A bird's-eye view of Hangzhou. [Photo/WeChat account: dskbdskb]

Hangzhou has once again been named one of China's happiest cities, marking its 19th straight year on the list.

The 2025 rankings were unveiled on Dec 9 at the Happiest Cities of China Forum in Chengdu, hosted by Oriental Outlook. Fuyang and Lin'an districts were also recognized as happiest urban districts.

This year, the rise of Hangzhou's Six Little Dragons — a cluster of fast-growing tech firms — has reinforced the city's identity as a leading innovation hub. At the forum, the Hangzhou delegation presented the theme Technology Empowers Happiness, highlighting how digital innovation drives both economic vitality and higher quality of life.

In western Hangzhou, the Chengxi Sci-Tech Innovation Corridor continues to accelerate growth. Anchored by Zijingang, Future Sci-Tech City, and Qingshan Lake Sci-Tech City, the corridor hosts major companies including Alibaba, Game Science, and BrainCo, alongside top universities and research institutes. The corridor contributes 43 percent of Hangzhou's digital economy and posted 10.6 percent growth this year.

Kevin Kelly, one of the most visionary technology thinkers of our time, brings his new book 2049: The Next 10,000 Days of the Future to Hangzhou. [Photo/WeChat account: dskbdskb]

Technology is also energizing Hangzhou's cultural sector. The locally produced costume drama The Legend of Zang Hai became a global hit this year, airing in more than 190 countries. Digital tourism, virtual hosts, and booming sectors such as online literature, dramas, and gaming are expanding the city's cultural reach.

Innovation continues to improve public wellbeing. BrainCo's non-invasive bionic hand has helped 100,000 patients regain daily functions, while smart eldercare tools, service robots, and autonomous buses are reshaping community services.

From smart governance to digital culture and life-changing medical technologies, Hangzhou is advancing its vision of a modern, people-centered metropolis powered by innovation.

Hangxing No 1, Hangzhou's first AI traffic-control robot, directs traffic at Binsheng Road in Binjiang district. [Photo/Hangzhou Daily]