The smoke from outdoor barbeques is high in fine particulate matter concentration, which poses a severe threat to residents. [File photo]

"To have some kebabs and cold beer while shooting the breeze with friends in the summer is a must for us, and nothing can replace it," said Lu Shuze, a 27-year-old primary school sports teacher in Beijing. "This has been a part of my life since college."

Lu said May is the best time for barbeques because mosquitoes aren't bad yet and the temperatures are comfortable.

The city has issued outdoor barbeque permits to several qualified night markets, which are equipped with environmentally friendly cooking equipment that gives off less pollution.

Dang did not know how many night markets have received permission to barbeque outdoors, but he said the requirements are very strict.

The government also warned of the dangers associated with barbecuing in the forest and the city's parks.

"Beijing is still in the middle of forest fire prevention season, and barbeques can easily result in a forest fire," said Yu Zhanyu, deputy director of the forest public security office of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Landscape and Forestry.

Forest fire prevention season runs from Nov 1 to May 31, but could be extended due to dry conditions.