Wuxi's green landscape shows along Taihu Avenue. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Wuxi has long striven to promote the construction of infrastructure and sustainable projects. The city's green coverage has improved over time and the implementation of an eco-friendly drainage system has helped to create a healthier and safer living environment.

On the emission reduction front, Wuxi aims to achieve a 20-percent decrease in annual PM2.5 index by 2017 compared to 2013 data. The city's devotion to continually improving air quality stands as a factor that has ensured Wuxi retains its reputation as one of the most livable cities in China.

The resplendent purple sea of lavender in Xuelang Mountain, Wuxi. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The other eight cities in China to have made the list are Jiangshan and Yuyao in Zhejiang province, Dali and Lijiang in Yunnan province, Sanya in Hainan province, Duyun in Guizhou province, Suining in Sichuan province, and Yichun in Heilongjiang province.

The award was established in 2005 by GFHS for the purpose of recognizing a city's overall achievements in improving its living environment.