Rugao is illuminated at dusk. [Photo/WeChat account: rugaofabu]

Rugao, a county-level city in Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province, ranked 21st among China's top 100 counties in terms of comprehensive strengthen in 2021, according to a list released by Guang Ming Daily on Sept 28.

Its ranking was the highest of all Nantong counties, with Qidong ranking 27th, Hai'an ranking 28th, and Rudong ranking 40th.

Rugao also ranked 20th among counties nationwide in terms of green development, as well as 17th in terms of scientific and technological innovation.

During the first half of this year, Rugao generated 70.95 billion yuan ($10.97 billion) in regional gross domestic product, up 13.1 percent year-on-year.

The per capita disposable income of urban residents was 27,777 yuan, up 13.5 percent, while that of rural residents was 13,470 yuan, up 16.4 percent.

Statistics also showed that the added value of industrial companies above designated size increased 20.8 percent year-on-year from January to June, while the retail sales of consumer goods were valued at 25.84 billion yuan, up 26.3 percent year-on-year.

In addition, Rugao's foreign trade maintained stable growth. Its import and export volumes were valued at 14.13 billion yuan, up 30.5 percent year-on-year.