Zhanjiang ranks 89th on the list of "Chinese best commercial cities", released by Forbes, on Dec 4.

Among the top 100 cities on the list, 10 are in Guangdong province, including Guangzhou in the first and Shenzhen in the third place. Zhanjiang is the only city in the western part of Guangdong that has been selected in 12 consecutive years and also the topmost city in the Beibu Gulf Rim.

Zhanjiang had flourishing business and commerce logistics in the first three quarters in 2015, which is a highlight of its economy.

In recent years, overseas business magnates have thought highly of Zhanjiang's future. They have invested in the city in succession. With the rapid upgrading of traditional business, superstores, and the emergence of modern urban complexes in Zhanjiang, the city's commercial influence on surrounding areas has strengthened. Meanwhile, local people's consumption concepts and purchasing power have greatly improved.

Industry makes Zhanjiang stronger and business makes it more prosperous.

Zhanjiang's total retail sales of consumer goods rose 13.3 percent to 116.21 billion yuan (about $18 billion) in 2014. In the first three quarters of 2015, retail sales increased 12.1 percent to 94.7 billion yuan. The cargo flow through of the port increased 8.3 percent compared to the same period last year, which is the highest among coastal ports nationwide. Turnover volume in roads and waterways increased 20.4 percent and 23.1 percent respectively. Airport passenger volume increased 28.5 percent to 893,000, and general tourism income rose 39.4 percent.

Crowds of people in a shopping mall in Zhanjiang, Guangdong province [Photo/Zhanjiang Evening News]

Edited by Peter Nordlinger