The report highlights the branding strengths of nine major Chinese cities, all making it into the top 100 global city brands. This includes Shanghai (54th), Beijing (58th), Shenzhen (73rd), Chongqing (74th), Macau (81st), Guangzhou (85th), Chengdu (89th), and Nanjing (93rd).

Key Findings from the Report:

1. Hong Kong’s Global Standing:
   • Hong Kong ranks exceptionally in “Familiarity” (9th globally) and as a “Global Important City” (10th).
   • Known as one of Asia’s largest financial centers, Hong Kong’s favorable tax system, straightforward listing procedures, and robust regulatory framework make it highly attractive to foreign investors.
   • With the easing of travel restrictions, Hong Kong is poised for a strong economic rebound this year.
2. Shanghai’s Financial Influence:
   • Ranking 14th in “Global City Influence,” Shanghai asserts its position as a globally impactful financial center.
   • The city leads China in “Future Growth Potential” (7th) and “Strong and Stable Economy” (18th).
3. Beijing’s Global and Cultural Impact:
   • Beijing scores high in “Global Importance” (13th) and “City Familiarity” (20th).
   • Renowned for its exquisite royal palaces and museums, Beijing is also China’s leader in rich history and heritage (31st globally), making it a popular tourist destination.
4. Shenzhen’s Business and Trade Value:
   • Shenzhen ranks as China’s most valuable city for business and trade (16th globally).
   • The city excels in “Ease of Employment” (4th), “Ease of Starting a Business and Innovation” (5th), “Access to Skilled Labor” (6th), and “Ease of Doing Business” (10th).
5. Chongqing’s Emerging Presence:
   • Known as China’s “Mountain City,” Chongqing, despite limited global familiarity (98th), outranks other Chinese cities in various domains among those who know it.
6. Macau’s Tourist Appeal:
   • Macau leads China in “Lifestyle” (32nd), “Entertainment” (35th), and “Openness and Warmth” (57th), maintaining its allure as a tourist destination.
7. Guangzhou’s Manufacturing Ambitions:
   • Poised to become one of China’s leading manufacturing hubs, Guangzhou consistently ranks in the top 20 for “Access to Skilled Labor” (15th), “Ease of Doing Business” (15th), “Personal Tax Benefits” (17th), and “Ease of Employment” (18th).
8. Chengdu’s Financial Sector Growth:
   • Envisioned as a national financial center in Western China, Chengdu is gaining a reputation in financial technology, rural finance, and consumer finance.
   • The city ranks second in China for “Future Growth Potential” (33rd) and “Investment Reputation” (52nd).
9. Nanjing’s Friendly Business Environment:
   • As one of the nation’s most business-friendly cities, Nanjing ranks second and third in China for “Corporate Tax Benefits” (10th) and “Ease of Employment” (13th) respectively.

The Brand Finance report showcases Chinese cities’ diverse strengths and growing global recognition, positioning them as key players on the world stage.

Chengdu’s robust performance can be largely attributed to its development of diverse and high value-added industries and encouragement of innovation and entrepreneurship. In addition, it has many universities, colleges, and research institutions that provide an abundance of talent to the local labor market.

Chongqing also has diverse and high value-added industries, a deep talent pool, and lower business costs. In addition, it has a pivotal location at the intersection of the Yangtze River Economic Belt and the “Silk Road Economic Belt.” All these characteristics contributed to Chongqing’s phenomenal economic performance.

Two other cities in the Yangtze River Economic Belt are also ranked among the top 10 first- and second-tier cities: Nanjing (ranked 5th) and Shanghai (ranked 6th). Shenzhen in the Pearl River Delta Economic Zone is ranked fourth. Guiyang was ranked first last year and stands at third place this year. Nanchang was ranked seventh last year and places ninth this year.

Nantong grabs the top spot this year among third-tier cities, having reached the top 10 in the last two years. Its strong performance can be attributed to its diverse industries, abundant talent pool, and well-connected transportation network. Being part of the Yangtze River Economic Belt also bolsters its competitive advantages.

Taizhou (ranked 6th), Yangzhou (ranked 8th), Yichang (ranked 9th), and Suzhou (ranked 10th) are other cities in the Yangtze River Economic Belt entering the top 10 third-tier city index this year. Overall, these cities together with Nantong have shown a more robust and stable economic performance than other cities in the top 10 list. Ji’an was ranked ninth in 2015 and No. 20 in 2016, and bounces back to fourth place this year.

Bengbu (ranked 2nd), Foshan (ranked 3rd), Zunyi (ranked 5th), and Luohe (ranked 7th) are newcomers to the BPC top 10 list among the third-tier cities. The rise of Foshan and Zunyi may be related to the progress made by the regional clusters they belong to. Bengbu and Luohe may have benefited largely from the OBOR initiative. However, these two cities will need to develop more robust industrial bases in order to keep up their growth momentum.

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