Kunshan has a population of 680,000 living within an area of 927 square kilometers.

Since 2005, Kunshan has ranked first on the list of Top 100 County-level Cities in China in terms of comprehensive economic strength.

One thing that makes the city so competitive is its backbone industries, such as electronic information.

After decades of development, a complete industrial chain has formed that includes software, integrated circuitry, flat-panel displays, computer and network equipment, and communication technology.

The city has become one of the key manufacturing bases for electronic information products in the world.

Another highlight of the city's economy is the Kunshan Economic and Technological Development Zone, which ranks the fourth in terms of comprehensive strength among all the State-level economic zones.

It is set to become the No 1 flat-panel display industrial base in the country.

The city also boasts a rich cultural legacy.

It is the birthplace of Kunqu Opera, which has been hailed as the "Father of Chinese Operas". And Zhouzhuang in Kunshan is known as China's No 1 water town.

Modern service

The modern service industry is another major engine that drives economic growth in Kunshan.

The city houses the local offices of a number of leading financial service outsourcing companies, such as Capgemini of France, Bank of China Services Company, Global Data Solutions and China Data Group.

Nearly 50 multinational companies have set up regional headquarters in Kunshan.

The city is also home to dozens of world-class logistic companies led by Prologis from the United States.

Four giants in computer manufacturing - Dell, Acer, Asustek and Lenovo - all have spare parts distribution centers in Kunshan.

Moreover, Kunshan has adopted a series of proactive policies in an strategic plan to develop a modern service industry as part of a drive to upgrade its industrial structure.

For example, the government has streamlined examination and approval procedures to better serve investors.

All the applications are required to be examined within a time limit.