Beijing has rolled out a series of targeted measures to reduce airborne pollen levels this spring, as cypress pollen entered its peak dispersal period in mid-March, according to authorities.

The measures include water spraying, pruning of male cypress branches and the application of pollen-fixing agents, with round-the-clock operations in high-risk areas such as residential communities, schools and hospitals.

According to the Beijing Municipal Forestry and Parks Bureau, this year's cypress pollen season began around March 8 and was expected to peak in mid-March, based on joint analysis by garden and meteorological experts.

At the district level, preventive actions have been implemented in advance. In Haidian district, the pruning of male cypress branches was carried out during the autumn and winter of 2025 to remove pollen-producing cones. Major parks, including the Temple of Heaven and Ditan Park, have intensified water-spraying operations to suppress pollen release at the source.

Authorities have also increased the frequency of interventions in densely populated areas to reduce allergenic pollen concentrations in the air.

In March last year, the Temple of Heaven was covered by billions of pollen particles. Each gust of wind through the ancient cypress trees released plumes of yellow, resembling smoke, enveloping the area in a golden haze that diffused the sunlight into an ethereal glow.

Despite the picturesque scene, the reality for many residents was far from idyllic. A 27-year-old woman, surnamed Jin, who has lived in Beijing for five years, developed severe allergies last spring, experiencing nasal congestion, sneezing, and itching in her eyes, throat, and ears that medication couldn't relieve, leaving her exhausted and unmotivated. "I even wanted to leave the city," she said.

This year, however, while the same symptoms persist, they are far less severe, which she attributes to effective mitigation measures.

Jiang Yingshu, director of the bureau's science and technology division, said the city has introduced eco-friendly biological agents, such as pollen fixatives and control agents, to improve the efficiency of prevention efforts. "The bureau has also issued technical guidelines to support districts in implementing targeted and science-based measures," Jiang said.

Pollen dispersion in Beijing is closely influenced by meteorological conditions such as temperature, wind and precipitation. As cypress trees are wind-pollinated, their pollen spreads entirely through air currents.

Experts note that during peak periods, pollen concentrations typically show clear spatial patterns, with higher levels in urban areas than in the suburbs, and more severe conditions in the southwestern parts of the city compared with the northeast. These patterns are partly linked to the urban heat island effect and prevailing wind conditions.

While mitigation efforts have been strengthened, Jiang stressed the need to balance short-term allergy control with long-term ecological considerations.

In recent years, Beijing has expanded urban greening as part of broader environmental improvement efforts. Cypress species are widely used due to their strong resistance to cold and drought and their high survival rates.

A survey by the bureau found that around 168,000 male cypress trees are located within the Fifth Ring Road area.

"It is important to address pollen-related health concerns in a scientific manner while recognizing the ecological value of these trees," Jiang said.

Medical experts have also advised residents to take personal protective measures during the peak pollen season.

Ouyang Yuhui, chief physician at Beijing Tongren Hospital, said people should reduce outdoor activities between 10 am and 5 pm, when pollen concentrations are typically higher. If outdoor exposure is unavoidable, wearing masks and protective eyewear is recommended.

She also suggested keeping windows closed during high pollen periods and using air purifiers to improve indoor air quality.

"If symptoms such as nasal itching, sneezing or eye irritation persist, people should seek medical attention promptly," she said.