Background, aim, and scope Atmospheric pollution in China has become a serious environmental problem because of its significant influences on human health, ecological environment and climate change. Fine particulate matter (PM_(2.5)) is a major cause of haze, which can result in urban air quality problems, especially reduced visibility and health problems. PM_(2.5) can be stay in the atmosphere for a long time, and can be transported to distant places through winds. Shanxi Province located in the middle of China. Due to rapid increase in motor vehicles and energy consumption during recent decades, serious air quality problems take place in Shanxi Province. In the study, we collected the daily PM_(2.5) data from Shanxi Province in 2015, and analyzed the PM_(2.5) distribution in Shanxi Province. This study provides useful information for pollution control strategy in Shanxi Province. Materials and methods This study aims to analyze the data of PM_(2.5) provided by 57 monitoring stat of air quality index (AQI) in Shanxi Province, using Arc GIS and the clustering analysis method, referring to the Technical Code of Air Quality Assessment. Results The results showed that: the concentration of PM_(2.5) shows seasonal change. Overall, PM_(2.5) concentration decreases from winter to summer. PM_(2.5) peak concentration occurs in January and December. Generally, Yuncheng city has the highest PM_(2.5) concentration. The spatial distribution of PM_(2.5) decreased from southern to northern Shanxi Provence. The PM_(2.5) from nine cities was higher than the secondary standard of Air Quality Assessment and 72% larger than the standard value. The cities can be divided into two categories according to clustering analysis of PM_(2.5). One category includes Yangquan, Luliang, Shuozhou, Datong cites, which have well-developed secondary industry. The other category includes Taiyuan, Jinzhong, Xinzhou, Yuncheng, Changzhi, Jincheng and Linfen, which have extensive industrial restruction and seriously industrial pollution. Discussion The data of AQI show that the spatial distribution of PM_(2.5) in Shanxi Province can divided two categories, which indicates that the spatial distribution of PM_(2.5) in Shanxi Province has a certain relationship with its geographical location, and regional atmosphere. Conclusions The results show that the pollution situation is more serious in the southern Shanxi with the most serious pollution in winter. Recommendations and perspectives The southern part of Shanxi Province need timely management, and the northern region in some areas have to be slightly managed.