Eight towns in Shanghai have been named among the TOP 100 Chinese special towns in the index of brand communication, which was unveiled at a seminar on the high-quality economic development of towns. 

The Shanghai towns on the list include Fengjing (Jinshan District), Anting (Jiading District), Chedun (Songjiang District), Zhujiajiao (Qingpu District), Zhuanghang (Fengxian District), Wujing (Minhang District), Luojing (Baoshan District) and Xinchang (Pudong New Area).

The index report looked at 403 characteristic towns across the country and calculated their brand communication popularity index results based on national statistics and big data analysis of hot topics on various platforms between August 29, 2020 and August 28, 2021.

Having been known for its sorghum-based liquor, Maotai Town, in Huairou City, Guizhou Province, topped the list with an index result of 5.351. The second and third places on the list were taken by Minning Town (in Yongning County, Ningxia) and Beijiao Town (in Foshan City, Guangdong) respectively.

In China, there are nearly 20,000 towns that have adopted a new look and even become leaders in new development patterns and trends. A typical water town, Zhuanghang Town in Shanghai’s Fengxian district, has a history which dates back to AD 759. It is now well known for its cotton and rice production, ancient alleys and agricultural parks.