Beijing Research Articles

Air pollution forecasting: Application of machine learning models to estimate PM2.5 index

In the context of ongoing industrialization, air pollution has become an urgent global problem, particularly severe in large cities such as Hanoi (Vietnam), Beijing (China), and others. Air pollution, especially the concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), is not only harmful to human health but also has significant negative impacts on the environment, economy, and quality of life. This study aims to enhance the ability to predict air pollution levels more accurately. By using machine learning models, meteorologists can better predict air pollution levels and propose more effective mitigation solutions. The article utilizes a multivariate time series dataset, including meteorological and air pollution indices from Beijing, China, from 2010 to 2014. Machine learning models such as Lasso Regression, Support Vector Regression, Random Forest, XGBoost, and, notably, a Stack Model combining the four aforementioned models, are evaluated. The performance of these models is measured using statistical indicators such as Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), and Coefficient of Determination (R²). Among these models, the Stack model provides the most accurate predictions for the PM2.5 index.

Systematic exploration of genetic traits in Qinghai Salar ethnic group through a validated InDel panel for individual identification

BackgroundInsertion/deletion polymorphism (InDel) markers, mainly characterized by diallelic length polymorphisms, have been extensively investigated in forensic applications. The Salar ethnic group is one of the ten officially recognized Muslim minorities in China, with a large population mainly residing in Qinghai Province, China, yet there have been few population genetics studies on the Salar ethnic group, let alone those using InDel markers. AimThe present study aims to explore the genetic traits and enrich the genetic resources of the Qinghai Salar ethnic group through a validated InDel panel developed in-house. Subjects and methodsForensic performance of the novel self-constructed 43-InDel panel, designed for individual identification, was evaluated in the Qinghai Salar ethnic group from China. In addition, based on these 43 InDels, the genetic characteristics of the Qinghai Salar ethnic group were systematically explored by incorporating 27 reference populations from five continents. ResultsThe results indicated that most loci in the 43-InDel panel were genetically polymorphic in the Qinghai Salar ethnic group, and the novel panel could serve as an efficient tool for individual identification of the studied group, with a combined discrimination power of more than 0.9999. Population genetics analyses demonstrated that the Qinghai Salar ethnic group was genetically closer to East Asian populations than to other continental populations, especially the Hui ethnic group in Northwest China and Han Chinese in Beijing. ConclusionIn summary, the in-house developed 43-InDel panel could be an effective tool for individual identification and provide additional genetic information for the Qinghai Salar ethnic group.

Iron isotope fractionation during granite weathering under different climates

Climate controls chemical weathering of silicate rocks on the transport of iron (Fe) and its isotopes from continent to the ocean, impacting the global Fe geochemical cycle. However, it's elusive if Fe isotope fractionation during silicate weathering reflects variations in climate factors. This study examines two granite-derived regolith profiles; one in Beijing (BJ), representing a temperate climate, and the other in Guangdong (GD), representing a tropical climate, to investigate their mineralogy, Fe-bearing phases, element concentrations, and Fe isotope compositions. Our results show that, despite climate differences, the two granite weathering profiles have average δ56Febulk regolith values within analytical uncertainty (0.09 ± 0.02 ‰ vs. 0.12 ± 0.04 ‰, 2SD). The δ56Febulk regolith values of temperate and tropical regolith are similar to or slightly higher than those of their respective bedrocks and remain steady along the entire weathering profile. The limited variation of Fe isotope composition in weakly weathered temperate regolith likely reflects the dissolution of primary minerals rather than the formation of secondary minerals. The Rayleigh fractionation calculations also show a Δ56Fepore solution-regolith value of ∼0 ‰ between pore solution and regolith. In contrast, in the tropical profile, despite the abundance of secondary minerals and the differences in δ56Fe values among the extracted Fe-pools exceeding 0.68 ‰, only limited Fe isotope fractionation is observed in the bulk regolith (0.01 ‰ to 0.24 ‰). These variations are likely driven by the formation of Fe oxides, relying on the atomic distribution of Fe in hematite and goethite. The linear regression analysis estimates the apparent Fe isotope fractionation factor between hematite and goethite as 0.46 ± 0.07 ‰ (Δ56Fehematite-goethite, 1SE). These findings indicate that the sensitivity of Fe isotope fractionation in bulk regolith to variations in climate factors is relatively limited. However, combined with results from other weathering profiles in different climate zones, two models suggest that changes in δ56Fe values of easily leachable and silicate-bound Fe pools are likely influenced by climate factors such as temperature and precipitation. This work advances our understanding of the Fe isotope fractionation during silicate weathering and its potential climate connection on Earth's surface.

Engaging low-income families in education research: examining the challenges in Beijing and London

ABSTRACT This comparative paper considers the similar challenges encountered in Beijing (China) and Greater London (England) when engaging low-income families in education research. Through semi-structured interviews with 10 parents/caregivers in Beijing and 13 parents in Greater London, we explored perceptions of the barriers to participation, the influence of identity on involvement, and ways to better enable their contribution to education research. We found that key barriers to research participation across both cohorts centred on practical issues of a lack of time and childcare support and a sense of the pointlessness of research. Despite these commonalities, subtle differences emerged in how these barriers were experienced in each context, influenced by local socio-cultural factors. We conclude by reflecting on the forms of support that would encourage and enable socio-economically disadvantaged parents/caregivers in different country contexts to take part in education research. Our findings contribute new, comparative knowledge to best practice approaches, highlighting specific policy interventions that could improve the diversity of research participation.

Using online negative emotions to predict risk-coping behaviors in the relocation of Beijing municipal government

This article explores the use of online negative emotions to predict public risk-coping behaviors during urban relocation. Through a literature review, the paper proposes hypotheses that anticipate advanced prediction of public risk-coping behaviors based on online negative emotions. The study’s empirical focus is on the relocation of the Beijing municipal government, using time series data for Granger causality analysis in EViews 10.0 software. Data on online negative emotions is sourced from Sina Weibo. After data cleaning, 1420 pieces of data related to the relocation policy of the Beijing Municipal Government within the period from June 9, 2015 to April 28, 2019 are retained. while risk-coping behaviors are measured through public information search behaviors and the incidence of violent crimes, the data coverage is also from June 9, 2015 to April 28, 2019. The results indicated that: (1) Online negative emotions regarding the relocation policy predict public risk-coping behaviors in advance. (2) Negative comments are more effective predictors than negative feelings; (3) Negative emotions about relocation policy formulation predict risk-coping behaviors better than those related to policy effectiveness and implementation; (4) Negative emotions from individuals better predict public risk-coping behaviors than those from institutions; (5) Negative emotions from key stakeholders better predict public risk-coping behaviors than those from non-key or marginal stakeholders. It is recommended that relevant departments establish a real-time monitoring system to track negative public opinions and emotions expressed online, adopt a stakeholder-centric approach to facilitate communication, and promote transparency and educational campaigns to address the challenges of urban relocation. In future studies, methods such as expanding the sample size and adding indicators will be used to address the limitations of potential bias in sample data.

STI or DUI modes of innovation: Evidence from comprehensive evaluation of four cities in China

The Science and Technology Innovation Center holds a pivotal position in the national science and technology innovation system, and a scientific evaluation of the “Sci-tech Innovation Center” will guide its construction direction. This study found the advantages and disadvantages of the four cities through comparison; Hence improvement suggestions were proposed for the weaknesses of the four cities. There are two main paths for the government to drive technology innovation: STI (Science and Technology Innovation) mode and DUI (Doing, Using, Interacting) mode. With the aid of the evaluation index system of the Sci-tech Innovation Center, this article uses fuzzy sets, rough sets and fuzzy dynamic clustering methods to comprehensively evaluate the effects of driving technology innovation in the four cities of Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Guangzhou. The results found that Shenzhen has a significant effect in DUI, and Beijing has a significant effect in STI. The choice of path is related to the abundance of innovation resources.

The impact of information intervention on urban residents' willingness to sort domestic waste

Although many studies have assessed the effectiveness of waste sorting policies, few studies have explored residents' waste sorting behavior from the perspective of information intervention as a nudge. This study conducts an online survey to empirically examine the effects of information intervention on residents' willingness to sort domestic waste in urban China. We design and implement three types of randomized information interventions (positive, negative, and neutral) to 720 residents in the city of Beijing. Results from ordered probit models show that, despite the large amount of intervention-related policy context that the sampled subjects already possess before the intervention, information intervention can still effectively improve urban residents' willingness to sort domestic waste, and that the information framing effect exists. Specifically, while neutral information intervention does not affect urban residents' willingness to sort domestic waste, both positive and negative information interventions improve residents' willingness to sort domestic waste, and positive information intervention has a stronger effect. These effects are heterogeneous depending on gender, age, and income of residents, with the effect in male, young-age, and low-income groups stronger than that of female, old-age, and high-income groups respectively.

High-Resolution 3D Shear-Wave velocity structure in xiong’an New Area, Beijing (China), revealed by short-period dense seismic array

The 3D shear-wave velocity (Vs) structure in the shallow crustal of Xiong’an New Area can reveal the sediment characteristics and the tectonic features of the blind faults. They are essential for earthquake hazard reduction and geothermal resource exploration in urban areas. The dense array detection method has proved to be an effective technology tool for obtaining the 3D Vs model of the urban area. Using the seismic ambient noise recorded by Xiong’an dense array, we separately conducted the frequency-Bessel transform method and the fast marching technology to estimate short-period (0.4–2.4 s) and long-period (2.5–6 s) fundamental Rayleigh wave phase velocity dispersions. By jointly inverting these dispersions, we finally obtain a fine shallow-deep (0–5 km) 3D Vs model. Our Vs structure correlates well with the tectonic units and reveals the overall stability of the shallow crust structure of the Xiong’an New Area. We extract 3D depths distribution characteristics of the Quaternary and Neogene bottom boundaries from 3D Vs model, which respectively indicates that the Xiongan New Area has been in a relatively stable tectonic position since the Cenozoic. We also provide new evidence to further determine the buried depth and extension patterns of the pre-existing faults or unconformable contact interfaces. Lastly, we analyze and summarize the 3D characteristics of structural sedimentary and potential geothermal exploration areas through conducting comprehensive analysis and interpretation of the regional terrestrial heat flow and geological drilling, which propose a new technical idea for the prospecting and assessing of the geothermal resources based on 3D Vs model.

Cow Milk Fatty Acid and Protein Composition in Different Breeds and Regions in China.

Cow milk is rich in proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and minerals; however, its precise nutrient content varies based on various factors. In the current study, we evaluated the differences in the fatty acid and protein contents of milk and the factors associated with these differences. To achieve this, samples were collected from seven types of cows in different regions. These included samples from three dairy breeds: Chinese Holstein milk from Beijing, China (BH), Chinese Holstein milk (HH) and Jersey milk (JS) from Hebei province, China; and four dairy/meat breeds: Sanhe milk (SH) from Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China, Xinjiang brown milk (XH) and Simmental milk (SI) from Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China, and Shu Xuanhua milk (SX) from Sichuan province, China. Breed significantly affects total fat, fatty acid, and protein contents. Additionally, geographic region significantly affects the contents of different fatty acids, α-lactalbumin, and lactoferrin. JS has the highest total fat and casein contents. XH samples contain significantly higher unsaturated fatty acid content than BH samples and do not differ significantly from JS. Additionally, the low β-lactoglobulin and high lactoferrin contents in XH samples may be favorable for the growth and development of infants. Our results may inform the development of dairy products from different cow breeds and advance the process of accurate breed identification.

The Pragmatic Way: Managing the Streets in Qing Beijing

Drawing upon scholarship from the study of space, social history, and urban history, this article examines the institutional development of street management in Beijing during Qing dynasty (1644-1911). Based on archival sources and private writings about Qing Beijing, this article argues that while the Qing state prescribed a segregated spatial order onto its capital city of Beijing, the practices on the streets were ultimately determined by the constant battle between stagnation and flow. In maintaining the living environment of its imperial capital, Beijing, the Qing state recognized different needs, physically, financially, politically, and administratively, of different people residing and operating in the same urban space. Anchored on an urban history of street management, this article further connects the street concerns to more significant issues about managing the space in the empire and the implications of different priorities for the empire.

Matching analysis between the heating/cooling capacity of PVT heat pumps and the heating/cooling demand of residential buildings across various regions in China

PVT-HP (Photovoltaic-Thermal Heat Pump) is a novel type of energy saving technology. Existing researches on PVT-HP technology focuses only on its operating performance under some specific conditions, ignoring the matching of its energy supply capacity with the energy demand of buildings, which is very important for its engineering design and application. In this paper, the matching relationship between the heating/cooling capacity of the PVT-HP system and the heating/cooling demand of residential buildings in major cities of China has been analyzed. To achieve this goal, a novel prediction model used to calculate the heating/cooling performance of the PVT-HP system has been proposed. And the daily heating guarantee rate and daily cooling guarantee rate have been put forward to evaluate the matching relationship. Based on the evaluation indexes, the applicable matching relationship between the installed capacity of the PVT-HP system and the heating/cooling area of residential buildings has been analyzed. The result of case study shows that for the selected cities of Shenyang, Beijing and Wuhan, the heating/cooling area of residential building for PVT-HP system with installed capacity of 1hp should not exceed 17 m2, 31 m2 and 25 m2, respectively. Further matching analysis of major cities in China shows that the PVT-HP system is more suitable for application in hot summer and cold winter zones of China, in where the suggested heating/cooling area for the PVT-HP system with installed capacity of one horse power is within the range of 30 m2–37 m2.

Contamination profile and hazards of neonicotinoid insecticides in honey from apiaries in Beijing, China.

The residues of neonicotinoid insecticides in honey have raised global concern for their adverse effects on non-target organisms. However, information on the presence of neonicotinoids in raw honey in China is limited. Our study investigated the distribution profiles of neonicotinoids in raw honey samples collected from apiaries in plain and mountainous areas surrounding Beijing City. At least one of four neonicotinoids, imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, acetamiprid, or clothianidin, was found in 46.9% of samples. Neonicotinoids in multi-floral honey in plain areas exhibited higher concentrations and prevalence than in uni-floral honey collected from mountainous areas. These results indicated that neonicotinoid residues in honey were linked to the agricultural ecosystems influenced by geographies, particularly the intensity of agriculture and nectariferous plant types. The dietary risks to adult and children health from neonicotinoid exposure were deemed de minimis, while risks to honeybees at the maximum concentration level require much attention through refined, higher-tier assessments and possible mitigation measures for the use of these products.

Development of Air Pollution Forecasting Models Applying Artificial Neural Networks in the Greater Area of Beijing City, China

The ever-increasing industrialization of certain areas of the planet combined with the simultaneous degradation of the natural environment are alarming phenomena, especially in the field of human health. The concentration of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 μm (PM2.5) and 10 μm (PM10), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone (O3) needs constant monitoring, as they consist of the main cause for many diseases. Based on the existence of statutory limits from the World Health Organization (WHO) for the concentration of each of the aforementioned air pollutants, it is considered necessary to develop forecasting systems that have the ability to correlate the current meteorological data with the concentrations of the above pollutants. In this work, the attempt to predict air pollutant concentrations in the wider area of Beijing, China, is successfully carried out using artificial neural network (ANN) models. In the frame of a specific work, a significant number of ANNs are developed. For this purpose, an open-access meteorological and air pollution database was used. Finally, a statistical evaluation of the developed prognostic models was carried out. The results showed that ANNs present a remarkable prognostic ability in order to forecast air pollution levels in an urban environment.

Event communication of university museums and scientific organizations (based on the experience of the “Night of Museums – 2024” in St. Petersburg)

The article is devoted to the consideration of event communication using the example of participation in the all-Russian event “Night of Museums” by museums of universities and scientific organizations of St. Petersburg in 2024. A sociological survey of St. Petersburg residents showed sufficient awareness of the “Night of Museums” event: every second person knows both about the event and about its holding in 2024 in the Northern capital. However, those wishing to take part in it in 2024 did not exceed 20%, especially to visit museums of universities and scientific institutions (2%). Analyzing the category ‘event communication’ at the intersection of methodological approaches of political science and discourse science, the author considers it promising to study the mutual influence of three discursive constructs: museum discourse – discourse of state memory policy – discourse of national identity, considered in relation to modern political realities of Russia in the context of the implementation of the national security strategy.

Selection Process Based on Advancing the Development of a Science and Technology Law System with Chinese Features

The significance of advancing socialist S&T legal system building with Chinese features is examined in this paper, along with the extensive effects it has on S&T innovation and economic growth. Against the backdrop of an increasingly competitive global scientific and technology landscape, China’s ability to innovate and achieve sustainable growth hinges on the establishment of an ideal science and technology legislative framework. This essay first examines the primary obstacles to China’s development of a science, technology, and innovation (S&T) legal system, including inadequate protection for intellectual property rights, a flawed process for transforming scientific and technological advancements, and an insufficient system for encouraging enterprise innovation. Then, this research presents a quantitative analysis model to optimize the path of science and technology legal building by applying the improved particle swarm optimization method (PSO). The model takes into account a wide range of variables, including the degree of intellectual property protection, the strength of legal backing, the pace at which scientific and technological advancements are transformed, etc. Through the analysis of simulation data, the model also confirms the promotion effect of the legal system construction on the quantity of patent applications, the success rate of innovation projects, the enterprise R&D expenditure, and the expansion of the local economy. The study’s findings demonstrate that bolstering the science and technology legal system can effectively encourage businesses to boost R&D investment and foster regional economic development in addition to greatly raising the quantity of patent applications and the success rate of innovation projects. The rigorous intellectual property protection laws and ideal legal framework for the conversion of accomplishments greatly boost the regional innovation vitality and economic efficiency, particularly in the case study of Zhongguancun in Beijing and East China. Moreover, adaptive weighting is used to enhance the PSO algorithm and optimize the development of science and technology legal system’s comprehensive performance index, thereby confirming the model’s viability and efficacy. The study’s findings offer theoretical justification and helpful advice for China’s development of a science and technology legal framework, which is crucial for fostering innovation in these fields and boosting the country’s competitiveness.

MIGRATION IN THE NORTH AND THE SOUTH CAPITALS OF KAZAKHSTAN: THEORY, FACTORS AND ECONOMETRIC ANALYSIS

The article reveals the theoretical positions that influenced the development of migration processes in the Northern and the Southern capitals of Kazakhstan during 2001-2021. The novelty of the work lies in the comparative analysis of the main causes or factors that influenced migration processes in the both capitals of the country. As part of the mathematical formalization of the social attractiveness of the immigration city, the Social Attractiveness Index has been developed and proposed for use. The main tool of research and analysis was econometric data analysis based on Pooled OLS model using the STATA program. As a result, conclusions were drawn that an important factor immigration to the Northern capital was the geographical factor or the close distance of the city of Karaganda. An important factor immigration to the Southern capital was a relatively high index of attractiveness of social infrastructure or the presence of a more numerous and developed educational infrastructure (schools, universities, colleges and healthcare systems (medical institutions, hospitals).

Prevalence and associated factors of diabetic retinopathy among type 2 diabetes in Dongcheng District and Tongzhou District, Beijing City: a cross-sectional study

Objective: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most common cause of adult blindness in China. Screening of DR is important for early detection, prevention, and treatment. However, there is still controversy in the research on the prevalence and risk factors of DR in China. This study was designed to evaluate the prevalence of DR and related risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Beijing City. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in in Dongcheng District and Tongzhou District, Beijing City. Patients with type 2 diabetes aged 18-80 years were selected from four communities, and all subjects underwent questionnaires, physical examinations, laboratory examinations and fundus photography. The logistic regression model was used to analyze the associated factors of DR. Results: A total of 1 531 subjects were included, with the median age of 66 years old and the average age of (65.6±7.4) years old, and the glycosylated hemoglobin level in the subjects was 7.2%±1.3%, and the glycosylated hemoglobin compliance rate was 56.0%(857/1 531). A total of 254 patients with diabetic retinopathy were detected, and the prevalence of DR was 16.6%(254/1 531). Among them, there were 218 cases of non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy and 36 cases of proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Compared with the non-DR group, there were statistically significant differences in fasting blood glucose (Z=-3.74, P<0.001), glycosylated hemoglobin(Z=-10.664, P<0.001), urinary microalbumin excretion rate(Z=-7.767,P<0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(Z=-2.589, P=0.01), and duration of diabetes(Z=-10.189, P<0.001) between the DR group and the non-DR group. Multivariate regression analysis showed that the duration of diabetes (OR=1.08, 95%CI: 1.06-1.10, P<0.001), glycosylated hemoglobin (OR=1.38, 95%CI: 1.23-1.55, P<0.001), and FPG (OR=1.11, 95%CI: 1.03-1.19, P=0.008) were associated factors for DR. Conclusion: In this study, the prevalence of DR in 4 communities of type 2 diabetes in Beijing City was 16.6%. Besides, this study further confirmed that the duration of diabetes, fasting blood glucose levels, and glycosylated hemoglobin are associated factors for DR in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Comparison of Three Influenza Surveillance Data Sources for Timely Detection of Epidemic Onset - Chengdu City, Sichuan Province and Beijing Municipality, China, 2017-2023.

The syndromic surveillance system, exemplified by the influenza-like illness (ILI) surveillance system, has long been crucial in providing early warnings of influenza epidemics. The analysis revealed that employing reported influenza case data from the nationwide Notifiable Infectious Diseases Reporting Information System (NIDRIS) enhanced the early detection of influenza epidemics, particularly within the context of multiple respiratory pathogens circulating concurrently. The NIDRIS, characterized by its extensive coverage, obligatory reporting, high specificity, and real-time data transmission, offers a valuable tool for the effective early detection of influenza epidemics. Utilizing this system could enhance preparedness and responses to such health crises, potentially mitigating their impact on public health.

Seasonal biogenic volatile organic compound emission factors in temperate tree species: Implications for emission estimation and ozone formation

Variability in biogenic volatile organic compound (BVOC) emissions across species and seasons poses challenges for accurate regional emission estimates and effective ozone (O3) control policies. To address this issue, we conducted in-situ measurements of emission factors for six dominant tree species in Beijing across four seasons. Subsequently, we developed monthly dynamic standard emission factors (SER-MDs) to model monthly BVOC emissions and their impacts on O3 formation at citywide and district levels. Our observations revealed pronounced seasonal differences in the BVOC composition and emission rates, as well as their responsiveness to monthly average temperature. By introducing the SER-MDs, we estimated BVOC emissions from the dominant tree species in Beijing to be 38.2 Gg yr−1, with monoterpenes and isoprene contributing 49% and 11%, respectively. This calculation reduced the overestimation associated with constant standard emission factors by 31%–38% at district level. The estimates also revealed regional differences in plant compositions rather than simple feedback from regional temperature and photosynthetically active radiation periods. Under these conditions, the maximum monthly BVOC-induced O3 concentration occurred in August and ranged from 4 to 17 μg m−3 across districts, with isoprene being the dominant contributor. Quercus mongolica and Populus tomentosa played significant roles in the formation of BVOC-induced O3 due to their strong isoprene emitting potential in July–August. These results indicate the necessity of introducing species-specific rhythms of BVOC emissions from dominant species in the development of urban BVOC emission inventories. This approach could inform the development of air pollution management policies that are consistent with the local vegetation composition and O3 pollution characteristics. For Beijing and other similar northern cities, reducing the use of tree species emitting substantial amounts of isoprene during periods of regional peak ambient O3 concentrations could constitute an effective nature-based solution for improving urban air quality in the future.

Nasopharyngeal carriage of Streptococcus pneumoniae among children aged 30 days to &lt;60 months in Beijing and Shenzhen, China (2018–2021) during pneumococcal conjugate vaccine introduction and the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic

ObjectivesTo describe the carriage rate, serotype distribution, and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) nasopharyngeal (NP) isolates among healthy children aged 30 days to &amp;lt;60 months in the cities of Beijing and Shenzhen during 2018–2021.MethodsA NP swab sample was collected among four annual cohorts of healthy children at routine well-child visits. S. pneumoniae was identified by culture, optochin sensitivity and bile solubility, serotypes determined by latex agglutination and Quellung, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing performed using E-test strips.ResultsS. pneumoniae NP carriage was 13.1% (645/4,911), with the highest S. pneumoniae carriage prevalence (15.3%) observed in 25 to &amp;lt;60 months. The carriage prevalence was 15.1% in children 13–24 months, 13.2% in children 7–12 months, and 8.2% in children 30 days to 6 months (P &amp;lt; 0.01). Living with siblings [20.0% vs. 9.4%: OR: 2.42 (95% CI: 2.05–2.87)] or attending day-care [31.8% vs. 11.3%: OR: 3.67 (95% CI: 2.94–4.57)] increased the risk (P &amp;lt; 0.01). During the period (January 2020–April 2021) of strict non-pharmaceutical interventions to prevent and control the COVID-19 pandemic, the proportion of children with S. pneumoniae colonization declined from 16.0% (94/587) to 5.8% (108/1,848) in Beijing while increasing from 14.5% (64/443) to 18.6% (379/2,033) in Shenzhen. Among S. pneumoniae isolates, 36.7% (237/645) belonged to 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) serotypes, 64.3% (408/645) were non-PCV13 serotypes, including 20.8% (134/645) non-serotypeable S. pneumoniae (NST). A total of 158/644 isolates (24.5%) were MDR. For the PCV13 isolates, MDR was detected in 36.3% (86/237) of isolates; in comparison, 17.6% (72/407) of non-PCV13 serotypes, including NST, were MDR (P &amp;lt; 0.01). S. pneumoniae NP carriage was detected in 10.7% of children with previous pneumococcal vaccination (PCV7 or PCV13 only) compared with 14.9% in children without previous pneumococcal vaccination.ConclusionsThe highest S. pneumoniae carriage prevalence were found in the oldest age group (25 to &amp;lt;60 months) and in children living with siblings or attending day-care. Vaccination with PCV7 or PCV13 was associated with lower PCV13-serotype colonization. In Beijing, S. pneumoniae carriage significantly declined during the COVID-19 pandemic.