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]

Core Insights - Beijing's urban rail system has become the first in the world to support payment services from five major card organizations: China UnionPay, Mastercard, Visa, JCB, and American Express, enhancing international accessibility for passengers [1][2] - The upgrade covers 29 operational lines and 523 stations, including the suburban S2 line, allowing passengers to pass through gates without prior ticket purchase or app downloads, thus promoting a seamless travel experience [1][2] Group 1: Payment Service Innovation - The integration of five major card organizations breaks traditional payment barriers, enabling passengers from over 130 countries to enjoy a convenient travel experience with just one card [2] - The "fast pass" feature facilitates efficient international travel, allowing visitors to feel the city's openness immediately upon entering the subway [2] Group 2: Soft Environment Enhancements - Beijing is enhancing its soft environment through various services, including translation machines at stations, bilingual announcements on buses, and English versions of ride-hailing apps, creating a comprehensive foreign service system [2] - The ability for foreign passengers to easily swipe their cards and purchase tickets for friends reflects the city's inclusivity and warmth [2] Group 3: Broader International Engagement - Beijing is optimizing resource allocation and improving mechanisms to integrate international engagement into the city's fabric, including enhancing the Yanqi Lake International Conference Center and accelerating the development of the Fourth Embassy District [2] - The city embraces the world with an open attitude, implementing visa-free entry policies and increasing international flight routes, showcasing its commitment to global connectivity [2][3]