China's economy has risen to the second place since 2010, accompanied by the largest energy consumption in the world. As one of the major air pollutants from the fossil fuel, excessive SO2 emissions have severe negative impacts on eco-environments. In order to achieve the balance between economic growth and environmental protection, many efforts have been made on the reduction of SO2. The route map for the reduction of SO2 in China includes policy setting, economic and energy structure adjustment, and the construction of desulphurization facilities. These initiatives and efforts together had resulted in the significant reduction of SO2 emissions along with fast economic development. This study provides a useful reference for other developing countries in coping SO2 control. The findings also provide implications for reducing the other two air pollutants with binding control targets in the Twelfth Five-Year Plan period in China, i.e. NOx and CO2. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.