Harbin ranked 14th on a list of the Most Beautiful Cities in China 2013 published by the China Institute of City Competitiveness in Hong Kong on August 15.

The institute has published annual charts since 2007. It selects and evaluates cities based on its own assessment indicator system, which includes indicators like urban planning and design, urban infrastructure, urban architecture, urban civilization, natural environment and public preference.

Hong Kong, Huizhou in Guangdong province and Qingdao in Shandong province were the top three on the list. Harbin ranked 20th when the list was first issued in 2007 and 17th in 2008. In the following years, it has always been in the top 10. Although the list grew to 20 cities this year, Harbin’s ranking is still fairly high.

Harbin is a cool winter wonderland and a lively summer resort, according to Qiao Huimin, a member of the Asian-Pacific Environment Protection Association. Harbin enjoys a temperate continental monsoon climate. It is beautiful in all four seasons. Almost everyone that has been to Harbin would say it is a cool and exotic city.

Besides the ranking, Harbin also made the list of 10 Chinese Cities with Development Potential and 10 Chinese Credible Governments.

In recent years, based on its unique resources, Harbin has established a modern industrial system and has promoted its cultural and tourism industry. It built a Harbin Culture Center, a Harbin Grand Theater, a Harbin Music Hall and many other public cultural facilities. The government also offers some exciting activities like the “Charming Harbin Summer” project, which displays the city’s beauty.