Hangzhou, capital of East China's Zhejiang province, was home to 1,204 centenarians at the end of September, a year-on-year increase of 209, according to statistics recently released by the municipal health commission.

Statistics showed that the ratio of male centenarians to females was 2.7:7.3. The oldest centenarian is Lu Rongyu, a woman born in Hangzhou's Jianggan district in July 1911. She is 109 years old.

Xiaoshan district boasts the most centenarians of any district at 240. The next four districts are Shangcheng, Xihu, Xiacheng, and Jianggan, with 132, 126, 119 and 114 centenarians, respectively.

The number of centenarians in Hangzhou rose from 310 in 2010 to 1,204 in 2020, and the number continues to rise at a rapid pace. Last year, Hangzhou saw 249 new centenarians, while this year the number reached 279.

Experts say that the rising number of centenarians in Hangzhou could be attributed to the city's rapid economic growth and improved social services, as well as the healthy lifestyles of residents.

They also noted that medical services and genetic factors play a significant role in determining lifespan.

To celebrate Chongyang Festival, or Double Ninth Festival, which fell on Oct 25 this year, the Hangzhou health commission held a light show in honor of the city's elderly.

Nanxing Community in Hangzhou holds a celebration for the traditional Chinese Chongyang Festival, or Double Ninth Festival, on Oct 25. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]