Nantong, Jiangsu Province (Photo/Agencies)

Xi'an, Shaanxi Province (Photo/Agencies)

Changsha, Hunan Province (Photo/Agencies)

Wuxi, Jiangsu Province (Photo/Agencies)

Changchun, Jilin Province (Photo/Agencies)

Tianjin Municipality (Photo/Agencies)

Nantong, Jiangsu Province（江苏南通）

Located on the northern bank of the Yangtze River, near the river mouth, Nantong is a vital river port in Jiangsu Province. It was one of the first batch of 14 port cities opened to foreign investment in the recent economic reforms. The prosperity of Nantong has depended on the salt production on the nearby seacoast, rice and cotton agriculture, and especially on its cotton textile production. It is known as the "pioneer city of modern China" as it launched China's first normal university for aspiring teachers, its first non-governmental museum, first textile school, first embroidery school, first drama school, first school of deaf-mutes and first weather station.

The latest list of the ten happiest Chinese cities, based on a public survey conducted by Oriental outlook magazine and the China Association of Mayors, was released on Dec. 30, 2012. Southern China's city of Hangzhou tops the list, followed by Chengdu in Sichuan Province and Ningbo in Zhejiang Province.

Since the survey launched in Sept. of last year, more than 30 million people across 50 major and 50 county-level cities have been involved via newspaper or online questionnaires. The evaluation took into account 22 factors such as overall pricing, pace of life, level of convenience, environment, housing, education and transportation.

In the end, the following ten Chinese cities came out on top for 2012.

Xi'an, Shaanxi Province（陕西西安）

Xi'an, the capital of China's Shaanxi Province, was known as Chang'an before the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It is one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China, with a history spanning over 3,100 years. It used to be the capital of the most important dynasties in Chinese history, including Zhou (1046-256 B.C.), Qin (221-206 B.C.), Han (202B.C.-220A.D.), Sui (581-618), and Tang (618-907). The city is the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and home to the Terracotta Army. It is known for being a "natural history museum."

Changsha, Hunan Province（湖南长沙）

Changsha, capital of Hunan Province, is located on the lower reaches of the Xiang River, a branch of the Yangtze River. It is one of the famous historical and cultural cities in China, boasting a history of more than 3,000 years. The city is now a major interior port, as well as a commercial and industrial center. Its slower pace of life and lesser overall pressure make it a favorite with locals.

Wuxi, Jiangsu Province（江苏无锡）

Wuxi is the second largest city in Jiangsu Province. Split in half by Taihu Lake, China's second largest fresh water lake, Wuxi is known as the "pearl on Taihu Lake." Wuxi was one of the four major rice markets in earlier times and now has become a full-fledged modern city. Yuantouzhu Island, also known as "Turtle Head Isle," is a popular tourist resort in the city. Wuxi is among the top 10 cities in China's GDP rankings of 2012. The people there are known for their extraordinary kindness.

Changchun, Jilin Province（吉林长春）

Changchun, the capital of northeastern China's Jilin Province, is a city famous for its film industry. Changchun Film Studio, the first film factory established after the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, is considered the cornerstone of the Chinese film industry. The city is also an important industrial base, with a particular focus on the automotive sector. Changchun in winter is a good place to enjoy the beautiful scenery of rime or "tree hanging." The famous Puppet Manchurian Palace Museum and Mount Changbai are also located here. Changchun is regarded to be a city with a slower pace of life, and an ideal place for the elderly.

Nanjing, Jiangsu Province（江苏南京）

Located in the eastern part of China, Nanjing, capital of Jiangsu Province, features a glorious history, unique culture and amazing night scenery. Known as one of China's Four Great Ancient Capitals, the city boasts countless historical relics, including the Nanjing City Wall, the Ruins of the Ming Dynasty Imperial Palace, the Confucius Temple, and the Ming tombs -- part of the UNESCO World Heritage. In addition, visitors who love the night sky must not miss out on the Qin Huai River, a place which offers its visitors the most spectacular night scenery. The city's favorable environment and convenient living make it one of the best places to live in China.

Ningbo, Zhejiang Province（浙江宁波）

Ningbo is a seaport city in the northeast of Zhejiang Province. It lies south of Hangzhou Bay, facing the East China Sea to the east. It is one of the famous historical and cultural cities in China, with a history dating back to the Hemudu culture in 4800 B.C. Ningbo was known as a trade city on the Silk Road at least 2,000 years ago and is now one of the three major business centers in Zhejiang. People feel happy living in Ningbo thanks to its favorable medical service and education.

Chengdu, Sichuan Province（四川成都）

Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province, is one of the most important economic, transportation, and communication centers in Southwest China. It is one of the most famous historical and cultural cities in China, with a history dating back to 611 B.C. Chengdu is a livable city due to its mild climate and rich resources. Famed for its "hot and spicy" cuisine, the city was named City of Gastronomy by UNESCO in 2010. The locals are particularly satisfied with its housing system.

Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province（浙江杭州）

Hangzhou is the capital city of Southeast China's Zhejiang Province, with a history of more than 2,000 years. Dubbed the "Paradise under Heaven," the city is well known across the globe for its splendid natural scenery, numerous historical relics, fine silk and Longjing tea. But what makes it an attractive place to live, has to do with its slower pace of life. The peace and quiet of this city is what other big cities, like Shanghai, can not offer.

Tianjin Municipality（天津市）

Located in northeastern China, adjacent to Beijing, Tianjin is a rapidly developing municipality and has so far served as the venue for many important and widely attended forums, such as the World Economic Forum. About 300 of the 500 companies on the Fortune Global list had set up sub-companies there by the end of 2010, turning the area into a base for advanced industry, financial reform, and innovation. Apart from its beautiful city scenery, Tianjin boasts numerous historical and cultural spots, including the Tianjin Ancient Culture Street, the Century Clock, the Drum Tower and the Xikai Catholic Church. With the city's surging economy, people's living conditions there have been improving as well.