Shanghai's cityscape shrouded in smog.<br/> <br />The thick air pollution in the financial hub on Monday comes just days after the capital Beijing reported the worst air quality ever recorded there.<br/> <br />On Shanghai's historic waterfront, those eager for a spectacular view of the city's skyscrapers were sorely disappointed.<br/> <br />Many were wearing face masks to filter the air.<br/> <br />Hospitals across the country reported sharp increases in the number of patients with respiratory complaints last week.<br/> <br />One mother said she wasn't taking any chances with her son as they left the hospital.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin) A MOTHER MEI HAIQIONG SAYING:<br/> <br />"The weather forecast said there would be air pollution, and my child has had allergies since he was little. He's already caught a slight cough from the cold weather, so we're taking preventative measures, and he's wearing a mask. I'm doing the same."<br/> <br />A public outcry over the smog has been accompanied by unprecedented coverage by Chinese media in a show of transparency rare for the tightly-controlled country.<br/> <br />China's premier-to-be Li Keqiang has added his voice to appeals to curb the toxic haze.<br/> <br />It's the first time a member of the ruling Communist Party's top circle of leaders has addressed the record levels of pollution.
