Zhanjiang came up trumps against other cities in western Guangdong in the latest report detailing the most livable cities in China, released on Sept 14.

The coastal city scored highly on its economy, livelihood, environment and other aspects that make a city livable.

The report was conducted by the National Academy of Economic Strategy of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, a government think tank. It surveyed 200 Chinese cities at prefecture level and above by assessing 15 indicators in five categories of economic development, social management, livelihood and welfare, social equality and ecological environment.

Beijing ranked first on the list, followed by Shenzhen and Hangzhou. Zhanjiang was placed at a respectable 46th on the list.

The city has made efforts to balance economic progress with environmental development and has not only improved its hygienic conditions but also made the city a more pleasant place to reside in.

The city regularly ranks in the top three cities in Guangdong in terms of air quality. According to a semi-annual report on air quality of Guangdong cities issued on July 14, Zhanjiang ranks second in the province, just 0.02 integrated index points behind Shanwei.

Zhanjiang was named as a Chinese demonstration city in urban and rural construction, and a national Top 10 Green City in 2010.