Fuzhou is aiming to cement its title of "most livable capital city" in China, Mayor Su Zengtian said, through urban development and exploring its tourism and cultural potential.

The city was awarded the title recently by the National Environmental Administration, although some critics say Fuzhou does not deserve it.

Su said that in the next few years, the city will prove itself to be worthy of the title.

Over the past few years, city authorities have carried out three key projects, Su said, including controlling sand dredging of the Minjiang River, removal of illegal structures from city streets and the renovation of traffic infrastructure.

Su said the city has taken steps to reduce the large number of sand dredgers operating on the river. "This had not only destroyed the riverbed, but also its ecology. It contributed little to the local economy," he said.

"About 18 million tons of sand were being taken out every year, with only 4-5 million tons used locally. They were sent to other provinces."

Su said large-scale steps would soon be taken to demolish the many buildings that were put up without approval, which line many of the city's streets.

"This will be an example to anyone who wanted to put up such buildings," he said.

The city will also intensify regulations governing street booths and billboards, and landscape improvement works will be carried out in high-end street of Dongjiekou.

Su said controlling traffic chaos will be "most difficult" because the interests of ordinary people are involved. Persuasion and education will be the key methods used, he said.

More bus routes and 600 additional taxis will be added to the streets to alleviate congestion. And motorcyclists affected by restrictions to machines deemed not roadworthy, which started on Sept 1, will receive compensation in the form of subsidies and transport cards.

"Building of a quality citizenship is a long process and must be carried out gradually," he said.

Fuzhou's future also lies in the chemical and high-tech industries. The city should also make full use of its advantage in service sector to catch up with Quanzhou in terms of GDP, Su said.

Industrial development should take advantage of two high-quality harbors, Jiangyin Port and Luoyuan Bay, while the development of high-tech, pharmaceutical, electrical and mechanical industries should be emphasized, he said.

Su said Fuzhou, with a total population of 6.8 million, is well placed to support new industries being established in the province.

At present, agriculture contributes 10 percent to Fuzhou's GDP, industry 42 percent and the service sector 48 percent.

"In the future, the city's outskirts will feature more wholesale markets while the city center will see more shopping centers," Su said, "All in all it's for the benefit for an easier life for residents."

Su said that over the next two to three years, all 11 counties and districts in the province will develop hot springs resorts to make this area the "capital of spring water".

"And a city like Fuzhou where sea water, fresh water, and spring water are all available is very rare across the country," he said. "I hope that more people can come to enjoy a spring resort holiday."

Su said the restoration of the Minjiang River will go through four steps: control of dredging, rectification of the channel, channel upgrade and linking of the water system within the city to build a series of tourist water resorts.

More tourism projects will then be developed for the river, he said, such as a yacht club which will be launched where the National Yacht Show will be held later this month.

Su said an original industrial zone in the city's outskirts will also be transformed into a creative industry park where film, television, animation industries will be located.

Editor: Tang Zhi