Qingdao, Shandong Province, is the happiest city in China, according to the China Institute of City Competitiveness's "happiness index."

The coastal city received 90.56 points in the annual Chinese City Classified Advantage Rankings, one of the most comprehensive evaluations on Chinese cities that are based on statistics from China Urban Competitiveness Research Committee. The statistics were released in a press conference in Hong Kong on July 8.

The index includes factors such as residents' sense of belonging, stability and satisfaction, as well as outsiders' perceptions of the city. Cities also got points for being good places to live and work and having unique culture, beautiful scenery or good environment.