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Beijing Breathes Easy: Historic Air Quality Milestone Achieved
5 Jan
Summary
- Beijing's PM2.5 concentration dropped below 30 micrograms per cubic meter in 2025.
- Heavily polluted days, over 150 micrograms/m³, were nearly eliminated in Beijing.
- AI and advanced monitoring are key to Beijing's sustained air quality improvements.
In 2025, Beijing reached a landmark achievement as its annual average PM2.5 concentration dipped below 30 micrograms per cubic meter, a first since monitoring began. The city experienced only one heavily polluted day, a significant reduction from 58 days in 2013, with good air quality observed on 348 days last year.
This dramatic improvement stems from a decade-long "blue sky defense" campaign targeting vehicle, industrial, and coal emissions across the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. Experts credit decisive emission reductions, with local efforts accounting for over half the improvement, complemented by regional controls and favorable weather conditions.
Beijing now leverages artificial intelligence and integrated monitoring networks, combining satellite, ground, and mobile data. This precision approach allows for hour-level identification of pollution sources, enabling targeted regulatory actions and supporting the expansion of electric vehicle infrastructure.
