Zhuhai has retained the title of National Civilized City by virtue of becoming ever more livable, according to a Nov 10 announcement by the Civilization Office of the Central Communist Party Committee.

Since July 2018, Zhuhai has conducted monthly civilization index assessments (quarterly in the Wanshan Marine Development Experimental Zone). The October assessment scored the citywide civilization index at 92.8 with significant progress seen in organizations directly under the municipal government and local towns.

The civilization index of 17 organizations directly under the municipal government was 95 -- 0.8 points higher than September. The Government Service Data Management Bureau, Publicity Department of the CPC Zhuhai Municipal Committee, and Municipal Committee of the Communist Youth League of China all obtained marks of 100.

Civilized Zhuhai (shown is Zhuhai Opera House on Yeli Island in Xianglu Bay against the backdrop of urban areas of Old Xiangzhou and Jida) [Photo courtesy WeChat account: zhuhaifabu]

Meanwhile, the average civilization index of 11 towns was 93.3 last month -- 0.2 points higher than in September. Doumen Town outclassed Lianzhou, Sanzao, Tangjiawan, Qianwu, Hongqi, Jing'an, Pingsha, Hengqin, Baijiao, and Nanshui to rank first at 96.3.

Local districts averaged a civilization index of 92.6, the same as November's figure. The National Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone (Tangjiawan) outperformed Jinwan, Doumen, and Xiangzhou districts, Hengqin New Area, and Gaolan Port Economic Zone with a score of 94.

Entry-exit service halls, government affairs halls/administrative service centers above district level, and bookstores had full marks in the 45-category assessment of public venues, which includes parks, scenic spots, bus stations, cultural centers, and construction sites.

Nonetheless, the civilization index of citywide subdistricts decreased by 0.7 points to 91.1 in October. Gongbei had the highest score compared with Shishan, Jida, Fengshan, Qianshan, Cuixiang, Wanzai, Meihua, Baiteng, Nanping, and Xiangwan.

Problems at the town level cited in the report include littering, pet behavior, illegal parking, pedestrians on streets, public toilet access, sorting trash, and random posting of advertisements.

Zhuhai garnered the title of National Civilized City, the top and most-difficult-to-obtain domestic honor, for the first time in 2015 and regained it in 2019. The title is awarded for "education of party officials, promotion of the rule of law, public security, development of the consumer environment, provision of new cultural facilities, volunteer social services organization and environmental quality." Over the years, Zhuhai has resolutely improved in overall economic strength and social civilization levels.