CHENGDU, China, Dec. 12, 2025 — Shuangliu District, located in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, has been recognized as one of “China’s Happiest Districts in 2025.” This announcement was made on December 9 at the Happy Cities Forum 2025, organized by Oriental Outlook. This marks the sixth consecutive year Shuangliu has earned this distinction, solidifying happiness as a key characteristic of the district.
Shuangliu’s high quality of life is underpinned by a robust economic base. The district hosts Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, which reported significant growth in the first three quarters of this year. The airport processed 24.926 million passengers, a 2.4% increase year-on-year, and handled 540,000 tons of cargo and mail, representing a substantial 17.9% year-on-year growth. This vital aviation hub serves as a primary driver of regional development, extending beyond mere passenger traffic.
Recently, Shuangliu has strategically shifted its aviation economy from a “transport hub” to a “smart manufacturing hub,” leveraging its “airport advantage” into a distinct “industrial competitive edge.” This transformation involved moving beyond sole reliance on air transportation to establishing a comprehensive industrial cluster covering “aviation R&D, manufacturing, maintenance, operations, and asset management.” Consequently, Shuangliu has evolved from a city merely hosting an airport to an airport-driven urban center.
An example of this efficiency is seen in cross-border fresh product trade, where Shuangliu has significantly streamlined customs clearance for imported goods. Chilled salmon from Northern Europe, for instance, can now reach the Chinese market through Shuangliu International Airport in a mere 48 hours.
Ultimately, a thriving industrial economy should translate into a tangible and noticeable improvement in citizens’ quality of life. Shuangliu is actively promoting its ’15-minute community life circle’ initiative, ensuring high-quality living amenities are readily accessible to residents.
The Guanglinfang Qinghe Community Complex in Yixin Subdistrict, spanning approximately 45,600 square meters, exemplifies this by providing a comprehensive, one-stop solution for residents’ daily needs. It covers everything from essentials to dining, clothing, housing, transportation, and entertainment, thereby fulfilling demands for both high-quality living and social engagement.
Furthermore, traditional food streets are undergoing a revitalization. The Banqiao Street area in Huangshui Town, post-renovation, now offers a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for local residents, businesses, and tourists, rapidly emerging as a popular culinary hotspot.
While the aviation economy symbolizes Shuangliu’s ‘speed,’ the development of its park city concept embodies its ‘warmth.’
To date, Shuangliu boasts 210 kilometers of greenways and 22 pocket parks. The district’s green coverage stands at 49.06%, with 15.6 square meters of parkland available per capita. For many Shuangliu residents, the experience of seeing greenery from their windows and easily accessing a park has become an integral part of daily life.
These initiatives collectively aim to seamlessly integrate greenery into the urban fabric, making it a natural and enjoyable component of residents’ everyday existence.
The unique harmony of Shuangliu is evident as planes ascend over the vibrant flower fields surrounding Shuangliu International Airport, offering passengers a view of colorful ground patterns. Simultaneously, residents enjoy leisurely strolls in local ‘pocket parks,’ while nearby, the smart manufacturing park produces precise components for the next generation of domestically built large aircraft.
Shuangliu’s happiness stems from the harmonious coexistence of its bustling aviation activities and serene green spaces, all within the same urban environment.
Source: Oriental Outlook
CONTACT: Contact for media only: Contact person: Ms. Hou, Tel: 86-10-63074558
