Air quality measures pay off in Hechi

Unlike many cities in the north that struggle with air quality throughout the year, Hechi in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region relished in 327 days of good air in the first 11 months of 2016, according to the city's environmental protection bureau.

Hechi under the blue and cloud-scattered sky. [Photo/Hechi Daily]

Statistics show that PM10 (particulate matter) and PM2.5 (fine particulate matter measuring 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter ), two major indexes to check air quality, remained an average 52 and 32 micrograms per cubic meter in Hechi, both meeting the national second-level standard of healthy air quality.

 

Flower-filled fields in Hechi. [Photo/Hechi Daily]

As of early 2016, the Hechi government has taken proactive measures to improve the city's air quality, including establishing extra equipment for de-sulfuration, dust removal, banning heavy-polluting vehicles, as well as prohibiting open-air barbecues, garbage incineration and biomass burning.

Hechi's Baaitun is a truly otherworldly sight. [Photo/Hechi Daily]