Taicang, a vibrant county-level city in Jiangsu province, has been named China's happiest county-level city for the 10th straight year at the Happy Cities of China Forum 2025 held in Chengdu, Sichuan province. The event unveiled rankings based on a comprehensive index covering employment, income, quality of life, ecology, education, healthcare, and public safety.

Located just 50 kilometers from Shanghai, Taicang boasts strategic advantages, including the eighth-largest container port in the Chinese mainland and over 12,000 industrial enterprises. Home to more than 40 Fortune 500 companies, it ranks sixth among China's county-level regions in terms of high-quality development and second in tech innovation.

Taicang Port. [Photo/WeChat account: tcfbgw]

The city's success is rooted in its blend of economic prowess and cultural heritage. With a 4,500-year history, Taicang preserves traditions like the Loudong School of Chinese painting while fostering global ties through events like the Beethoven Choral Festival. As the "Hometown of German Enterprises" in China, over 560 German firms operate here, specializing in automotive exports and advanced manufacturing.

Over 560 German enterprises operate in Taicang. [Photo/WeChat account: tcfbgw]

Ecological initiatives define daily life: 43 percent of urban areas are green spaces, and residents enjoy a 99.6 percent safety rating and an average lifespan of 85.13 years. Innovations like "land approval upon project commitment" and youth housing subsidies further enhance livability.

Taicang is committed to offering a high-quality ecological environment to residents. [Photo/WeChat account: tcfbgw]

Taicang's leadership in healthcare, education, and inclusive policies for expats — such as the Hi Taicang card — cements its reputation as a model for balanced urban development. This accolade marks its 14th overall win, reflecting a city where tradition and progress thrive in harmony.