Core Viewpoint - Only 7 cities in China qualify as international metropolises, which collectively account for nearly 40% of the national GDP, highlighting the stringent criteria for global city status [1][3][22] Economic Performance - China's total GDP reached 126 trillion RMB in 2024, with urbanization exceeding 65% [1] - The combined GDP of the 7 cities is 26 trillion RMB, representing 20.6% of the national economy [13] - Beijing's GDP was 4.3 trillion RMB in 2023, while Shanghai's reached 4.72 trillion RMB, making it the highest in the country [9][11] Criteria for International Metropolises - The evaluation criteria include political influence, economic competitiveness, cultural soft power, technological innovation, and transportation hub status [3][5] - A city must serve as a global resource allocation center, an international communication center, and a world cultural exchange center to qualify [5] Comparison with Other Cities - The 7 cities have significantly higher per capita GDP, with Beijing exceeding 190,000 RMB and Shanghai over 180,000 RMB, compared to the national average of 89,000 RMB [13][15] - Shanghai hosts nearly 400 regional headquarters of Fortune 500 companies, while Beijing has over 350, showcasing a stark contrast with other cities like Hangzhou, which has only 45 [13][15] Future Prospects - Cities like Hangzhou and Chengdu are seen as potential candidates for future inclusion as international metropolises due to their economic growth and international connectivity [17][19] - The competition for becoming an international metropolis will increasingly focus on comprehensive strength, including digital transformation and cultural soft power [19][20]