Evolution Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Air Quality in Xining City from 2021 to 2025

Zihan Lv; Yuyi Liu

doi:10.63313/FE.9015

Authors

Zihan Lv Faculty of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Huai'an University, Huai'an, 223001, China Author
Yuyi Liu Faculty of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Huai'an University, Huai'an, 223001, China Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63313/FE.9015

Keywords:

Xining City, Air Quality, Annual Variation, Seasonal Characteristics

Abstract

Focusing on the atmospheric environmental conditions of Xining City from 2021 to 2025, this study systematically analyzes the evolution characteristics and influencing factors of air quality based on monitoring data released by the Qinghai Provincial Meteorological Bureau. Results show that over the past five years, Xining's air quality has steadily improved, with annual average good-quality days ranging between 88.21% and 94.52%, exceeding 340 days per year from 2023 to 2025. SO₂and CO concentrations have remained consistently low, while NO₂, PM₁₀, and PM_2.5levels have continuously declined by 18.3%, 22.5%, and 24.7%, respectively. O₃concentration showed slight fluctuations but remained overall stable, with all indicators meeting national standards. Air quality follows a pattern of lower in winter, higher in summer, and moderate in spring and autumn. Winter sees elevated concentrations of CO, NO₂, SO₂, PM₁₀, and PM_2.5, whereas O₃peaks in summer—patterns closely related to local climatic conditions, energy consumption, and pollutant dispersion dynamics. This research provides scientific support for optimizing air pollution control strategies in Xining and consolidating the ecological achievement of “Xining Blue”, offering a reference model for ecological protection in plateau cities.

References

[1] Kong,W.L., Chen,Y.X., Liu,H., et al.(2025).The Summit of Science on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. College Students, (2): 52-56.

[2] Yin,Y., Zhou,K., Zhan,D.S.(2024).Evaluation of livability in alpine ecological function zone and diagnosis of hindering factors from coupled natural and human perspectives: A case of Qinghai Province. Acta Ecologica Sinica,44(3): 992-1008.

[3] XI,J.P.(2021). Inspection in Qinghai: Deepen Reform and Opening Up with a People-Centered Approach and Further Promote Ecological Protection and High-Quality Development on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. Xinhua News Agency, https://www.gov.cn/xinwen/2021-06/09/content_5616441.htm

[4] Feng,L.J.(2023). Just How Blue Is Xining Blue?. Xihai Metropolitan Daily, 2023-12-04.

[5] Notice on Issuing the 14th Five-Year Plan for Ecological and Environmental Protection of Xining City. General Office of the People's Government of Xining City, 2022-2-16. https://www.xining.gov.cn/zwgk/fdzdgknr/ghxx/202202/t20220216_165309.html

[6] Xining Strives to Become a Model Plateau City of Ecological Livability. People's Government of Xining City.2025-9-28.

https://www.xining.gov.cn/xwdt/jdtp/202509/t20250928_219536.html

[7] He,Y.Q., Zhao,Y.C., Feng,S.Q. (2014).Temperature inversion in Xining City: Characteristics and correlation with air pollutant concentrations.Journal of Glaciology and Geocryology,36( 3) : 608-613.

[8] Liu,N., Yu,Y. Ma,X.Q. (2021).Seasonal Characteristics of Air Pollutant Sources and Transport Pathways in Xining City. environmental sciences.42 (12):5621-5631.

[9] Ji,X.L., Ji,B.Z.Q. (2022).Pollutron characteristics of metals in pm2.5 and their health risk assessment in Xining, china,2018-2020. Journal of Environmental Hygiene,12(9):694-699.

[10] Suo,Y.F., Wang,N. (2022). Analysis of Spatiotemporal Evolution Characteristics of Ozone Concentration in Ambient Air of Xining City. Qinghai Environment,32(4):174-179.

[11] Ma,H.L., Qi,D.L., Zhao,T., et al.(2024).Variation characteristics and influencing factors of air negative ion concentration in summer residential areas of Xining City. Arid Land Geography,(8):1358-1366.