¡¡¡¡Pursuing a strategy to rejuvenate the city bydeveloping science and technology, Yueqing has established l42 non-government enterprises for research and developmental purposes. An impressive line of new technology and patented products developed by these enterprises has propelled Yueqing into the ranks of the nation's model counties in developing science and technology. The local authorities also attach great importance to education, culture and mass media. Nine-year compulsory education has been largely popularised, and 29 private schools, including elementary and middle schools and vocational schools, have been set up. There are also 545 kindergartens. In 1999, Yueqing was cited as a national pacesetter in promoting socialist culture. Having basically attained all the goals set by the state for public health, and excelled in promoting environmental protection and the patriotic health campaign, it was commended as a clean city in Zhejiang Province. It is also a national pacesetter in sports and physical culture thanks to marked improvement in the city's competitiveness in athletic and mass sports.

¡¡¡¡Farmers of Yueqing earn a higher income than in many other places in this country, and the local standard of living has measured up to the state standard for a relatively comfortable life. In l999, the urban residents earned an average of 10,584 yuan of disposable income, andthe average net peasant income amounted to 5,250 yuan. The living environment and residential conditions are improving with each passing day. Per-capital living space averages 35.9 square metres for urban residents and 34.85 square metres for rural residents.