The rankings are a reminder to city planners that they should not only address short-term problems such as creating new jobs, but also long-term ones such as providing a decent standard of living and public services for low-income and migrant households, he said.

Zou said officials like to construct landmark buildings or entertainment facilities in city centers as main attractions, but "a city exists not just for tourists. It exists, more importantly, for those who actually live there".

No cities from the Yangtze River Delta or Pearl River Delta regions appeared in the new rankings. Zou said people in these regions may have higher incomes but less leisure time for cultural and spiritual interests.

Wang Wenjie, 27, has worked as a human resources specialist at a pharmaceutical company in Shanghai for two years. She has adopted a positive mindset to deal with daily pressures.

"I have a circle of close friends. And I am surrounded by intelligent people with similar interests. Such an environment inspires me to grow and learn," Wang said.

Wang’s parents in Fuzhou, Fujian province, used to worry about her, but after visiting Shanghai they became convinced that she enjoys living there.

Wang said she enjoys helping people learn new skills and seeing a sparkle in their eyes.

"I think of five things that I am grateful for when I go to bed every night," she said, "For me, keeping a positive mindset is the key to finding happiness in life."

Wang finishes work at 5 pm and has plenty of time to do activities she enjoys, such as swimming, hanging out with friends, going to a reading group and watching theater performances.

"Living in big cities may involve pressure due to higher expenses. But they can offer a rich cultural life for people to feel more fulfilled," she said.