Traffic in Beijing is the worst in China, according to a survey of Chinese Internet users, a local newspaper reported Wednesday.

An online survey on quality of life in Chinese cities said Beijing dropped 10 places to the 14th this year and ranked last when measured by traffic conditions, according to the Mirror.

South China's Shenzhen special economic zone in Guangdong Province, Qingdao in Shandong Province and Hangzhou in Zhejiang Province topped the list as cities with most desirable living conditions.

The survey pointed out that the fall in Beijing's ranking was largely due to its heavy traffic, according to the report.

Beijing has over two million motor vehicles and the number is still rising.

However, the survey also showed that Beijing leads other cities in education, entertainment, health and medical facilities.

The survey, released Wednesday on the China City Forum, was conducted by the Beijing-based international Institute for Urban Development. A total of 773,325 people in 287 cities responded to the survey.

(Xinhua News Agency September 21, 2006)