Tian'e county in Hechi, Guangxi, was recently awarded the title of "Chinese Longevity County". The award ceremony and press conference was held on Dec 30.

The title and the authentication certificate were awarded by the China Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics (C.A.G.G.).

Tian'e county has 2,501 senior residents over 80 years old and 37 of them are centenarians. The proportion of centenarians in the total population is higher than the 7.5/100,000 standard, regulated by the United Nations.

After a series of inspections and evaluations, C.A.G.G. decided to award the title to the county.

Tian'e county is located in the upstream area of the Hongshui River. Its total population stands at 172,000, including 14 ethnic groups. It is famous for pheasants, tung trees and golden camellias, and has many tourist attractions.

According to Lu Xianghong, head of Tian'e county, the title will enhance the popularity of Tian'e, promote its health-tourism brand and facilitate local economic and social development.

A group photo of governmental officials at the award ceremony and press conference for awarding Tian'e the title of "Chinese Longevity County" on Dec 30 [Photo by Yao Wenzhong / Xinhua]

Edited by Peter Nordlinger