Since A. T. Kearney began tracking the performance of the world's top cities a decade ago, China's urban centers have rapidly become more competitive on a global scale, the consulting firm said in its eighth edition of the Global Cities Report released in late May.
Hong Kong and Beijing rank fifth and ninth respectively in the 2018 Global Cities Index, which takes into account factors such as business activity, human capital, information exchange, political engagement and cultural experiences.
The number of Chinese cities included in the Global Cities Index has spiked from 7 in 2008 to 27 this year, while the Global Cities Outlook, which values personal well-being, economics, innovation and governance and measures a city's potential, has also increased its valuation of Chinese cities, growing from 21 in 2015 to 27 in 2018.
This evolution of China's cities reflects intentional efforts by national, regional, and local entities to improve the country's competitiveness, according to the report. Their initiatives have focused on business, governmental and cultural activities, providing improvements that boost quality of life for residents, increase ease of doing business and attract more investment and attention from global companies.
Let’s take a look at the six Chinese newcomers to the 2018 list.
Foshan
A worker assembles a robotic arm at a factory in Foshan, South China's Guangdong province. [Provided to China Daily]
Changsha
With its profound history and culture that spans more than 3,000 years, Changsha in Central China's Hunan province is recognized worldwide for its efforts in cultural creativity, innovation and the media arts. [Photo provided to China Daily]
Ningbo
The 4th China-CEEC Investment and Trade Expo was held in Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province, from June 8 to 11, 2018, to promote China's cooperation with Central and Eastern European countries. [Photo/Xinhua]
Tangshan
A CNPC employee switches on an oil transportation valve at a facility in Tangshan, North China's Hebei province. [Photo/China Daily]
Wuxi
A boat sails on the Wuxi section of China's Grand Canal, in Wuxi, East China's Jiangsu province, June 22, 2014. [Photo/Xinhua]
Yantai
A photo taken in May 2017 shows the modern skyline of Yantai, East China's Shandong province. [Photo/Bruce Connolly]
