We attribute Beijing’s PM_2.5 abatement in 2017 (compared to 2013) to the following factors: meteorology changes (3.8 μg m⁻³, 12.1 % of total), regional emission reduction (7.1 μg m⁻³, 22.5 %), and seven specific categories of control measures in Beijing (20.6 μg m⁻³, 65.4 %). Our study confirms the effectiveness of clean air actions in Beijing and its surrounding regions and reveals a new generation of control measures, and strengthened regional joint protection measures should be implemented.