The latest Global Business Districts Attractiveness Report, jointly released by EY and the Urban Land Institute, reveals the continued upward trajectory of China’s business districts in global rankings.

The report evaluates 30 leading business districts across 19 countries, using an eight-category benchmarking system covering talent, market proximity, influence, macro conditions, real estate, urban amenities, innovation, and sustainability.

It provides both category-specific and overall rankings, capturing the evolving spatial and economic dynamics shaping today’s global economy.

As one of the world’s most valued evaluation frameworks for business districts, the 2025 edition marks the report’s third release since its launch in 2017.

The Beijing Central Business District (CBD) ranked sixth globally and first in China, its third consecutive rise in the report since 2017. It maintained its position in the global first tier, excelling in talent, consumption vibrancy, and innovation potential.

Shanghai’s Pudong-Lujiazui also advanced impressively, climbing to 14th place globally—a four-spot jump from 2020.

Hong Kong’s Central District held steady at 13th, while Guangzhou’s Tianhe CBD made a notable debut at 22nd, signaling expanding international recognition for China’s urban economic hubs.

Notably, in the innovation category, the Beijing CBD ranked second globally, Shanghai’s Pudong-Lujiazui fifth, and Hong Kong’s Central District ninth, demonstrating Chinese business districts are comprehensively leading in innovation ecosystems, sci-tech talent and knowledge reserves, digital infrastructure, and other aspects.

The report proposes that future CBDs are evolving into integrated "Central Social Districts"—multifunctional, human-centered, and sustainable urban vitality hubs integrating work, living, culture, innovation, and climate resilience.

China's major CBDs are actively participating in global urban competition and cooperation with an open-minded attitude, innovation-driven momentum, and green low-carbon pathways, writing a new chapter for high-quality urban development in the new era, according to the Global Business Districts Innovation Club.