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Zijinglu, situated in central Henan province at coordinates 34.7667°N, 112.9667°E, occupies a strategic position within China's North China Plain, approximately 100 kilometers west of Zhengzhou, the provincial capital. This urban area, with a population nearing 800,000, lies within the Yellow River basin, characterized by flat to gently rolling terrain at an elevation of roughly 110-130 meters above sea level, which significantly influences its air quality dynamics. The city is embedded in one of China's most intensive agricultural regions, surrounded by vast wheat and corn fields that contribute seasonal agricultural burning emissions. Its location places it within the Central Plains Urban Agglomeration, a densely populated and industrialized corridor stretching across Henan, where manufacturing, food processing, and light industry are prevalent, adding to the urban pollution burden. Zijinglu's proximity to the Yellow River, about 30 kilometers to the north, provides some moisture but minimal cleansing effect due to the river's seasonal variability and the region's generally low wind speeds. The urban-rural gradient is sharp, with the city core transitioning quickly to farmland, leading to a mix of urban emissions and rural biomass burning. This geography, combined with the basin-like topography of the North China Plain, often traps pollutants, exacerbating air quality issues, particularly during stable atmospheric conditions. The flat landscape lacks natural barriers to disperse emissions, making Zijinglu susceptible to regional haze events that drift from larger industrial hubs like Zhengzhou and Luoyang, compounding local sources from transportation, residential heating, and small-scale industries.

In Zijinglu, air quality follows a distinct seasonal pattern shaped by the East Asian monsoon and local meteorological conditions. Winter, from December to February, typically sees the worst pollution due to coal-based heating, increased energy consumption, and frequent temperature inversions that trap pollutants near the surface, with January often being the peak month; sensitive groups like children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions should limit outdoor activities during this period. Spring, from March to May, brings some improvement as temperatures rise and winds increase, dispersing pollutants, but late spring can experience dust storms from the northwest and agricultural burning, making April a variable month for air quality. Summer, from June to August, offers the cleanest air due to the East Asian summer monsoon, which brings southeasterly winds and rainfall that scrub the atmosphere, with July and August being favourable for outdoor activities, though high humidity can occasionally lead to ozone formation on hot days. Autumn, from September to November, sees a gradual deterioration as heating season approaches and atmospheric stability returns, with October and November often marked by haze buildup; it's advisable for residents to monitor air quality forecasts and use air purifiers indoors during these transitions. Throughout the year, fog and low visibility are common in winter and autumn, exacerbating pollution impacts, and sensitive individuals should plan outdoor excursions for summer mornings or after rainfall when pollutant levels are lowest.