Bright blue skies have become an increasingly common sight in Jinan, capital of East China's Shandong province, in recent days.

Photos of a brilliant azure sky have been popping up on Chinese social media sites WeChat and Weibo in celebration of the newly clean air.

In the first quarter of this year, the average density of PM2.5 particulates in the air in Jinan was 65 micrograms per cubic meter, down 19.8 percent from the same period last year, according to government data.

Bright blue skies have become an increasingly common sight in Jinan, capital of East China's Shandong province, in recent days. [Photo by Zhang Wei/iqilu.com]

A photo taken on May 18 of Jingshidong Road in Jinan, Shandong province [Photo/iqilu.com]

Brilliant azure skies can be seen above Jinan, Shandong province. [Photo by Lin Xiaomu/iqilu.com]

Jiuru Mountain Scenic Area against a blue sky and pale white clouds in Jinan, East China's Shandong province. [Photo by Cui Xincheng/iqilu.com]