Crystal blue sky over Datong countryside. [Photo/Datong Daily]

Datong achieved an unprecedented milestone in air quality in 2025, with its comprehensive air quality index dropping to 3.26, a 12.1 percent decrease from the previous year.

The city recorded 334 days of excellent air quality — an increase of 20 days compared to the previous year — reaching a good air quality ratio of 91.5 percent, up 5.7 percent. The PM2.5 concentration fell to 23 micrograms per cubic meter, an 11.5 percent reduction.

This remarkable achievement underscores Datong's steadfast commitment to ecological sustainability and green development. The city has made significant progress in its fight against pollution through a series of targeted initiatives.

Datong Ancient City under a clear blue sky. [Photo/Datong Daily]

Datong implemented stricter regulatory measures, coordinated efforts to curb summer ozone pollution, upgraded the cement industry to ultra-low emissions, managed coal-fired boilers, and reformed traditional industrial clusters.

The city also accelerated the transition to clean heating through "coal-to-electricity" conversions, expanded public transportation, and adopted refined, grid-based management of construction site dust, road dust, and straw burning.

A key component of Datong's success is the establishment of an advanced air pollution early warning and forecasting platform, enabling precise prediction and rapid tracing of pollution sources and transmission pathways.

Datong boasts exceptional air quality. [Photo/Datong Daily]