Burning coal in China significantly contributes to the high levels of fine particle pollution in the air. Industrial coal burning is the main culprit, followed by power plants and households. In 2013, coal combustion added 22 µg m−3 (40%) to PM2.5 levels in major cities nationwide, with even higher impacts in the Sichuan Basin. During summer, coal burning contributes 18 µg m−3 (46%), while in winter, it increases to 28 µg m−3 (35%). Domestic coal burning decreases in summer, but power plants and industrial sectors maintain consistent contributions throughout the year.