Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen are the three highest ranked cities in China's Comprehensive Development City Index for 2017, reports Beijing Daily.

　　Tian’anmen Rostrum in Beijing on March 8, 2018 [File photo: IC]

The index is the product of collaboration between the National Development and Reform Commission and the Beijing Cloud River Urban Research Institute. The index ranks cities by assessing a range of development indicators that affect quality of life.

Beijing was the top ranked city on the index. As the country's capital, the city has advantages when it comes to access to a range of services. Beijing also has a rich history and culture that contributes to the quality of life in the city.

Lujiazui Finance District in Shanghai on January 9, 2018. [File photo: IC]

Shanghai came second in the rankings, thanks to factors including the quality of the city's economy and its built environment. And Shenzhen takes the third spot because of its environment, economy, and society.

　　KingKey Financial Center in Shenzhen [File photo: IC]

According to Zhou Muzhi, chairman of Beijing Cloud River Urban Research Institute, some changes have been made to the air pollution index. On this index, Beijing's ranks 17th in 2017.