Beijing's average concentration of PM2.5 reached 32 micrograms per cubic meter in 2023, meeting the national standards for three consecutive years, said the municipal ecology and environment bureau.
China's State Council on Dec. 7 published an action plan to improve air quality amid the country's effort to promote high-quality economic development.
Beijing saw a remarkable improvement in its air quality during the first three quarters of the year, with the concentration of PM2.5 being recorded at 32 micrograms per cubic meter.
A decade ago in Beijing, air purifiers sold like hot cakes and people locked themselves indoors in an attempt to escape the blanket of heavy smog outside. Breathing the toxic air was a serious health hazard. Today, the same air purifiers gather dust as Beijingers enjoy the great outdoors without the fear of falling ill and fresh air is no longer considered a luxury.
After the AQI rose to 500 at 9 pm on Tuesday, some netizens claimed that it was the first time they had seen such poor air conditions in the city, and others were worried about the impact of sandstorms.