Taizhou is one of China's happiest cities as part of the Happy Cities Forum 2025. [Photo/the official news website of Taizhou]

Taizhou in East China's Zhejiang province has once again been recognized as one of China's happiest cities, marking the 10th time it has appeared on the list, as announced at the 2025 Happy City Forum held in Chengdu on Dec 9.

A total of 48 cities and districts made the list in the annual survey-and-selection event. The happiest cities survey-and-selection event, sponsored by the Oriental Outlook magazine affiliated with Xinhua News Agency, has recognized over 100 cities and districts since its launch 19 years ago, said the event organizers.

This recognition reflects the city's steady industrial upgrades, deepening urban-rural integration, and improvements in public services and ecological quality, with recent initiatives having enhanced urban livability, strengthened infrastructure, and expanded residents' well-being. This year, the city advanced high-quality development, improved residents' daily lives, and refined urban governance.

Looking ahead to the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), Taizhou plans to advance its path toward modern Chinese urbanization, emphasizing coordinated urban systems, economic development, precise governance, improved living standards, and distinct character, aiming to become an innovative, livable, resilient, beautiful, civilized, and smart urban center.

The annual list of China's happiest cities has run for 19 years, with this year's evaluation adding a new focus on residents aged 55 and over, complementing traditional indicators such as employment, income, ecology, safety, education, transportation, and healthcare. Taizhou's sustained high happiness index reflects its dynamic development and consistent attention to residents' well-being.