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On December 9, at the "2025 Happy City Forum," Guangzhou was once again named one of "China's Happiest Cities" — its eighth time receiving this honor and the fourth consecutive year since 2022.

So, what makes Guangzhou so happy? The answer lies in its booming emerging industries, coordinated urban-rural development, accessible natural and floral landscapes, tangible public welfare projects, and refined urban governance, all of which form the core of Guangzhou's "happiness code."

High-quality development underpins a happy life

Guangzhou has established six advanced manufacturing clusters each with an output value exceeding RMB 100 billion and ten service sectors each generating over RMB 100 billion in added value. Strategic emerging industries now account for one-third of its GDP.

In the first three quarters of 2025, Guangzhou's regional GDP reached RMB 2,326.565 billion. Its ranking in the GaWC World Cities list rose to 22nd, placing it firmly among global first-tier cities.

First-class business environment nurtures fertile ground for happiness

"Optimism about and investment in Guangzhou" has become a vivid footnote to the mutual commitment between the city and numerous domestic and international entrepreneurs and startups. This trend highlights the continuous improvement of Guangzhou's business environment and its boundless development prospects. To date, the number of registered market entities in Guangzhou has exceeded 4.25 million, ranking second nationally.

Green transition enhances the quality of happiness

Statistics show that over 100 community sports parks have been newly built or renovated, nearly 300 fitness trails have been laid out, and a "15-minute fitness circle" has been implemented. In this millennia-old commercial capital, a sense of "reverse aging" vitality and happiness can be felt everywhere.

Livelihood projects paint the foundation of happiness

From establishing community canteens for the elderly to implementing the "Hundred Medical Professionals for Elderly Care" project; from creating pocket parks to building a 15-minute accessible childcare service circle; from fulfilling the dream of installing elevators in old residential compounds to launching the new entrepreneurial service brand "Create the Future in Guangzhou"... In Guangzhou, visions that embody public aspirations are transforming into tangible, touchable scenes of happiness.

Photos: Guangzhou Daily

Reporter: Zhang Cheng
English author & editor: Wen Junhua