen walking with their mouths covered with masks. Visibility was reduced to under 100 meters in some parts of the capital.

The Korea Meteorological Administration warned that the dust storm may reach the Korean Peninsula in the coming days.

Tree clearing and overgrazing along northern China's arid plains have led to desertification throughout the region and is seen as one of the main causes of sandstorms.