Hebei will escalate efforts to combat air pollution by joining with Beijing and Tianjin to set up a laboratory so it can release accurate early warnings and find fundamental solutions for smog in the province.

For decades Hebei, which surrounds the country's capital, has played an important role in guaranteeing Beijing's necessities and security. Regarding clean air, however, the province has struggled.

In 2013, residents in Shijiazhuang, the capital city of Hebei province, experienced 151 days of air pollution exceeding the hazardous level. All 11 cities of the province counted only 129 days last year during which air quality was considered good, according to a report by the Department of Environmental Protection of Hebei.