From 2013 to 2017, China implemented its toughest-ever clean air policy, leading to significant reductions in fine particle (PM2.5) concentrations nationwide. This study evaluates the drivers of improved PM2.5 air quality and associated health benefits in China during this period using a measure-specific integrated evaluation approach. The estimated national population-weighted annual mean PM2.5 concentrations decreased from 61.8 μg/m³ in 2013 to 42.0 μg/m³ in 2017, with dominant contributions from anthropogenic emission abatements. Interannual meteorological variations significantly altered PM2.5 concentrations but had a relatively small impact on the 5-year trends. The evaluation of specific measures showed that strengthening industrial emission standards, upgrading industrial boilers, phasing out outdated industrial capacities, and promoting clean fuels in the residential sector were major effective measures. These measures contributed to a 6.6 μg/m³ reduction in national PM2.5 concentrations and a 0.37 million reduction in PM2.5-attributable excess deaths. The study confirms the effectiveness of China's recent clean air actions and provides insights for future clean air policy-making in China and other developing and polluting countries.From 2013 to 2017, China implemented its toughest-ever clean air policy, leading to significant reductions in fine particle (PM2.5) concentrations nationwide. This study evaluates the drivers of improved PM2.5 air quality and associated health benefits in China during this period using a measure-specific integrated evaluation approach. The estimated national population-weighted annual mean PM2.5 concentrations decreased from 61.8 μg/m³ in 2013 to 42.0 μg/m³ in 2017, with dominant contributions from anthropogenic emission abatements. Interannual meteorological variations significantly altered PM2.5 concentrations but had a relatively small impact on the 5-year trends. The evaluation of specific measures showed that strengthening industrial emission standards, upgrading industrial boilers, phasing out outdated industrial capacities, and promoting clean fuels in the residential sector were major effective measures. These measures contributed to a 6.6 μg/m³ reduction in national PM2.5 concentrations and a 0.37 million reduction in PM2.5-attributable excess deaths. The study confirms the effectiveness of China's recent clean air actions and provides insights for future clean air policy-making in China and other developing and polluting countries.