SHENZHEN takes third place in sustainable development of 2019 among 100 Chinese cities, according to a report released in Beijing on Tuesday.

Zhuhai and Beijing took the first two places, the report jointly made by China Center for International Economic Exchanges, Columbia University, AliResearch and Social Science Academic Press showed.

The other cities in the top 10 are Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Qingdao, Wuxi, Nanjing, Shanghai and Xiamen.

The report surveyed 100 cities and showed China improved its sustainability while keeping its economic stability.

The Chinese cities are gradually becoming more sustainable, especially in social and economic aspects. Between 2016 and 2018, the indexes of the country’s economic growth increased 12 percent on average, showing recovery of economic driving power after upgrading and improving economic structure and growth.

In the subcategories, Shenzhen took second place, following Beijing, in quality economic development, energy saving and emission reduction.

The coastal provinces and municipalities took the lead positions compared to the central and western regions of the country. Among the top 10 provinces and municipalities, Beijing, Shanghai, Zhejiang, Jiangsu and Tianjin showed remarkable achievements in economic development, environment treatment, social livelihood and emission reduction. Anhui in central China and Chongqing in western China took the No. 6 and No. 8 positions, respectively, in the ranking for sustainability.

Considering the pandemic and reviewing the U.N. Sustainable Development Agenda for 2030, the report suggested China form its own dual circulation development pattern, sticking to the philosophy of green development and high-quality development driven by innovation and led by technology, and eliminating institutional barriers through supply-side structural reform. (Han Ximin)