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Nantong occupies a strategically significant position in eastern China's Jiangsu province, situated on the northern bank of the Yangtze River where it meets the Yellow Sea. This coastal location at the Yangtze River Delta creates a unique urban geography where riverine and maritime influences converge. The city's terrain is predominantly flat alluvial plain with minimal elevation variation, characteristic of the Yangtze Delta region, which stretches across eastern China. Nantong forms part of the Southern Jiangsu economic zone, an area renowned for its dense manufacturing and industrial activity that includes textiles, shipbuilding, and chemical production. The urban-rural gradient shows a compact urban core along the riverfront transitioning to agricultural zones and smaller industrial towns in the surrounding countryside. This positioning within China's most economically dynamic region means Nantong experiences air quality impacts from both local urban emissions and regional transport of pollutants. The city's proximity to major water bodies creates microclimates that can trap pollutants under certain conditions, while the flat terrain offers little natural barrier to pollutant dispersion. Nantong's location within the broader Yangtze River Delta megalopolis means it shares airshed characteristics with neighboring cities like Shanghai and Suzhou, creating regional pollution challenges that transcend municipal boundaries. The combination of industrial activity, dense population, and specific geographic features creates complex air quality dynamics unique to this Yangtze River port city.

Nantong's air quality follows distinct seasonal patterns influenced by East Asian monsoons and regional weather systems. During winter (December-February), cold northerly winds from the Asian continent bring dry conditions but also transport pollutants from northern industrial regions, while temperature inversions frequently trap emissions near the surface, creating persistent haze episodes. Spring (March-May) brings transitional weather with increasing humidity and variable winds that can either disperse or concentrate pollutants depending on specific meteorological conditions. The plum rain season in early summer introduces precipitation that temporarily clears the air, but high humidity can also enhance secondary aerosol formation. Summer (June-August) features southeasterly monsoon winds from the Pacific that generally improve air quality by bringing cleaner maritime air, though occasional stagnant conditions during heatwaves can lead to ozone formation. Autumn (September-November) sees gradually deteriorating conditions as winds shift and temperature inversions become more frequent. Sensitive groups including those with respiratory conditions, children, and elderly residents should exercise particular caution during winter inversion periods and summer ozone episodes. The best months for outdoor activities typically occur during late spring and early autumn when moderate temperatures combine with favorable dispersion conditions. Visitors planning extended outdoor exposure should monitor local air quality forecasts, especially during transitional seasons when rapid weather changes can dramatically affect pollution levels within hours.