Key environmental indicators in Shanghai, such as air and water quality, had improved greatly during the period of the country's 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-2020).

Elshinebal, a 50-year-old farmer in Tacheng, a city in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, used to burn coal for heating and cooking in his suburban bungalow and describes his coal-laden life back then as "dusty".

Authorities also said they will enhance efforts to clean up the environment.

China's coal imports bounced back in December as domestic demand for the fuel surged during the harsh early winter.

China has sent a strong signal that it will ramp up efforts to curb carbon emissions with a vow to include climate impact in the nation's environmental impact assessment.

With more than 10,000 registered coal traders, the CTCTC is the largest coal trading center in China.

Under the premise of ensuring safety, the coal production should be organized according to the maximum capacity.

A slew of ministry-level departments, including those responsible for the environment, earthquake warnings, coal mines and industries, have responded recently to matters of public concern.