<P> In early--December 2017, Chiang Mai was awarded the UNESCO title of Creative City . However, its 2015 application for UNESCO Heritage City is still under consideration, with UNESCO committee's main concern being the ongoing conflicts between local business interests, and the native - born residents' passion for preserving their traditional way of life and cultural environment . Chiang Mai was one of two tourist destinations in Thailand on TripAdvisor's 2014 list of "25 Best Destinations in the World", where it stands at number 24 . </P> <P> Chiang Mai's historic importance is derived from its close proximity to the Ping River and major trading routes . </P> <P> While officially the city (thesaban nakhon, "city municipality") of Chiang Mai only covers most parts of the Mueang Chiang Mai District with a population of 160,000, the city's sprawl extends into several neighboring districts . The Chiang Mai metropolitan area has a population of nearly one million people, more than half the total of Chiang Mai Province . </P> <P> The city is subdivided into four khwaeng (electoral wards): Nakhon Ping, Srivijaya, Mengrai, and Kawila . The first three are on the west bank of the Ping River, and Kawila is on the east bank . Nakhon Ping District includes the northern part of the city . Srivijaya, Mengrai, and Kawila consist of the western, southern, and eastern parts, respectively . The city center--within the city walls--is mostly within Srivijaya ward . </P>

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