Wang Cheng Ru Hai (Sea of People in the Capital City)

[Photo provided to China Daily]

People's Literature Publishing House

Smog sets the backdrop and serves as the forefront of Xu Zechen's new novel.

The author explains that he examines smog in a figurative sense. He not only tackles the physical problem of his home city but also writes about how urbanites are afflicted by "spiritual smog".

Characters include ordinary folks－a deliveryman, nanny, student, child and playwright.