Beijing Fights Back Against Spring's Golden Haze

Beijing has initiated a robust campaign to mitigate airborne pollen this spring, particularly as cypress pollen entered its peak dispersal in mid-March. Authorities are employing a multi-pronged strategy including water spraying, pruning of male cypress branches, and the application of pollen-fixing agents. These operations are conducted 24/7 in critical areas such as residential zones, schools, and hospitals to minimize exposure.

The city's cypress pollen season commenced around March 8, with experts predicting a mid-March peak. Preventive actions were advanced at the district level, with male cypress branches pruned during the autumn and winter of 2025 to reduce pollen-producing cones. Major parks are intensifying water-spraying to suppress pollen at its source, with increased interventions in densely populated areas to lower airborne concentrations.