Shenzhen in Guangdong Province is the most scientifically developed of 113 major mainland cities, according to a book published on Thursday by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

Second on the list is Dongguan, also in Guangdong, followed by Beijing.

The Blue Book on Urban Development also lists Dongying in Shandong Province, Zhuhai in Guangdong and Nantong in Jiangsu Province as the best of 173 small- and medium-sized cities in terms of scientific growth.

Three cities in Jiangsu -- Kunshan, Changshu and Jiangyin -- are listed as having the most scientific growth of 133 county-level cities.

The major indexes used to compile the rankings in the book covered such areas as economic and social development, urban-rural relations, resources, the environment, infrastructure and scientific research capacity.

According to the book, cities along the eastern coastal areas are better developed than those in central and western regions.

Of the top 20 large cities highlighted for scientific growth, 17 are in eastern or coastal regions. Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, and their close neighbors, account for 11 of the Top 20.

The provinces of Zhejiang, Jiangsu and Shandong, all of which are in the eastern region, have the most well-developed and small cities, the book said.

Of the top 50 county-level cities, 36 are in these three provinces.

The book's authors called for balanced regional development, particularly in the western region, which they said has lagged behind in the overall evaluation of scientific urban development.

(China Daily December 21, 2007)