Top 10 happiest cities in China 2013 I

Qingdao remains China's happiest city this year, according to the latest China Urban Competitiveness Ranking from Hong Kong (obtain more via Hong Kong city guide)-based China Institute of City Competitiveness (CICC).
Hangzhou, a city of Zhejiang Province, and Huizhou, a city in Guangdong Province, also retained their respective second- and third-place rankings in 2013.
The survey measured local residents of a given city on their overall sense of satisfaction, sense of belonging, life quality, natural environment, economy and social civilization.
Apart from the urban happiness ranking, CICC also published other Chinese city rankings based on a China City Competitiveness Index System, which includes hundreds of specific indexes covering economy, social, environment and culture.
The CICC was founded in 1998 in Hong Kong, and has released China City Competitiveness Rankings since 2002.

10. Xinyang, Henan

Score: 89.59
Located in the most southern part of Henan Province, Xinyang sits between the north foot of Dabie Mountain and the upper reaches of Huaihe River. As one of the birth places of Chinese civilization, the city embraces a history of more than 8,000 years. With a beautiful landscape and comfortable living condition, Xinyang has been on the country's Top 10 Livable Cities list since 2009.

9. Ningbo, Zhejiang


Score: 89.77
Lying south of the Hangzhou Bay and facing the East China Sea to the east, Ningbo is an important seaport city in the country and an optional destination for China vacation deals. With a history dating back to the Hemudu culture in 4800 B.C., the city is also one of the famous historical and cultural cities in China. Containing Yuehu Lake, Siming Mountain and Hangzhou Bay Wetland in the area, Ningbo features charming scenery and a pleasant climate.

8. Suzhou, Jiangsu



Score: 90.04
Situated in southeastern Jiangsu Province, Suzhou is renowned for its elegant and meticulously designed gardens and listed in the top 10 China tour packages. As one of the oldest towns in the Yangtze Basin, the city has been a significant center for China's silk industry since the Song Dynasty (960-1279) and continues to hold that prominent position today. Thanks to beautiful landscape and architecture, Suzhou attracts millions of visitors from China and abroad all year round.

7. Chengdu, Sichuan

Score: 91.66
As the capital of Sichuan Province, Chengdu is one of the most important economic, transportation and communication centers in Southwest China. Due to its mild climate and good air quality, the city was one of the country's top 10 livable cities in 2006 and 2007. Famed for its delicious "hot and spicy" cuisine, Chengdu became the first Asian city named as a City of Gastronomy by UNESCO in 2010.

6. Yantai, Shandong



Score: 92.06
Bordered by both the Yellow Sea and the Bohai Sea, Yantai sits at the northeast part of Shandong Province. Although located in northern China, monsoons regulate the climate and keep the area warm and humid. With a long coastline and more than 60 islets, the city is famous for its picturesque scenery and abundant seafood to satisfy popular China tours.