Ningbo is listed among Oriental Outlook magazine's 2020 ranking of the happiest cities in China. [Photo/cnnb.com.cn]

Ningbo was listed among Oriental Outlook magazine's 2020 ranking of the happiest cities in China, according to a forum held in Hangzhou, capital city of Zhejiang province on Nov 18.

The city ranked third among provincial capitals and cities specifically designated in the State plan nationwide.

This is the 11th time that the city has won the accolade.

The ranking, jointly compiled by Oriental Outlook and Liaowang Think Tank, has been published for 14 consecutive years.

Ningbo has a robust private sector. The city is now home to 1.074 million market entities, among which 1.036 million are privately owned. An average of 500 market entities are registered in the city every day, according to Qiu Dongyao, mayor of Ningbo.

The city is also home to 39 enterprises with the highest market share in their niche markets in China, more than any other city in the nation.

Ningbo is also a magnet for global talent, with its net talent inflow rate ranking second nationwide for two years in a row.

In addition, the satisfaction index for bus transportation in the city topped all major cities in China.

The ratio of per capita income between its urban and rural residents is 1.77, much lower than the national level of 2.64.

The city also boasts a healthy natural environment. Official data show Ningbo's air quality meets national standards on 92.5 percent of days throughout the year. All drinking water in the city meets national standards.

It has also been rated the safest city in Zhejiang for 12 years in row.