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Fuzhou, Jiangxi is situated in southeastern China's Gan River basin, approximately 200 kilometers south of the provincial capital Nanchang. This prefecture-level city occupies a strategic position where the Gan River's tributaries converge, creating a distinctive urban geography characterized by riverine plains surrounded by low hills. The city's elevation averages around 50-100 meters above sea level, with surrounding hills rising to 300-500 meters, creating a natural basin that influences air circulation patterns. Fuzhou's urban core has expanded along the Fu River and Jin River, with industrial zones concentrated in eastern and northern suburbs, while agricultural lands dominate the western and southern peripheries. This creates a pronounced urban-rural gradient where pollution dispersion varies significantly across the metropolitan area. The city lies within China's traditional agricultural heartland, with rice paddies and tea plantations surrounding urban areas, contributing seasonal agricultural burning emissions. Fuzhou's position in the mid-lower reaches of the Gan River basin means it receives air masses from both the industrialized Yangtze River Delta to the northeast and cleaner mountainous regions to the south and west. The city's basin topography, combined with its dense river network, creates conditions conducive to fog formation and pollutant accumulation, particularly during stable atmospheric conditions. Urban expansion has transformed former agricultural lands into mixed residential-industrial zones, creating complex pollution dynamics where local emissions interact with regional transport.

Fuzhou's air quality follows a distinct seasonal pattern shaped by East Asian monsoons and local meteorological conditions. During winter (December-February), cold, dry air from the north dominates, bringing frequent temperature inversions that trap pollutants near the surface. January typically sees the poorest air quality as heating demands increase emissions while stagnant conditions prevail. Sensitive groups should limit prolonged outdoor exposure during these months, particularly on calm, foggy mornings. Spring (March-May) brings transitional weather with increasing rainfall that helps cleanse the atmosphere, though occasional dust events from northern China can temporarily degrade air quality. April generally offers improving conditions as temperatures rise and ventilation increases. Summer (June-August) features the southeast monsoon with abundant rainfall and strong southerly winds that effectively disperse pollutants, making July and August the cleanest months for outdoor activities. However, high temperatures can accelerate ozone formation on sunny days. Autumn (September-November) begins with relatively good air quality in September but deteriorates through October and November as monsoon winds weaken and temperature inversions become more frequent. Agricultural burning after harvests in surrounding rural areas contributes to episodic pollution spikes in late autumn. Throughout the year, morning fog is common due to the river-rich environment, often trapping overnight emissions until afternoon breezes develop. The most favorable months for outdoor exercise are typically July through September, while January and November require heightened awareness for those with respiratory conditions.