Apparently, that’s what the Economist thinks. According to its annual survey of the living conditions of world cities, Beijing is 72nd out of 140 cities, higher than Tianjin, Suzhou, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Dalian and Qingdao, the other Chinese cities on the list.

The rankings are based on 30 indicators in categories of stability, health care, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure. I can understand how smaller cities such as Tianjin and Suzhou (which were actually 73 and 75???), Dalian and Qingdao rank lower than Beijing — based on education and culture, and maybe (super maybe) infrastructure (Beijing has a subway system). Better than Shenzhen and Guangdong, China’s factory capital — sure.

But the most livable city in mainland China? With average commutes of one hour both ways, inconvenient public transportation system, traffic jams, very bad air quality, smokers smoking EVERYWHERE and so much spitting, how in the world is it the best place to live in China? I vote Shanghai.

Then again, Beijing is just 72nd out of 140. So just because it’s the most livable city in China, it’s still pretty mediocre. OK.