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Taihecun, located in Heilongjiang Province of northeastern China, occupies a distinctive position within the broader East Asian context. Situated at coordinates 45.7710°N, 131.0030°E, this urban area lies in the southeastern part of Heilongjiang, approximately 400 kilometers east of the provincial capital Harbin and near the border with Russia's Primorsky Krai. The city is positioned within the Sanjiang Plain region, characterized by relatively flat terrain with gentle undulations, at an elevation of approximately 80-120 meters above sea level. This low-lying topography, combined with the city's location in a basin-like depression surrounded by distant low mountains, creates natural conditions conducive to air stagnation. Taihecun is situated near the confluence of the Muling River and other tributaries that feed into the Ussuri River basin, though not immediately adjacent to major water bodies that would significantly moderate local climate. The region represents a transitional zone between intensive agricultural lands of the Sanjiang Plain—known for grain production—and emerging urban-industrial corridors. This urban-rural gradient means pollution sources include both general urban emissions from transportation, residential heating, and commercial activities, as well as potential agricultural contributions from surrounding farmlands. The city's position in China's northeastern industrial belt, though less intensive than southern Heilongjiang's heavy industry zones, still subjects it to regional pollution transport, particularly during prevailing westerly winds that can carry emissions from more industrialized areas.

Taihecun experiences distinct seasonal air quality patterns shaped by its continental monsoon climate with harsh winters and warm, humid summers. During winter (December-February), air quality typically deteriorates due to increased emissions from coal-fired heating systems combined with frequent temperature inversions that trap pollutants near the ground. Cold, stagnant air masses create persistent haze conditions, particularly in January when temperatures plummet to -20°C or lower. Sensitive groups should limit prolonged outdoor exposure during these months and consider using air purifiers indoors. Spring (March-May) brings gradual improvement as heating demand decreases and increasing wind speeds help disperse pollutants, though March can still experience poor air quality from lingering winter patterns and occasional dust transport from the west. Summer (June-August) offers the cleanest air with frequent rainfall, active vertical mixing, and prevailing southeasterly winds from the Sea of Japan that bring cleaner maritime air. This is the optimal season for outdoor activities. Autumn (September-November) sees a transition as temperatures drop, heating systems restart, and atmospheric stability increases, leading to deteriorating air quality by late October and November. Throughout the year, calm conditions and radiation fog—common in river valleys—can temporarily worsen pollution regardless of season. Residents should monitor local air quality forecasts particularly during winter mornings when inversion layers are strongest.