Zhangjiagang, a county-level city in East China's Jiangsu province, is focusing on building itself into a secure and comfortable place to live. [Photo/zjgonline.com.cn]

Zhangjiagang in East China's Jiangsu province ranked 2nd among China's county-level cities in terms of the progress it has made in building a moderately prosperous society, according to a local news report on Dec 8.

In recent years, Zhangjiagang has been ramping up efforts to pursue high-quality development, aiming to develop into a modern and livable city and create a moderately prosperous society.

More than 80 percent of the city's government fiscal expenditures were spent to improve people's livelihoods, especially in education and medical care, according to a local official.

Zhangjiagang also highlights scientific innovation as the primary driving force behind its progress, and promotes industrial upgrading and transformation as well as improving the quality and performance of its companies. Four characteristic industrial chains and four industrial chains in strategic emerging sectors have taken shape in the city.

The Shanghai-Suzhou-Nantong Railway, which was opened to the public this July, will not only greatly improve traffic efficiency in the city, but also accelerate Zhangjiagang's integration into the rapid developing Yangtze River Delta.

Over the past several years, Zhangjiagang has also emphasized the importance of balanced and sustainable development, and efforts have been made to beautify its countryside.