A mobile app called "Blue Map" is proving a popular tool in offering the general public weather information as well as advice on PM2.5 air quality readings in 380 cities nationally. It even suggests if people should be wearing a face mask that day.

It also provides the public with information on 9,000 enterprises across the country, via a database provided by the Institute for Public and Environmental Affairs.

IPE's director Ma Jun said the app uses blue and red spots to highlight which companies are promising to meet government emission targets (red), and those which are already within the limits.