Abstract: Particulate PAHs are of significant concern due to their carcinogenic and mutagenic properties. In order to investigate the characteristics and sources of particulate PAHs during heavy pollution episodes, PM_2.5 samples were collected in Beijing and Dezhou in the North China Plain from November 17^th, 2018 to January 19^th, 2019. 26 species of PAHs in PM_2.5 during six heavy pollution episodes were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS). The results showed that: (1) The total concentration of PAHs during six heavy pollution episodes ranged from 62 to 191 ng/m³ in Dezhou, and from 61 to 129 ng/m³ in Beijing. (2) The ratios of ∑₂₆PAHs/PM_2.5 were higher in Beijing, although PM_2.5 concentrations were lower. (3) The dominant components of PAHs were benzobfluoranthene, benzoapyrene (Bap), benzoaanthracene, methyl-fluoranthene and retene, accounting for about 50% of ∑₂₆PAHs. (4) The diagnostic ratios indicated vehicle exhaust, coal combustion and biomass burning were the main sources of PAHs at both sites. A more obvious influence of biomass burning in Dezhou was found via a tracer-based approach and using the ratio of PAHs to levoglucosan in fresh biomass burning aerosols. (5) The Bap toxic equivalent concentrations (TEQ) were 6.5-17.2 ng/m³, with higher values in Dezhou than those in Beijing. The BaP concentration ranged from 5.2 to 13.1 ng/m³ and exceeded BaP standard (24 h average: 2.5 ng/m³) in China (Ambient Air Quality Standard, GB 3095-2012), indicating a potential hazardous effect on human health. The studies have shown that both sites have similar distribution characteristics and sources, while the enrichment ratios of ∑₂₆PAHs/PM_2.5 in Beijing were higher. PAHs emission control needs to be further strengthened to reduce the risk of human exposure to heavy pollution episodes and the PM_2.5 pollution levels.