The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) has released its latest rankings of Asia's Top 50 Most Livable Cities for 2024-2025, highlighting Guangzhou's prominence as the leading city in China. This prestigious list, which spans 14 Asian nations, underscores China's dominance with 20 cities securing spots, representing a significant portion of the top 50.
(Photo: Alice)
Guangzhou, situated in Guangdong Province, has emerged as a standout, securing the 9th position overall in Asia and clinching the top spot among Chinese cities. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region follows closely at 29th, while Shenzhen holds the 44th position.
UN-Habitat, committed to fostering sustainable human settlements, evaluates cities based on climate comfort, education, healthcare, economic prosperity, and the cost of living relative to income. These criteria collectively define a city's livability quotient. The ranking of Asia's most livable cities is based on a comprehensive evaluation framework encompassing four key dimensions: overall annual climate comfort (35%), excellent education and healthcare facilities (25%), relative economic prosperity (20%), and a balanced ratio of the cost of living to income (20%).
Chinese cities in focus
Guangdong Province: Guangzhou (9th) and Shenzhen (44th).
Hubei Province: Wuhan (10th).
Taiwan Province: Taipei (13th).
Jiangsu Province: Nanjing (14th) and Suzhou (26th).
Hunan Province: Changsha (17th).
Shandong Province: Qingdao (18th).
Jiangxi Province: Nanchang (22nd).
Other notable Chinese cities include Chongqing (23rd), Hong Kong SAR(29th), Xi'an (30th), Dalian (32nd), Hangzhou (34th), Xiamen (37th), Tianjin (38th), Shanghai (40th), Beijing (42nd), Ningbo (45th), and Chengdu (49th).
About Guangzhou
Known as the "City of Flowers," Guangzhou boasts a verdant landscape with year-round greenery, set amidst the sprawling Pearl River Delta Plain. Its unique subtropical climate, influenced by the Tropic of Cancer and the South China Sea, ensures mild winters and temperate summers, with average annual temperatures around 20-22°C. The city's commitment to green spaces, ranking highest in Guangdong for per capita park green area, enhances its livability.
(Photo: Nanfang Daily)
Educationally, Guangzhou stands as a beacon in southern China, renowned for its comprehensive education system from basic to higher levels. It also excels in healthcare, serving as one of China's major medical hubs with top-tier medical services and facilities.
Economically, Guangzhou is a cornerstone among China's foremost cities, consistently ranking in the top tier for GDP, per capita disposable income, and consumption expenditure. These economic indicators solidify its position as a highly livable metropolis in Asia.
The UN-Habitat's recognition of Guangzhou underscores not only its local achievements but also its broader impact on China's urban development landscape, reflecting the city's commitment to sustainable growth and quality of life.
Author | Alice
Editor | Abby, James
