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Deyang occupies a strategic position in the western Sichuan Basin, approximately 50 kilometres northeast of Chengdu, the provincial capital. Situated at an elevation of around 500 metres above sea level, the city lies within the fertile Chengdu Plain, flanked by the Longmen Mountains to the northwest and the low hills of central Sichuan to the southeast. This topography creates a semi-enclosed basin environment that significantly influences air quality by limiting natural ventilation. Deyang is part of the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Zone, one of China's major industrial corridors, with its economy historically rooted in heavy manufacturing, particularly machinery and equipment production. The city's urban core blends with surrounding agricultural lands, where rice, rapeseed, and vegetable cultivation dominate, contributing both to the regional food supply and to occasional agricultural burning emissions. Proximity to the Tuo River and its tributaries provides water resources but does little to mitigate pollution accumulation due to the basin's stagnant air patterns. The urban-rural gradient shows dense development in central districts transitioning to mixed industrial and farming zones in peripheral areas. This geographic setting, combined with industrial activity and vehicle emissions in a topographically constrained area, creates conditions where pollutants frequently accumulate rather than disperse, making Deyang's air quality particularly vulnerable to meteorological conditions that trap emissions near ground level.

Deyang's air quality follows distinct seasonal patterns shaped by the East Asian monsoon and local basin meteorology. During winter (December-February), cold, stable air masses settle in the Sichuan Basin, creating frequent temperature inversions that trap pollutants near the surface. This season typically sees the highest pollution levels, with January often being the worst month for air quality. Sensitive groups should limit prolonged outdoor exposure during these months and consider using air purifiers indoors. Spring (March-May) brings gradual improvement as increasing solar radiation breaks up inversions and occasional rainfall helps wash pollutants from the air. However, March can still experience poor air quality from lingering winter patterns. Summer (June-August) offers the cleanest air as the southwest monsoon brings increased ventilation, with July and August being optimal for outdoor activities. The rainy season helps scrub pollutants, though high humidity can occasionally combine with emissions to create haze. Autumn (September-November) sees a gradual deterioration as monsoon winds weaken and temperature inversions begin to re-establish. October often marks the transition to poorer air quality conditions. Throughout the year, calm winds and fog—common in the basin—exacerbate pollution episodes by limiting dispersion. Residents with respiratory conditions should monitor daily air quality forecasts and plan outdoor activities for afternoons when mixing is typically better.