To investigate the status quo of heating supply and the impact of energy saving policies in northern China, a survey was conducted on the DHSs (district heating systems) in 15 Chinese cities. The average heating energy consumption was 19.2% lower than in 2008 due to the corresponding policies formulated and promoted by the authorities. Additionally, parameters of DHSs in cold and severe cold zones were collected, which include the energy consumption, operating efficiency, monitoring and control level, and gas emissions. These essential data can serve as a reference for energy efficiency retrofits and further analysis of comprehensive energy consumption of the DHSs in northern China. Finally, suggestions for improving existing policies during "the Twelfth Five-Year Plan" period are put forward to further improve the energy efficiency of DHSs. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.