Images of pink to purple skies blanketing smog-affected cities in China have gone viral on social media on Wednesday.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the Air Quality Index level of Nanjing went as high as 221, which means it is extremely hazardous. This month alone, the government has raised the 'red alert' status twice. The pink smog ranks second among the trending topics in the country's Twitter-like social networking site Weibo.

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Netizens revealed their sentiments on the social networking site. Someone asked "Who can explain what has happened to the sky?" Another person wrote "When the sky turns red at night, is it a sign of something?" 

Many seemed fascinated by the unusual magenta color. "People from Beijing and Tianjin come and try the new type of smog," posted one user. 

People challenged the government more to reduce the smog levels in the country. "The government has not taken effective action to control the smog, and we have to pay for it with our health," one Weibo user said.

Some believe that the lucent violet haze is due to the pollution-stained sunset. But a Chinese atmospheric professional explained that the tinge of liliac is an eminent event not due to a particular toxin but to the blending of the sunset's radiance and country's smog or air pollution, according to Nanjing's Modern Express newspaper.

To answer Internet users' concerns and curiosity, Liu Hongnia from the Nanjing University explained that usual haze has three shades, namely, white, grey and brown. However, with the pink smog engulfing the city, he said that "People do not need to be afraid."

Tagspink smog, Nanjing