Pei Xiaofei has noticed something different in the air over China's cities. As a spokesperson for the country's Ministry of Ecology and Environment, he announced this week that the first half of 2026 brought measurable improvements to the nation's air and water quality — and the numbers tell a clear story.
In 339 cities across China, the average density of PM2.5 — tiny pollution particles small enough to enter lungs and cause health problems — dropped to 29.9 micrograms per cubic meter. That represents a 6.6 percent decrease compared to the same period last year.
Beyond the data on paper, it means more breathable days for millions of people. During the first six months of 2026, 82.8 percent of days across those cities had good air quality, a rise of 4.5 percentage points from the previous year.
Water quality also improved. According to the ministry's monitoring, 87.4 percent of surface-water sections and sites were classified as Class I to III, the categories representing good quality water. That figure jumped 3 percentage points higher than the same period last year. Meanwhile, the share of water sections rated below Class V — the worst category — fell to just 0.9 percent, down 1.2 percentage points.
China uses a five-tier system to classify surface water quality, with Class I being the cleanest. The steady movement toward better ratings reflects years of investment in pollution controls and environmental protection.
Pei shared these findings at a media conference on Tuesday, crediting China's sustained efforts to curb air pollution and protect water resources. The improvements arrive as the country continues balancing industrial growth with environmental goals.
For ordinary people living in Chinese cities, cleaner air and safer water carry real weight — fewer health concerns, more time spent outdoors, and a tangible sense that policies are delivering results. The trend, if it continues, points toward a healthier future for the country's 1.4 billion residents.