The per capita GDP of Southwestern China's Chengdu city made an important breakthrough in 2013, hitting $10,000 for the first time.

Statistics from the Statistics Bureau of Chengdu show that the city's gross regional domestic product reached 910.8 billion yuan ($146.6 billion) last year, ranking third among the 15 sub-provincial cities on the Chinese mainland.

The per capita GDP of the city reached 63,977 yuan, which is about $10,330 in terms of the annual average yuan-dollar exchange rate, says the bureau.

"This not only marks a new stage of economic development of Chengdu, but also indicates the change in economic growth rate, growth mode, industrial structure, environment condition and people's livelihood," said Liu Zhong, an official from the bureau.

Experience from the developed countries shows that the city's economic growth rate may drop to 10 percent or even lower, said Liu. Chengdu has maintained an average annual economic growth rate of 13.6 percent?since 2008.

"More importantly, the citizens will further benefit from the steady growing economy," he said."With more income and better public service, people will gradually change their focus from work to study, sports, recreation and entertainment."