Lianjiang selected as candidate for National Civilized City

Lianjiang, a county-level city in Zhanjiang, was selected as a candidate for the 2018-20 National Civilized City award, according to a list released by the Civilization Office of the Central Communist Party Committee.

The award is China's top honor for urban development. It reflects a city's overall performance in economic growth and spiritual civilization construction.

The selection procedures, which have been conducted every three years since 2005, include presentations, material reviews, questionnaires, online investigations, field trips, and an overall assessment.

Cities are scored in nine different sectors: political, legislative, market, cultural, living and natural environment, concrete measures to advance civility, distinct characteristics, and cityscape.

Facing Beibu Gulf to the southwest, Lianjiang is home to the largest national mangrove reserve in the country and the second largest reservoir in Guangdong province. Its GDP ranked first in Zhanjiang last year, driven primarily by its rice cooker and blood orange industries.

Being recognized as a National Civilized City can not only raise Lianjiang's profile, but also attract investment and boost local tourism development.

Six other Guangdong county-level cities on the list are Deqing, Fogang, Huidong, Renhua, Taishan and Yingde.