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Xiangyang, situated in central Shaanxi province at coordinates 34.2995°N, 108.4905°E, occupies a strategic position within China's Guanzhong Plain, an ancient agricultural heartland bounded by the Qinling Mountains to the south and the Loess Plateau to the north. The city's elevation of approximately 400 meters above sea level places it within a basin-like terrain that significantly influences its air quality dynamics. Xiangyang's urban character blends traditional agricultural communities with modern urban development, creating a distinct urban-rural gradient where farmland transitions into residential and commercial zones. This geography creates a natural containment effect for air pollutants, as surrounding mountain ranges inhibit dispersion while the Wei River valley channels airflow patterns. The city lies approximately 30 kilometers south of the Wei River, Shaanxi's major waterway, but lacks substantial water bodies within its immediate vicinity that might help moderate pollution through humidity or cleansing effects. Positioned within China's central industrial belt, Xiangyang experiences pollution contributions from both local urban sources—including transportation, residential heating, and small-scale manufacturing—and regional agricultural activities, particularly during planting and harvest seasons when biomass burning occurs. The city's location in the rain shadow of the Qinling Mountains reduces precipitation that might otherwise wash pollutants from the air, while its basin topography frequently traps emissions beneath temperature inversion layers, especially during calm winter conditions.

Xiangyang's air quality follows a pronounced seasonal rhythm shaped by its continental monsoon climate and basin geography. Winter (December-February) brings the most challenging conditions as cold, stagnant air settles in the Guanzhong Plain, creating persistent temperature inversions that trap pollutants near the surface. Residential heating demands spike during these months, combining with limited atmospheric mixing to produce extended periods of poor air quality—particularly hazardous for children, elderly residents, and those with respiratory conditions who should minimize outdoor exposure. Spring (March-May) offers gradual improvement as increasing solar radiation breaks up inversion layers and occasional rainfall helps cleanse the atmosphere, though March can still see elevated pollution from lingering winter patterns and agricultural field preparation. Summer (June-August) provides the cleanest air as monsoon rains from the southeast sweep through the region, effectively scrubbing pollutants while consistent southerly winds enhance dispersion; this season offers optimal conditions for outdoor activities. Autumn (September-November) begins with relatively good air quality but deteriorates through October and November as temperatures drop, atmospheric stability increases, and agricultural burning peaks after harvests. Sensitive groups should monitor air quality forecasts particularly during transitional months when rapid weather changes can create unexpected pollution episodes.