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Zalantun occupies a distinctive position in northeastern Inner Mongolia, situated at the convergence of the Greater Khingan Mountains to the west and the Songnen Plain to the east, creating a transitional landscape that profoundly influences its air quality. The city lies at approximately 300 meters above sea level in a valley along the Yalu River, which provides some moisture but insufficient to significantly disperse pollutants. This urban center of 318,933 people serves as a regional hub between agricultural zones to the southeast and forested mountain areas to the northwest, creating an urban-rural gradient where agricultural burning and residential heating emissions mix with urban vehicular and industrial sources. Zalantun's location places it within China's northeastern industrial belt, though less intensively than major cities like Harbin, with local industries including food processing, timber, and light manufacturing contributing to particulate matter. The surrounding terrain creates a semi-enclosed basin effect, particularly during calm weather conditions, trapping pollutants near ground level. Distance from major water bodies like the Sea of Japan limits maritime influence on air circulation, while proximity to the Mongolian Plateau exposes the city to dust events during spring. The urban form features moderate density with green spaces along riverbanks, but the valley setting restricts natural ventilation, making air quality particularly vulnerable to temperature inversions during colder months when heating demands peak.

Zalantun's air quality follows a distinct seasonal rhythm shaped by its continental climate and human activities. Winter brings the most challenging conditions from November through February, when temperature inversions trap pollutants close to the ground, compounded by increased emissions from coal-based heating systems. Sensitive groups should limit prolonged outdoor exposure during these months, particularly on calm, cold mornings when particulate matter concentrations peak. Spring sees gradual improvement as temperatures rise and ventilation increases, though March and April can experience dust events carried from the Mongolian Plateau, requiring precautions for those with respiratory conditions. Summer offers the cleanest air from June through August, with frequent rainfall helping to wash pollutants from the atmosphere and prevailing winds providing better dispersion—this is the optimal season for outdoor activities. Autumn begins with relatively good conditions in September but deteriorates through October as temperatures drop, heating systems activate, and reduced wind speeds allow pollutants to accumulate. Throughout the year, weather patterns show limited monsoon influence compared to coastal China, with fog occasionally exacerbating pollution visibility issues in transitional seasons. The absence of strong seasonal precipitation patterns means natural cleansing events are less predictable than in southern China, making air quality management particularly dependent on emission controls during vulnerable periods.