CCTV's undercover report claims that sex services are openly and widely available at massage parlors, hotels, sauna centers and karaoke clubs in Dongguan. The embarrassed Dongguan police launched a crackdown in Feb 2014.[Photo/chinanews.com]

Despite the wins, many questioned whether the city that used to be celebrated for its entertainment industry is worthy of the title. A sweeping police crackdown on prostitution was launched on Feb 9 last year when China Central Television exposed rampant prostitution in the prosperous Pearl River Delta city.

The crackdown resulted in more than 800 suspects being detained. It dealt a heavy blow to Dongguan's secret sex trade.

In addition to prostitutes, many operators and organizers were detained after many hotels, sauna houses, massage centers, karaoke bars and related entertainment venues were raided. Dozens of police officers have been removed from their posts and put under investigation after they were investigated to have acted as "protective umbrellas" for prostitution and secretly tipping off gangs. The officials removed from their post included Yan Xiaokang, former Dongguan vice-mayor and director of the city's bureau of public security.

Zhang Yiri, an associated professor from Guangzhou City Polytechnic, said relevant departments in Dongguan should not relax their vigilance after the city won the honor.

"Fighting prostitution should be a long-term task in Dongguan, Continuous efforts in cracking down on illegal prostitution would help improve the city's reputation at home and abroad." Zhang said.

Zhang says that the city should not allow any resurgence in prostitution after the illegal event has been brought under control.