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The aerosol scattering properties were investigated at two continental sites in northern China in 2004. Aerosol light scattering coefficient (σ sp) at 525nm, PM10, and aerosol mass scattering efficiencies (α) at Dunhuang had a mean value of 165.1±148.8Mm−1, 157.6±270.0μgm−3, and 2.30±3.41m2 g−1, respectively, while these values at Dongsheng were, respectively, 180.2±151.9Mm−1, 119.0±112.9μgm−3, and 1.87±1.41m2 g−1. There existed a seasonal variability of aerosol scattering properties. In spring, at Dunhuang PM10, σ sp, and α were 184.1±211.548μgm−3, 126.3±89.6Mm−1, and 1.05±0.97m2 g−1, respectively, and these values at Dongsheng were 146.4±142.1μgm−3, 183.4±81.7Mm−1, and 1.98±1.52m2 g−1, respectively. However, in winter at Dunhuang PM10, σ sp, and α were 158.1±261.4μgm−3, 303.3±165.2Mm−1, and 3.17±1.93m2 g−1, respectively, and these values at Dongsheng were 155.7±170.1μgm−3, 304.4±158.1Mm−1, and 2.90±1.72m2 g−1, respectively. σ sp and α in winter were higher than that in spring at both the sites, which coincides with the characteristics of dust aerosol and pollution aerosol. Overall, the dominant aerosol types in spring and winter at both sites in northern China are dust aerosol and pollution aerosol, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]