Core Viewpoint - The recent publication of the "Opinions on Promoting High-Quality Urban Development" emphasizes the support for world-class urban agglomerations in China, particularly the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, Yangtze River Delta, and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, while also promoting the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle and the central Yangtze River urban agglomeration as growth poles for high-quality development [1][12]. Economic Dimensions - In terms of GDP total for 2024, the ranking is as follows: Yangtze River Delta (33.16 trillion) > Greater Bay Area (14.84 trillion) > Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (11.5 trillion) [4][5]. - China will have 27 cities with GDP exceeding 1 trillion, with the Yangtze River Delta contributing 9 cities, the Greater Bay Area 4 cities, and Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei 3 cities [4]. - The Yangtze River Delta has a higher number of cities and population compared to the other two urban clusters, but when considering per capita GDP, the ranking changes: Greater Bay Area (170,000) > Yangtze River Delta (139,000) > Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (105,000) [4][5]. Innovation and Technology - Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei leads in R&D investment intensity at 4.27%, followed by Greater Bay Area at 3.54% and Yangtze River Delta at 3.33% [5]. - In the 2025 Global Innovation Index, the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou cluster ranks first, with Beijing fourth, and Shanghai-Suzhou sixth [6]. Trade and Port Activity - The three major urban clusters have significant port activities, with major ports like Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Ningbo-Zhoushan facilitating substantial trade [7][8]. - In the first half of this year, the top 10 ports in China by container throughput included several from these urban clusters, with Shanghai and Ningbo-Zhoushan leading [9]. - Shenzhen has recently surpassed Shanghai to become the "foreign trade capital" of China, with notable export growth from Guangzhou in the Greater Bay Area and impressive trade performance from Jinhua in the Yangtze River Delta [11] [12]. Strategic Complementarity - The three urban clusters are not in competition but rather functionally complementary, each with unique strengths: Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei has political significance, Yangtze River Delta excels in comprehensive development, and the Greater Bay Area benefits from its open resources [12].
京津冀、长三角、大湾区“厮杀”升级!谁才是第一城市群?
Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-09-15 06:48