Despite the improvements, however, issues such as heavy pollution, ecosystem damage and high environmental risks remain, it was found.
Of 338 cities at the prefecture level and above, only 73, or 21.6 percent, met national clear air standards, according to the report.
The annual average PM2.5 and PM10 densities in those cities were 42.9 percent and 24.3 percent higher than the national limits. Meanwhile, ozone pollution has become increasingly prominent, it was noted.
It also highlighted serious water pollution in the Haihe, Huaihe, Liaohe and Yellow rivers, and soil contamination in the Yangtze River Delta, Pearl River Delta and the old industrial base in the country's northeast.
TREMENDOUS CHALLENGES AHEAD
China is now facing a grim situation in terms of environmental protection, with the bearing capacities of its resources and environment "reaching or nearing the upper limits," Minister of Environmental Protection Chen Jining said while presenting the report.
Serious pollution of the eco-environment, especially of air, water and soil, is "a prominent weak spot" in the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects. The people want environmental deterioration to stop, Chen said.
Meanwhile, China has yet to complete industrialization, urbanization and agricultural modernization; unsound industrial and energy structure can not be changed overnight, he said.
It was also noted that a failure to clearly define responsibilities in some regions, lax law enforcement and supervision, and inefficiency all added to the pressure and challenges facing China.
During the 2016-2020 period, China will pursue innovative, coordinated, green, open and inclusive development, establish a rigorous environmental protection system, and try to win the war against air, water and soil pollution, he promised.
He also pledged commitment to reducing emissions of major pollutants, preventing and controlling environmental risks and improving environmental quality across the board.
To this end, China will proceed with the making and revision of related laws, and ensure strict and effective law enforcement, Chen added.
