happy.jpg (Photo : www.skyscrapercity.com)
Chengdu, Nanjing and Hangzhuo figured in a three-way tie for the top slot as China's "Happiest Cities", based on results of a public survey that yielded the "2013 Report on Happiness and Well-being in Chinese Cities."
The theme for the 2013 survey was "Beautiful China, Happy Lives." It was sponsored by Liuwang magazine, The Chinese Mayor's Association and The Chinese City Development Commission. Liuwang Magazine's report on the well-being of Chinese cities was used as one barometer in the study.
The 13 other factors that played a part in the study include: urban economic development and standards, the internationalization of the city, development of the city's legal systems, transparency of the government, administrative efficiency, honesty of public servants, cultural life, uniqueness and personality of the city, the manners of its citizens, public safety, overall atmosphere, work and lifestyle, resources and environmental concerns.
For 2013, the 10 happiest cities included Xiamen, Hangzhuo, Chengdu, Nanjing, Xi'an,Tienjing, Changsha, Ningbo, Changchun and Haiko. This was the first year that Chengdu, Nanjing and Hangzhou tied for top honors as the "happiest" cities in China.
As news about the current pollution obtaining in Chinese cities came out in recent weeks, authorities have scrambled to put a positive spin on their urban lifestyle, including one report about the five benefits of smog. So it is not surprising that while announcing the award for "The Happiest City in China", the committee also announced plans for a new initiative called "Chinese Cities' Images Abroad."
The sponsors hope that the study and it's results will help to unite the cities and increase cooperation among them, as well as thrust them into the international spotlight, in a positive way.
