CHENGDU, Nov. 21 (NBD) – The most possible prophecy for the next first-tier city in China is – Chengdu

The Sichuan province’s capital city tops the 2016 China’s emerging first tier-cities list which was published by Yicai Media Group.

The reason that Chengdu could be leveled up to the new first-tier city was proved from China’s national mission to economic capability, from infrastructure to development engine, as well as from hard power to soft power. 

To a great extent, the country’s national strategies determine the future role of Chengdu. One could hardly imagine that the first-tier cities are located unexceptionally in the eastern and middle parts of China in the years to come, while none in western China, definitely not a balanced development. Meanwhile, as China’s national strategies are being carried forward with planning and designing of urban agglomeration and interactive development, combined with Chengyu urban agglomeration keeping rising, the importance of Chengdu is beyond words.

Therefore, Will Chengdu become China’s next first-tier city? The answer depends on China’s national strategies, economic rules and the trend of times. Is Chengdu able to be the new first-tier city? The answer can be found from the following facts and statistics.


Chengdu becomes a hot topic on circles of friends:

Matan Vilnai, Israeli ambassador to China, stated that as China embarks on ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative, Chengdu plays a significant role herein. “I have solid confidence in its potentiality for development.

Liu Hualong, General Manger of CRRC Corporation Limited, said: “’Chengdu speed’” has made me fully confident in this city, and ‘Chengdu speed’ advocates the pragmatic practice of fast-tempo, high efficiency and innovation as it promotes.

Jack Ma, executive chairman of Alibaba Group emphasized that he has held a positive view over the magnificent market consuming power and its radiating and driving ability.

Circle of global media thumb up for Chengdu:

People’s Daily: Chengdu is on its way from regional central city to national central city, climbing up to the pinnacle of national urban pyramid system. The city’s outstanding strength make the progress possible.

Financial Times, UK: Chengdu is becoming more and more international and is of more influence worldwide.

Wall Street Journal, USA: Chengdu has endeavoured to be China’s inland open economy highland where the number of innovators keeps increasing by 680 per day.

Editor: Zeng Yunheng