Livability extends appeal beyond business

A city might attract newcomers because of its numerous job opportunities, but only a profound local culture can make them stay and gain a sense of belonging.

Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong province, is a good example of a city with a rich cultural legacy, involving Cantonese Opera and embroidery, from its history of more than 2,000 years.

This heritage is the best showcase of the city's culture on the international stage.

Local jazz singer Maria Wang and Cantonese Opera performer Wu Feifan recently staged worldwide crossover collaboration at the promotional events of the upcoming 2017 Fortune Global Forum to be hosted in Guangzhou this December.

The creative mix of the traditional Chinese opera's aria and the Western music genre's beat amazed foreign guests when the Guangzhou government's delegation traveled to Chicago in the United States and Munich in Germany in June. To preserve and promote its culture, Guangzhou will boast at least 65 museums by 2020, according to the city's 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-20).

Ten of the 36 cultural public facilities on the list of key projects to be built as part of the plan are museums, covering a wide range of areas from Cantonese music to local cuisines.

Other elements of Guangzhou's livability include the city's outstanding environment as well as mouthwatering delights.

Known as the "City of Flowers", Guangzhou has flowers in bloom all year round, with its forest coverage reaching 42 percent and urban green area coverage reaching 41.5 percent.

The city recorded 310 days of good air quality in 2016.

Boasting one of China's eight best-known cuisines, Guangzhou has long been recognized as a "paradise of delights", attracting gourmets from around the world. Local refreshments and dim sum enjoy great popularity in China and internationally.

xujingxi@chinadaily.com.cn