Elderly and medical care help Tianjin rank among Asia’s 50 happiest cities, says NPC deputy

Tianjin has secured a prestigious position among Asia’s top 50 happiest cities, ranking 10th in the recently released “2025-2026 Top 50 Happiest Cities in Asia” report by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme. The recognition highlights the municipality’s significant advancements in quality-of-life infrastructure, particularly in elderly care services and healthcare accessibility.

According to National People’s Congress deputy Zhang Boli, honorary president of the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Tianjin’s achievement reflects systematic improvements across multiple sectors. The city has established a comprehensive network of over 1,800 elder canteens that have collectively served approximately 16 million residents, demonstrating the scale of Tianjin’s commitment to senior welfare.

The municipality has simultaneously completed construction on 10 intelligent elderly care service complexes, including a facility at the Fuminlu Community Health Service Center in Hedong district that commenced operations last year. These centers incorporate advanced technologies to monitor residents’ health metrics and provide personalized care programs.

One beneficiary, a 70-year-old woman surnamed Zhang, reported remarkable health improvements after participating in a community-based wellness initiative. “After being identified as overweight during a routine checkup, medical professionals recommended a tailored regimen of baduanjin exercises and dietary adjustments,” she explained. “Within approximately one month, I successfully lost 5 kilograms and returned to a healthy weight range.”

Beyond elderly care, Tianjin has made substantial investments in traditional Chinese medicine infrastructure. The city has established renowned doctor clinics across multiple medical facilities and implemented TCM interventions specifically designed for age-related and pediatric health conditions. By the conclusion of last year, Tianjin had essentially created a “15-minute traditional Chinese medicine health circle” ensuring widespread access to these services.

Deputy Zhang emphasized that municipal authorities remain committed to enhancing intelligent and convenient elderly care experiences while continuing to deliver practical benefits for all residents through ongoing public welfare initiatives.