Two county-level cities of Jiaozhou and Pingdu in Qingdao, East China's Shandong province are among China's top 100 counties in terms of economy, according to a list released by Zhongjun Research Institute, a national professional research institution for county economy.

China's top 100 counties are monitored and evaluated based on their economies' basic competitive strengths, a general index of modern high-quality development, and a comprehensive development index.

Jiaozhou city has seen significant economic and social development progress in recent years. In the first three quarters, it achieved a GDP of 129.3 billion yuan ($17.76 billion), a growth of 5.8 percent.

This year, there were 236 newly signed projects in Jiaozhou, including five projects worth over 5 billion yuan. Key projects such as the second phase of Yihai Kerry and 206 other projects have accelerated construction, with all 168 key construction projects having broken ground.

As the core area of the China-SCO Local Economic and Trade Cooperation Demonstration Area, also known as SCODA, Jiaozhou city has benefited from the spillover effect of the area. The city has achieved a new leap in the construction of a modern industrial system and unleashed a strong drive towards new productive forces.

Pingdu city has deeply implemented the innovation-driven development strategy, and promoted deeper integration with scientific and technological innovation and industrial innovation. This year, the city has signed a total of 244 key industrial projects, with 179 projects being signed and implemented within the same year.

Jiaozhou city achieves significant economic and social development progress. [Photo/VCG]

Pingdu city in Qingdao implements the innovation-driven development strategy. [Photo/VCG]