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Dashiqiao occupies a distinctive position in Liaoning Province, situated approximately 50 kilometers southwest of Yingkou City along the Liaodong Peninsula's western coast. The city lies within the Liaohe River Plain, characterized by flat to gently rolling terrain with an average elevation of just 20-30 meters above sea level. This low-lying topography creates natural drainage basins that can trap airborne pollutants, particularly during stable atmospheric conditions. Dashiqiao's urban character blends industrial zones with residential districts, positioned within Northeast China's traditional industrial belt where manufacturing and processing facilities contribute to regional air quality challenges. The city's proximity to the Bohai Sea (approximately 40 kilometers to the southwest) provides some moderating maritime influence, though this is limited by the peninsula's configuration. Surrounding agricultural lands, particularly rice paddies and vegetable fields, create an urban-rural gradient where emissions from both sectors interact. Dashiqiao's location places it downwind of larger industrial centers during prevailing northwesterly winds, while its position near coastal shipping routes adds maritime transport emissions to the pollution mix. The city's expansion has followed typical Chinese urban patterns with concentrated development along major transportation corridors, creating localized pollution hotspots near industrial clusters and heavy traffic areas.

Dashiqiao experiences distinct seasonal air quality patterns shaped by its temperate monsoon climate. Winter months (December-February) typically present the most challenging conditions, as coal-fired heating systems operate at full capacity while temperature inversions frequently trap pollutants close to the ground. Cold, stagnant air masses from Siberia create stable atmospheric conditions that prevent vertical mixing, allowing particulate matter and sulfur dioxide to accumulate. Spring (March-May) brings gradual improvement as heating demand decreases and increasing wind speeds from Mongolia help disperse pollutants, though dust storms from the Gobi Desert can occasionally elevate particulate levels. Summer (June-August) offers the cleanest air, with southeasterly monsoon winds from the Bohai Sea bringing cleaner maritime air while frequent rainfall acts as a natural scrubber, washing pollutants from the atmosphere. However, high temperatures can accelerate photochemical reactions that produce ground-level ozone during sunny periods. Autumn (September-November) sees a gradual deterioration as heating systems restart and atmospheric stability increases, with October often marking the transition to winter pollution patterns. Sensitive groups should limit prolonged outdoor exertion during winter mornings when inversion layers are strongest, while summer provides the optimal window for outdoor activities. Residents with respiratory conditions should monitor daily air quality reports particularly during heating season transitions and periods of atmospheric stagnation.