Liuhe in Taicang county was named as a national key town along with another 3,674 towns for 2016, according to decision by seven national ministries and commissions, including the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Civil Affairs, Taicang Daily reported.

Clean and immaculate Liuhe is an appealing town. [Photo/Taicang Daily]

National key towns are designated to accelerate the process of urbanization and help spur the development of surrounding rural areas.

There are six criteria for this accreditation: the size of population, regional advantages, potential for economic development, local services, management, and high-tech innovation capacity.

Well-maintained waterfront buildings in Liuhe. [Photo/Taicang Daily]

Liuhe had been listed among the first batch of national key towns in 2004, and continues to maintain its position on the list.

Liuhe is an important port in the Yangtze River estuary for foreign trade since ancient times. It now has developed into a charming town with comprehensive advantages, such as having a low crime rate, and being a hub for domestic and international trade.

Busy Liuhe embraces domestic and foreign trade. [Photo/Taicang Daily]

Liuhe will continue to enjoy preferential policies and be at the forefront of development trends.