Core Viewpoint - The competition among new first-tier cities in China reflects the deep pulse of regional economic development, with Zhengzhou ranking ninth in the 2025 New First-tier City Charm Ranking, advancing one position from the previous year and maintaining a top-ten position for eight consecutive years [2][4]. Group 1: Commercial Resource Aggregation - Zhengzhou's commercial resource aggregation is evaluated through major brand preference index, commercial core index, and commercial support maturity, showcasing its historical and ongoing commercial vitality [5]. - The city is experiencing a consumption boom driven by the opening of flagship stores from luxury brands and the establishment of new commercial areas, with 269 new brand flagship stores expected in 2024, a 67% increase from 2023 [7]. - Zhengzhou is enhancing its international consumption center city status by optimizing supply and increasing commercial resource aggregation [7]. Group 2: Urban Hub Characteristics - Zhengzhou is recognized as a dual hub for air and land logistics, with significant achievements in international mail and freight transport, and is designated as a comprehensive transportation hub city [10]. - The city boasts a "米" shaped high-speed rail network, connecting to 123 cities within a five-hour travel radius, and has seen record passenger and cargo throughput at its airport in 2024 [10][11]. - In 2024, Zhengzhou is expected to receive over 170 million domestic and international tourists, highlighting its appeal as a travel destination [11]. Group 3: Urban Activity Level - The city is fostering a vibrant leisure culture, with various entertainment options contributing to a thriving night economy, which has surpassed 200 billion yuan [15]. - In 2024, Zhengzhou's tourism revenue is projected to reach 203.98 billion yuan, with social retail sales totaling 588.46 billion yuan [15]. Group 4: New Economic Competitiveness - Zhengzhou is emerging as a hub for new economic activities, with significant growth in sectors like micro-short film production and instant delivery services, positioning itself as a leader in various industries [18][20]. - The city is also focusing on high-quality development in sectors such as electric vehicles and artificial intelligence, with the electronic information industry exceeding 800 billion yuan [20]. Group 5: Future Plasticity - Zhengzhou is enhancing its innovation capacity, with a rise in national key laboratories and research institutions, and has attracted a significant number of top talents and students [21][23]. - The city has a young demographic, with an average age of 34.7 years and a total population exceeding 13 million, contributing to its dynamic growth and appeal [23].