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Shishi is a coastal city in southeastern Fujian Province, China, situated on the Taiwan Strait at coordinates 24.7167°N, 118.7000°E. This urban center occupies a strategic position within the Quanzhou metropolitan area, part of the economically vibrant Southern Fujian region known for its manufacturing and textile industries. The city's terrain is characterized by low-lying coastal plains interspersed with gentle hills, with an average elevation of approximately 20 meters above sea level, creating minimal natural ventilation barriers. Shishi's immediate geography includes proximity to the Jinjiang River estuary and extensive coastline along the Taiwan Strait, which typically provides some marine air circulation that can dilute pollutants. However, the city lies within the densely populated and industrialized corridor stretching from Quanzhou to Xiamen, where urban expansion has created a pronounced urban-rural gradient with significant industrial zones, particularly textile manufacturing facilities that contribute to particulate emissions. The surrounding landscape transitions from urban development to agricultural areas growing rice, vegetables, and fruits, though these are increasingly encroached upon by urbanization. This geographic configuration—coastal yet embedded in an industrial belt—creates a complex air quality dynamic where sea breezes occasionally provide relief, but prevailing winds can also transport regional pollution from neighboring industrial centers, while the city's own emissions from transportation, construction, and manufacturing create persistent local pollution challenges.

Shishi experiences a subtropical monsoon climate with distinct seasonal variations that significantly influence air quality patterns throughout the year. During winter (December-February), cooler temperatures and occasional temperature inversions trap pollutants near the surface, particularly when high-pressure systems create stagnant atmospheric conditions; this season often sees elevated particulate levels from increased heating needs and industrial activity. Spring (March-May) brings transitional weather with variable winds and occasional rainfall that can temporarily cleanse the air, though dust from construction and agricultural activities may contribute to pollution episodes. The summer monsoon (June-August) typically offers the cleanest air conditions as prevailing southeasterly winds from the Taiwan Strait bring fresh marine air and frequent rainfall that effectively scavenges pollutants, making this the most favorable season for outdoor activities. Autumn (September-November) begins with relatively good air quality but transitions to more polluted conditions as monsoon winds weaken, temperatures cool, and atmospheric stability increases, sometimes exacerbated by agricultural burning in surrounding areas. Sensitive groups including those with respiratory conditions, children, and elderly residents should monitor air quality forecasts year-round, with particular caution advised during winter inversion episodes and autumn transition periods when pollutant concentrations tend to accumulate. The most reliable months for outdoor exercise are typically June through August when marine influences are strongest, while December through February often require reduced outdoor exposure during pollution alerts.