Air quality is closely related to people’s lives. The government has emphasized the importance of restoring blue skies, white clouds, and starry nights for the people. Since the 18th National Congress, China has accelerated its efforts in air pollution control, and the increasing number of clear skies has brought tangible happiness to the people. Today, in « Sensing Ecological Changes, » let’s take a look at the transformations brought about by this « Blue Sky Defense Campaign. »

Less Smog

Steel Factories Turned Green

Swinging on swings and feeding geese—who would have thought this could happen in an operating steel factory in Xingtai? Every weekend, crowds of tourists make the small supermarket near the factory bustling with activity.

Supermarket Owner: Drinks, ice cream, and children’s toys sell really well now. In the past, people avoided coming here because the air was unbearable.

Air quality was once a deep pain for Xingtai. In 2013, among 74 key monitored cities in China, Xingtai ranked last.

This is what the Delong Steel Factory looked like back then, captured by environmental monitoring satellites. During the worst smog periods, the factory’s outline was barely visible. Now, it stands clearly against a backdrop of lush greenery.

The transformation in the steel industry is just one example of China’s success in the Blue Sky Defense Campaign.

To restore clean air, the country launched initiatives like the Air Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan, the Three-Year Blue Sky Defense Campaign, and the Continuous Air Quality Improvement Action. Since 2013, heavy pollution days have decreased by over 90%, making China the country with the fastest air quality improvement in the world.

More Blue Skies

The Air Filled with the Fragrance of Nature

As blue skies increase, the scents in the air have also changed. A research team from Tsinghua University used olfactory visualization technology to document this shift.

Tsinghua University Researcher: A decade ago, we often smelled coal smoke, indicating high levels of PM10 particles. There were also odors like burnt matches and disinfectant, linked to high sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide levels. Over the past ten years, these pollutants have significantly decreased. Now, instead of unpleasant smells, we increasingly detect compounds like pinene and limonene, which come from the fragrance of plants and trees.

Integrated Air, Space, and Ground Monitoring

Billions of Data Points Enable Precise Governance

Behind these changes is China’s increasingly precise approach to air pollution control.

In Beijing, a sophisticated « sensing network » integrates over 3,000 roadways, 200,000 heavy-duty diesel vehicles, 2,000 construction sites, and thousands of air-polluting enterprises into a real-time monitoring system, processing billions of data points daily for targeted governance.

Beijing Ecology and Environment Bureau Official: Over the years, Beijing’s annual PM2.5 concentration has dropped from nearly 90 micrograms per cubic meter to 30.5 micrograms. Now, further improvements require meticulous efforts—reducing pollution by 0.1 microgram at a time, seizing every opportunity for progress.

An analysis of air quality data from 339 cities over the past decade shows that PM2.5 levels have

Xingtai

Xingtai is a historic city in Hebei Province, China, with a history dating back over 3,500 years, making it one of the oldest cities in northern China. It served as the capital of the Shang Dynasty (16th–11th century BCE) during its early period and is known for its rich cultural heritage, including ancient ruins and traditional temples. Today, Xingtai is an industrial and agricultural center, blending its ancient past with modern development.

Delong Steel Factory

The Delong Steel Factory, located in China, was a significant industrial site established during the country’s rapid industrialization in the late 20th century. It played a key role in local steel production but later faced challenges due to economic reforms and environmental concerns. Today, it stands as a symbol of China’s industrial past, with some facilities potentially repurposed or preserved as part of urban heritage.

Tsinghua University

Tsinghua University, founded in 1911 in Beijing, is one of China’s most prestigious universities, originally established as a preparatory school for students sent to study in the U.S. It played a key role in modern Chinese education and research, evolving into a leading institution in science, engineering, and humanities. Known for its beautiful campus with traditional Chinese architecture, Tsinghua has produced many influential leaders, scholars, and innovators.

Beijing

Beijing, the capital of China, is a city with over 3,000 years of history, serving as the political and cultural heart of the country for much of the past millennium. It is home to iconic landmarks like the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties, as well as the Great Wall of China nearby. Today, Beijing blends ancient traditions with modernity, hosting global events like the 2008 Olympics while preserving its rich historical heritage.

Air Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan

The *Air Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan* is a key policy introduced by the Chinese government in 2013 to tackle severe air pollution, particularly in urban areas. It set targets to reduce PM2.5 levels, promoted cleaner energy, and enforced stricter industrial regulations, leading to significant air quality improvements by 2017. The plan reflects China’s commitment to addressing environmental challenges while balancing economic growth.

Three-Year Blue Sky Defense Campaign

The **Three-Year Blue Sky Defense Campaign** (2018–2020) was a major environmental initiative launched by the Chinese government to combat air pollution, particularly in northern China. It aimed to reduce PM2.5 levels, improve air quality, and enforce stricter regulations on industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and coal consumption. The campaign built on earlier efforts like the **Air Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan (2013–2017)** and contributed to significant, though uneven, improvements in urban air quality.

Continuous Air Quality Improvement Action

« Continuous Air Quality Improvement Action » refers to ongoing initiatives and policies aimed at reducing air pollution and improving environmental health. These efforts often involve government regulations, technological advancements, and public awareness campaigns, with roots in responses to historical pollution crises like smog events in the 20th century. Such programs are critical in urban and industrial areas to protect public health and combat climate change.

Beijing Ecology and Environment Bureau

The Beijing Ecology and Environment Bureau is a government agency responsible for environmental protection, pollution control, and ecological conservation in China’s capital. Established to address growing environmental challenges, it implements policies, monitors air and water quality, and promotes sustainable development. Its work reflects Beijing’s efforts to combat pollution and improve urban living conditions amid rapid industrialization.