China Air Quality Alert

Is the air quality good in China?

As of January 22, 2026, air quality in China remains poor, with major cities experiencing "unhealthy," to "very unhealthy," levels and high PM2.5 concentrations, posing serious health risks to residents, especially children and the elderly.

By 2:30 PM (China Standard Time), many urban centers have recorded AQI readings above 200, prompting health warnings. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activity, keep windows closed, wear masks when outside, and use air purifiers indoors.

While conditions remain poor, China’s average PM2.5 concentration in 2024 was 31 µg/m3, equivalent to an AQI of 90, classified as "moderate". This level is nearly 6.2 times higher than the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m3, placing China among the world’s 25 most polluted countries in 2024.

Air quality map of China and neighboring countries as of 2:30 PM PM (CST) on January 22, 2026. Source: IQAir.

Which cities are affected by bad air quality in China?

As of January 22, 2026, several major cities across China are reporting poor air quality. Some of the affected cities include:

Air quality conditions can change rapidly throughout the day. For a complete, real-time overview of pollution levels nationwide, see China's air quality map.

Wuhan, Hangzhou, and Chengdu, China, ranked as the 12th, 22nd and 23rd most polluted major cities globally, respectively, as of 2:30 PM PM (CST) on January 22, 2026. Source: IQAir.

When will the air quality improve in China?

Short-term improvements in air quality depend on favorable weather, as winds and rainfall can disperse pollutants within days. However, stagnant conditions and winter temperature inversions often trap smog from October through February, prolonging poor air quality.

Long-term relief will require stricter emission controls, cleaner energy adoption, and effective seasonal policies to prevent recurring winter pollution episodes.

What is causing poor air quality in China?

Winter air pollution in China mainly stems from increased emissions during the heating season and unfavorable weather conditions. Coal- and biomass-fired residential heating in northern regions release large amounts of particulate matter and sulfur dioxide (SO₂) (1). Industrial sectors such as power plants, steel, cement, and chemical facilities contribute additional pollutants, while open biomass and straw burning in rural areas further worsen air quality (2).

During winter, temperature inversions, shallow boundary layers, weak winds, and high humidity trap pollutants close to the ground and enhance secondary aerosol formation from SO₂, NOₓ, NH₃, and VOCs (3). Despite progress through clean-air policies, inconsistent enforcement and industrial relocation continue to pose challenges. Consequently, winter haze results from a combination of emissions, atmospheric chemistry, and regional transport (4).

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