Harbin in Heilongjiang province witnessed significant improvements in its air quality during the first 10 months of 2018, according to information released by Harbin environmental protection bureau.

As of Oct 31, Harbin has had 258 days with air quality rated either “excellent” or “good”, 28 more days than in 2017. Meanwhile, the days of air quality rated “air pollution” decreased to 45 days, 29 less than in 2017.

This year, Harbin has removed 719 coal-fired boilers, in a bid to prevent coal pollution.

Also, Harbin carried out strict monitoring of atmospheric pollutants emission; six industries with high emissions, including coal-fired thermal power, iron and steel, and cement, have finished emission assessments and making adjustments to reduce environmental issues.

In terms of strict control of pollution emissions from "mobile sources", a plan to restrict the driving time and allowed zones for high-emission vehicles was adopted.

Additionally, Harbin has taken effective measures to increase the usage of straw to 75 percent, reducing air pollution from burning the straw on the fields.