WOMEN in Harbin, Shanghai and Beijing feel happier than most women in other cities in China, according to an annual survey about women's quality of life, the Beijing Times reported yesterday (Mar 1).

The survey, developed by the National Women's Federation, was carried out in eight big cities last year, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Changsha, Chengdu, Nanning, Harbin and Xi'an, and based on 10 aspects of women's lives, like working conditions, mental and physical condition, marriage, housing condition, consumption and overall quality of living.

The survey said women in Changsha were the most satisfied with their housing condition, while Beijing and Xi'an women felt the least satisfied due to the small living areas.

Beijing women spent an average of 46 minutes commuting to work, followed by 41 minutes for Guangzhou women, more than other cities, the survey said.

The survey showed 77.3 percent of married women controlled the spending choices for the families' meals, clothing and daily goods, and 51.3 percent of married women combined their incomes with their husbands.

Editor: Wing