Nantong city – located in East China's Jiangsu province -- was given the title of National Civilized City in 2020, in recognition of its effective long-term city management and its creation of a harmonious society and culture.

In China, a national civilized city refers to a city with a relatively high level of urban infrastructure and whose residents enjoy a high quality of life. The title of National Civilized City is the highest honor granted by the Office of the National Steering Committee for Ethical and Cultural Progress, which reflects the overall level of civilization of cities in the Chinese mainland.

On May 31, the Nantong Economic & Technological Development Area or NETDA – located in Nantong city -- reportedly held a long-term management for civilized city mobilization conference, which featured 11 special promotions events. In recent years, with the improvement of living standards, NETDA locals are reportedly no longer satisfied with the basic necessities of food, clothing, housing and transport, but have higher aspirations in terms of high-quality goods and services and other premium needs.

In the wake of the establishment of new leadership in the Xinzhu Xiaohai and Zhongxing sub-districts of the NETDA, more than 100 measures covering improvements to living standards and the quality of life there have been implemented by officials.

Among them, roads in the NETDA local communities have been widened, sewers repaired and fire-fighting facilities in the community have been improved.