Discover the happiest cities in China for 2025. Explore how Chengdu, Hangzhou, Ningbo, and other top-ranked cities are improving urban life, public services, and residents’ well-being.
China unveiled its list of the “Happiest Cities of 2025” on Dec. 9th at the Happiness City Forum in Chengdu, providing a snapshot of how urban areas are improving daily life across the country, according to Xinhua. The selection process lasted more than three months and included big-data analysis, public surveys, local submissions, field research, and expert reviews.
Top Cities Leading the Way in Happiness
Eleven provincial capitals and sub-provincial cities made the 2025 list: Chengdu, Hangzhou, Ningbo, Nanjing, Changsha, Qingdao, Shenyang, Guangzhou, Shijiazhuang, Xining, and Fuzhou.
In addition, 11 prefecture-level cities were recognised, including Wenzhou, Wuxi, Taizhou, Weihai, Taizhou (Jiangsu), Yibin, Huzhou, Panzhihua, Yingkou, Zhangye, and Yunfu.
Five districts from Beijing and Shanghai were also included: Beijing’s Xicheng, Fengtai, and Shijingshan, along with Shanghai’s Minhang and Xuhui.
Notable Districts and Counties Making the List
Besides, ten urban districts in other cities stood out for livability and public services. They include Yinzhou in Ningbo; Shuangliu and Wenjiang in Chengdu; Fuyang and Lin’an in Hangzhou; Tianhe in Guangzhou; Lucheng in Wenzhou; Huangyan in Taizhou; Donggang in Rizhao; and Ganzhou in Zhangye.
Meanwhile, 11 county-level cities were named to the list: Taicang (Jiangsu), Yueqing (Zhejiang), Cixi (Zhejiang), Changsha County (Hunan), Yuyao(Zhejiang), Rui’an (Zhejiang), Yixing (Jiangsu), Ninghai (Zhejiang), Ningxiang (Hunan), Rongcheng (Shandong), and Liuyang (Hunan).
What Makes These Cities Happy
The rankings focus on residents’ satisfaction, quality of public services, economic vitality, and the overall urban environment. While largely descriptive, the list highlights broader policy priorities and shows how cities across China are investing in better living conditions, community amenities, and sustainable urban development.
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