Zhuhai is one of China's Top 10 Beloved Cities, it was announced April 23 at the 2020-21 Release Ceremony of Chinese Cities With Good Life in Chengdu, Sichuan Province.

The selection is based on the livability of prefecture-level cities as evaluated by residents. It considers economic, ecological, and humanistic interests. Zhuhai stands out in overall performance in the favorite or beloved category, which includes Wuxi, Taizhou, Ankang, Lianyungang, Yueyang, Guilin, Mianyang, Zhangzhou, and Ganzhou.

In recent years, Zhuhai has explored a new pathway of high-quality development that synchronizes ecology and humanistic attributes, said Wei Xiang, a researcher at the National Academy of Economic Strategy of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

He anticipates that Zhuhai will quickly become a core city on the west bank of the Pearl River Estuary and model for high-quality development along the coastal economic belt as it assumes a greater role in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Zhuhai bannered as one of China's Top 10 Beloved Cities [Photo courtesy Guanhai App]

Zhuhai Vice Mayor Hu Xintian cited a sound ecological environment, stable social order, and an open, friendly, and inclusive urban temperament as major factors in Zhuhai's nomination.

Hu said the city is fostering a community of life in concert with mountains, waters, forests, paddy fields, lakes, and grasses. The air quality and living environment are globally renowned and bolstered by numerous parks, green corridors, and channels.

In addition, Zhuhai took the lead in the country in offering 12-year free education. A 15-minute medical service circle and medical insurance system, civilization betterment, police efficiency, and rural environment are lauded by locals.

Tourists meanwhile find Zhuhai a desirable with 45 starred hotels and six 4A-level tourist attractions, while entrepreneurs are attracted by the business environment and incentive subsidies. Digital Government reform places all administrative affairs online: 244 are handled within seconds and 1,188 require no presentation of certificates.

Zhuhai is becoming a modern international special economic zone with a high-quality living circle suitable for residence, work, and travel, and an environment friendly to talents, youth, environment, and different cultures, said Hu.

The release ceremony was organized by China Media Group, the National Bureau of Statistics, China Post Group, and National School of Development at Peking University. The evaluation results are based on the annual China's Good Life Survey, which has been undertaken 15 consecutive years.