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Gaoyou is a county-level city in Jiangsu Province, situated in the heart of the Yangtze River Delta region, approximately 150 kilometers northwest of Shanghai. The city occupies a strategic position within the Jianghuai Plain, characterized by flat terrain with an average elevation of just 2-5 meters above sea level, making it part of China's extensive alluvial lowlands. Gaoyou's urban character blends traditional canal-town heritage with modern development, as it lies along the historic Grand Canal, which bisects the city and connects it to the Yangtze River system to the south. This proximity to major waterways historically facilitated trade but now influences air quality through humidity and occasional fog formation. The surrounding landscape is predominantly agricultural, with rice paddies and aquaculture ponds dominating the rural periphery, creating an urban–rural gradient where pollution sources transition from vehicular and residential emissions in the city center to agricultural burning and fertilizer use in outlying areas. Gaoyou is positioned within the broader Yangtze River Delta economic zone, one of China's most industrialized regions, meaning it experiences regional pollution transport from nearby cities like Yangzhou and Nanjing, particularly under prevailing northeasterly winds. The flat terrain inhibits natural ventilation, allowing pollutants to accumulate, while the network of lakes and canals, including the large Gaoyou Lake to the west, contributes to high humidity that can exacerbate particulate matter persistence. This geographic setting makes Gaoyou susceptible to both local urban emissions and regional haze, especially during stagnant weather conditions.

In Gaoyou, air quality follows a distinct seasonal pattern shaped by the East Asian monsoon and local meteorological conditions. During winter (December to February), pollution typically peaks due to increased coal and biomass burning for heating, combined with frequent temperature inversions that trap pollutants near the ground. Cold, stagnant air and low wind speeds, often accompanied by dense fog from the nearby waterways, create hazardous conditions, making these months least favorable for outdoor activities, especially for sensitive groups like children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions. Spring (March to May) brings gradual improvement as temperatures rise and monsoon winds begin to disperse pollutants, though occasional dust storms from northern China can cause temporary spikes. Summer (June to August) sees the cleanest air due to strong southeasterly monsoon winds from the Pacific, which ventilate the region, and frequent rainfall that washes pollutants from the atmosphere. However, high humidity and heat can still pose challenges for outdoor exertion. Autumn (September to November) marks a transition, with air quality deteriorating as winds weaken and agricultural burning after harvests contributes to haze, particularly in October and November. Sensitive individuals should monitor air quality forecasts year-round, limit outdoor exercise during pollution episodes, and use air purifiers indoors during peak seasons. The best months for outdoor activities are typically June through August, when meteorological conditions favor pollutant dispersion.