Respondents to an online survey named Shanghai as their favorite city in the nation, citing its cosmopolitan society and economic vibrancy.

But voters shunned Beijing for its "unfair" laws on employment of people from other parts of the country.

It failed to even make the top 10 in the survey, putting it behind provincial capitals such as Nanjing and Hangzhou in East China.

"This is similar to the result of the previous survey," said Luo Yameng, editor-in-chief of the website Chinascw.com.

"We found that well-known historic and cultural cities are favorites of the Chinese people."

Beijing's lowly position of 11th was not due to a lack of physical appeal but discriminatory policies against out-of-town workers, Luo said.

"Beijing is beautiful and some people didn't vote for it because the city has some unfair employment policies for job seekers from other parts of China," Luo said.

The online survey -- backed by the Ministry of Construction -- listed the five most popular cities in China as follows: Shanghai, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Guilin in South China, and Chengdu in Southwest China.

It attracted more than 5,000 respondents from across the world with the majority being Chinese citizens.

Among the top 50 cities, a total of 30 are listed as well-known historic and cultural cities by the central government.

The top seven cities were popular for their historical and cultural charms while the remaining three gained votes for their economic performance.

Shanghai was only the fourth favorite Chinese city in the previous survey, said Luo, who has been devoted to research of urban development for years.

"I've read lots of comments from voters and found that Shanghai's impressive economic performance and potential and its attractive development climate were major factors in its high placing," said Luo.

(China Daily February 21, 2003)