Tianhe Central Business District (CBD) in Guangzhou has been cited as a leading example of digital economy-driven development in the 2026 China Central Business District Development Report. The report was jointly released by EY and the China CBD Alliance at the London Parallel Session of the 2026 Beijing CBD Forum on June 15 (local time).
Rohan Malik, Managing Partner of EY EMEIA & UKI Government & Infrastructure, reflected on the evolving role of business districts across the global economy. Citing findings from EY's Global Business Districts Attractiveness Report 2025, he noted that the world's top business districts collectively generate approximately USD 4.5 trillion in GDP and support approximately seven million jobs, acting as strong drivers of economic growth.
Tianhe CBD in Guangzhou was ranked 22nd for the first time in the Global Business Districts Attractiveness Report 2025.
Jane Yang, Government and Public Service Market Segment Leader for EY Greater China, and Managing Partner of EY Beijing Office, shared key insights from the 2026 China Central Business District Development Report. She pointed out that China's core business districts are now home to a growing number of AI startups, digital content studios, software developers, high-tech firms, and Chinese companies expanding overseas.
She cited Tianhe CBD as a standout example of this transformation, explaining that the digital economy in Tianhe has become a major focus of development over the past several years. The entire district has grown into a national digital services trade hub.
"By fostering diverse business ecosystems, the district has attracted enterprises engaged in digital content, e-commerce, livestreaming, software development, and digital services," said Yang.
Today, Tianhe is home to approximately 25,000 digital businesses, ranging from AI and fintech to industrial software and creative content production. In 2025, its digital service exports reached USD 2.3 billion, accounting for approximately half of Guangzhou's total digital service exports.
Hosted by the Beijing Central Business District Administrative Committee and the Global Business Districts Innovation Club (GBD Innovation Club), the event centered on the theme "Exploring New Pathways for Global Business District Development".
Panel discussions focused on two topics: Building and Optimizing a Dynamic Business Ecosystem, and Green Transition and Innovation Catalysts.. Participants discussed changing competitiveness factors and analyzed how sustainability, digital transformation, and AI are reshaping the future of business districts.
Reporter | Chen Jinxia
Photo | EY
