Core Insights - The report by CCID Consulting highlights the significant growth of the top 100 counties in China, with their economic scale increasing from 7.4 trillion yuan to 12.6 trillion yuan from 2015 to 2023, nearly doubling over the decade [1] - By 2024, these top counties, occupying only about 2% of the national land area and 7% of the population, are expected to contribute over 10% of the total GDP, 26.5% of county GDP, approximately 30% of the secondary industry value added, and 40% of specialized and innovative "little giant" enterprises [1] Distribution and Competitiveness - The distribution of the top counties is uneven, with the eastern region holding a significant advantage, comprising 67 counties, while the central, western, and northeastern regions have 18, 12, and 3 counties respectively [1] - Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shandong are the standout provinces, with Jiangsu alone holding 6 of the top 10 positions, including the top three spots [1][2] - The report notes that Guangdong has only 3 counties in the top 100, which is low compared to its economic strength, as it focuses on "strong district" and "strong town" economies rather than "strong county" economies [2] Economic Performance - The number of counties with a GDP exceeding 1 billion yuan is projected to rise to 62 in 2024, with 7 counties classified as "super strong counties," each having a GDP exceeding 200 billion yuan [3] - The "super strong counties" include Kunshan, Jiangyin, Zhangjiagang, Jinjiang, Cixi, Changsha County, and Yiwu, with Kunshan and Jiangyin surpassing 500 billion yuan in GDP [3] - The report defines "super strong counties" as those that meet or approach the economic indicators of medium-sized cities, representing a higher form of county economic development [3]