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Dayong sits within the verdant landscapes of Guangdong, characterized by a complex interplay of rolling hills and fertile river valleys. Positioned as a satellite urban center within the larger Zhaoqing administrative sphere, the town exhibits a distinct urban-rural gradient where dense residential clusters transition abruptly into agricultural hinterlands. The terrain is predominantly undulating, which creates localized microclimates and influences the dispersion of atmospheric pollutants. Being situated inland from the coast but within the broader influence of the Pearl River Delta, Dayong experiences a blend of local emissions and regional transboundary pollution. The surrounding landscape is a mosaic of subtropical forests and intensive farming zones, which contribute organic aerosols and seasonal particulate matter. Its elevation, while modest, allows for the occasional formation of temperature inversions, trapping pollutants closer to the ground during stagnant weather patterns. The proximity to small water bodies and the humidity of the Guangdong basin often lead to the formation of smog when industrial emissions from nearby manufacturing belts interact with high moisture levels. This geographic positioning makes Dayong susceptible to the "basin effect," where the surrounding highlands impede the horizontal movement of air, potentially concentrating nitrogen oxides and fine particulate matter during periods of low wind speed. Consequently, the urban character of Dayong is defined by this tension between its lush, natural environment and the atmospheric pressures exerted by its proximity to one of China's most industrialised provincial corridors. This ensures that the town remains a critical node for local commerce while grappling with the environmental legacies of rapid regional development.

Dayong’s air quality follows a rhythmic cycle dictated by the East Asian Monsoon and the subtropical humidity of Guangdong. During the wet summer months, intense and heavy precipitation and frequent thunderstorms act as a natural scrubbing mechanism, washing particulate matter from the sky and resulting in the cleanest air of the year. However, the high humidity can exacerbate the formation of secondary pollutants through complex photochemical reactions. As autumn arrives, the atmosphere stabilizes, and the transition toward the dry season often brings an increase in stagnant air masses. Winter represents the most challenging period for air quality; during these months, frequent temperature inversions trap pollutants beneath a warm layer of air, preventing vertical dispersion. This period often coincides with agricultural biomass burning in the surrounding countryside, leading to peaks in PM2.5 concentrations. Spring introduces a volatile mix of increasing industrial activity and the arrival of dust plumes from the north, though the gradual increase in rainfall begins to mitigate these effects. For sensitive groups, including children and the elderly, the winter months from December to February are the most critical times to limit prolonged outdoor exertion. Conversely, late spring and early summer offer the most favorable conditions for outdoor activities. Health guidance suggests monitoring regional haze alerts during the dry winter window, as the lack of wind and high pressure can lead to prolonged episodes of poor visibility and significant respiratory irritation and cardiovascular stress across the wider Guangdong basin.