Abstract: The methods for research on the atmospheric environmental capacity and planning in economic opening zone in coastal area are approached and discussed through the case study of Dongguan city. The suitable means and available approaches are studied, which are in respects of the inquiring of air pollution source, the monitoring of air pollutant, the analysis of characteristics of pollution meteorology, the calculation of environmental capacity, the planning of air pollution control and the implementation of emission permit certificate of atmospheric pollutant. The results of case study provide a series of practicable decision and suggestion for the air quality management of Dongguan City.