The City's Central Square becomes a hot spot for residents to visit during holidays. [Photo: Dongguan Daily]
The Awarding Ceremony of "2010 China's Most Influential Cities Overseas" was held in Hong Kong on January 19, 2011. China's 60 cities gained this honor, including Dongguan City. Liu Zhigeng, secretary of the CPC Dongguan City Committee, and Li Yuquan, mayor of Dongguan City, won the honorary titles of "Star Party Chief" and "Star Mayor" respectively.
Lasting for one year, the activity was organized by Ta Kung Pao, the oldest active Chinese language newspaper in China. The 60 award-wining cities were recognized by the domestic and overseas people for their strong economic influence, overall influence, and cultural influence.
Especially in the past 5 years, the added value of Dongguan's gross domestic product (GDP) totaled 20 billion yuan. It is listed as one of the 18 typical areas of reform and opening-up in China. Dongguan has invested over 230 billion yuan in the urban construction and 45.34 billion yuan in its social undertakings.
Free and compulsory public education, full-area coverage of strong education towns and community medical service, coordinated urban and rural development of the basic old-age pension and basic medical insurance systems, free access of parks and museums to the public, the honorable title of 'Top National Civilized City', all these achievements appealed to the overseas visitors, thereby Dongguan finally won this honor as one of the 2010 China's Most Influential Cities Overseas'.
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