Explore China - Top 10 Happiest Cities in China

Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, led the Top 10 Happiest Cities in China 2014 list released by Oriental outlook magazine of Xinhua News Agency and the Annual Report on Urban Development of China published by the China Association of Mayors.

About 23 million people have answered questionnaires for the survey, which launched in August. The evaluation of residents' responses took into account 70 indexes in six categories: the charm, vitality, power and influence of city culture, the city's image and residents' sense of happiness.

The ranking was released on Oct. 31, World City Day, which aims to improve the images of Chinese cities and promote them throughout the world.

The city ranking has been released for 8 consecutive years and is one of the most well-known rankings in China.

No. 1 - Chengdu

Chengdu [tupian.hudong.com]

Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, is one of the most important economic, transportation, and communication centers in Southwest China. It is one of the most famous historical and cultural cities in China, with a history dating back to 611 B.C. Chengdu is has a wonderful living environment due to its mild climate and rich resources. Famed for its "hot and spicy" cuisine, the city was named a City of Gastronomy by UNESCO in 2010.

No. 2 - Hangzhou

Hangzhou [image.baidu.com]

Hangzhou is the capital of southeast China's Zhejiang Province, with a history of more than 2,000 years. Dubbed the "Paradise under Heaven," the city is well known across the globe for its splendid natural scenery, numerous historical relics, fine silk and prized Longjing tea. But what makes it an attractive place to live has to do with its slower pace of life. The peace and quiet of this city is something that other big cities like Shanghai cannot offer.

No. 3 - Nanjing

Nanjing

Located in eastern China, Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu Province, features a glorious history, unique culture and amazing night scenery. One of China's Four Great Ancient Capitals, the city boasts countless historical relics, including the Nanjing City Wall, the Ruins of the Ming Dynasty Imperial Palace, the Confucius Temple, and the Ming tombs (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). In addition, visitors who love the night sky must not miss out on a trip to the Qin Huai River, a place which offers its visitors the most spectacular night scenery. The city's favorable environment and convenient living make it one of the best places to live in China.

No. 4 - Xi'an

Xi'an

Xi'an, the capital of China's Shaanxi Province, was known as Chang'an before the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It is one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China, with a history spanning over 3,100 years. It used to be the capital of the most important dynasties in Chinese history, including the Zhou (1046-256 B.C.), Qin (221-206 B.C.), Han (202B.C.-220A.D.), Sui (581-618), and Tang (618-907) Dynasties. The city is the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and home to the Terracotta Army. It is known as a "natural history museum."

No. 5 - Tianjin

Tianjin

Located in northeastern China, adjacent to Beijing, Tianjin is a rapidly developing municipality that has so far served as the venue for many important and widely attended forums, such as the World Economic Forum. Apart from its beautiful city scenery, Tianjin boasts numerous historical and cultural spots, including the Tianjin Ancient Culture Street, the Century Clock, the Drum Tower and the Xikai Catholic Church. With the city's surging economy, the living conditions of the area's residents have been improving as well.

No. 6 - Changchun

Changchun [Xinhua]

Changchun, the capital of northeastern China's Jilin Province, is a city famous for its film industry. The city is also an important industrial base, with a particular focus on the automotive sector. In winter, Changchun is a good place to enjoy the beautiful scenery created by rime ice, also known as "tree hanging." The famous Puppet Manchurian Palace Museum and Mount Changbai are also located here. Changchun is regarded as a city with a slower pace of life and an ideal place for the elderly.

No. 7 - Changsha

Changsha

Changsha, the capital of Hunan Province, is located on the lower reaches of the Xiang River, a branch of the Yangtze River. It is one of the most famous historical and cultural cities in China, boasting a history of more than 3,000 years. The city is now a major interior port as well as a commercial and industrial center. Its slower pace of life and lesser overall pressure make it a favorite among locals.

No. 8 - Yueyang

Yueyang

Yueyang, located in Hunan province, is a city with over 2,500 years of history. It features a great climate, splendid natural scenery and numerous historical relics, including the well-known Yueyang Tower, one of the Three Great Towers of Jiangnan (the lower reaches of the Yangtze River). The area also boasts fertile soil and diverse species of plants and wildlife, which have earned it the moniker "Land of Honey and Milk."

No. 9 - Zhuhai

Zhuhai

One of China's first four special economic zones, Zhuhai has all the glamour of a metropolis, but it also retains the mild disposition of the region's Cantonese, Teochew and Hakka cultures. The city has 604 kilometers of coastline and a relatively low population density. Over the past few years, it has been awarded a great many national and international honors as an environmental-friendly city, a model city for improving livability, a garden city, and a prime tourism resort, among others.

No. 10 - Dalian

Dalian

Situated in the southernmost part of Liaoning Province, right on the peninsula separating the Bohai and Yellow Seas, Dalian is one of China's most vibrant and modern cities. With its clean air, beautiful beaches and pleasant summertime temperatures, Dalian has become an ideal destination for those who want to escape the summer heat and the hustle and bustle in metropolises like Beijing and Shanghai.

Source - china.org.cn