Qingdao in Shandong province makes the list of China's happiest cities for the fourth time in a row during the Happy Cities of China Forum 2023 held in Chengdu on Nov 24. [Photo/WeChat account: qd12301]

Qingdao, a coastal city in East China's Shandong province, made the list of China's happiest cities for the fourth time in a row during the Happy Cities of China Forum 2023 held in Chengdu on Nov 24.

Based on a comprehensive survey, the rankings shed light on cities' efforts to prioritize people, enhance governance systems, and modernize capabilities. The focus was on gauging happiness levels across Chinese cities.

In line with its vision to emerge as a modern international metropolis, Qingdao has maintained a steadfast commitment to improving the well-being of its populace.

Qingdao in Shandong province boasts stunning natural scenery. [Photo/WeChat account: qd12301]

In the initial three quarters of this year, the city recorded a 6 percent year-on-year rise in gross domestic product, reaching 1.18 trillion yuan ($1653 billion). Public budget revenue increased by 6.1 percent to 101.88 billion yuan, while foreign trade rose 7 percent to 733.53 billion yuan.

Meanwhile, Qingdao ranked the highest among Shandong cities with 318,500 new urban jobs. Both urban and rural areas saw a 5 percent boost in subsistence allowances, with 680 million yuan allocated to support disadvantaged groups.

Rooted in a people-oriented development approach, the city has bolstered people's feelings of prosperity, joy, and security. A new platform was introduced to address public concerns, with 93.47 percent of issues being resolved on the district (city) platform by mid-November.

Since 2022, Qingdao opened or upgraded 176 schools alongside universal mutual recognition and the sharing of examination results among the city's 214 medical institutions.

Qingdao, a coastal city in East China's Shandong province. [Photo/WeChat account: qd12301]