Chengdu Tops China’s New Tier-One Cities Ranking for the 11th Year.
On May 28, Yicai released the Ranking of Cities’ Attractiveness in China 2025. Chengdu once again claimed the top position in the New Tier-One Cities, marking its 11th consecutive year leading the list.
CNS)
Top 15 New Tier-One Cities (2025)
Chengdu, Hangzhou, Chongqing, Wuhan, Suzhou, Xi’an, Nanjing, Changsha, Zhengzhou, Tianjin, Hefei, Qingdao, Dongguan, Ningbo, Foshan.
What Defines a “New Tier-One” City?
The ranking is based on a comprehensive evaluation system that measures five key dimensions: Concentration of Commercial Resources, City as a Hub, Urban Residents’ Activity, New Economy Competitiveness, and Future Potential.
Notably, Chengdu earned a perfect score of 100 in four of the five categories — a remarkable achievement that few cities have matched.
Shifting Perceptions, Rising Influence
Just a decade ago, cities like Chengdu and Hangzhou were often met with scepticism when compared to China’s traditional metropolitan centres. However, that narrative has since changed. Today, both cities are widely recognised as innovation hotspots, magnets for young talent, and dynamic cultural centres that embody the aspirations of China’s next generation.
Meanwhile, cities like Chongqing, Wuhan, Suzhou, and Xi’an are gaining renewed attention. Once overlooked in national conversations, they are now emerging as regional economic engines. Their presence is growing in key sectors such as advanced manufacturing, the digital economy, and creative industries.
For investors, academics, and policymakers, this list points to China’s next hotspots, beyond the usual big three.
Written by Chen Wang, additional reporting by CNA.
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