The 2025 Global Business District Attractiveness Report was officially released on November 14, revealing that Beijing CBD has climbed one spot to rank 6th globally, 2nd in Asia, and 1st in China. This marks another milestone in its steady rise among the world’s top-tier business districts.
As one of the most authoritative global business district evaluation systems, this third edition of the report assessed over 30 leading CBDs worldwide. Beijing CBD’s ascent reflects its relentless innovation, investment attraction, openness, and seamless integration of international trends with local dynamism.
Among the four Chinese business districts featured—Beijing CBD, Shanghai’s Pudong-Lujiazui, Hong Kong’s Central, and Guangzhou’s Tianhe CBD—Beijing CBD stood out for its economic vitality, talent pool, market energy, innovation drive, and efficient governance. Since ranking 9th in 2017 and 7th in 2020, Beijing CBD has now solidified its position as China’s most competitive CBD, housing 7 Fortune 500 headquarters and 11 unicorn companies within its innovation-rich ecosystem.
This achievement underscores Beijing’s role as a national hub for politics, culture, international exchange, and technological innovation, while showcasing the district’s pioneering efforts in integrated urban-industry development, work-life balance, and green initiatives.
**Talent and Trends: Fueling Urban Innovation** Beijing CBD excels in "consumer vibrancy" and "talent appeal." The report highlights its successful "work-life-leisure" ecosystem, featuring dense cultural amenities, dining, retail, and public spaces. A 2023 Gensler survey found 96% of users rated Beijing CBD’s overall experience as exceptional—far surpassing other Asian and global peers.
The district hosts 11 startups valued over $1.13 billion each, leverages top universities for skilled talent, and leads in AI innovation, outperforming rivals in the Global AI-Friendly Cities Index. Notably, over 70% of its Grade A offices hold LEED Gold or higher certifications, setting a "Chaoyang Model" for sustainable urban transformation.
**Global Connectivity and Business Excellence** Beijing CBD has intensified international engagement through platforms like the Beijing CBD Forum and its pioneering Global Board of Directors initiative, attracting multinationals and fostering cross-border collaboration. As Beijing’s flagship international consumption hub, it offers round-the-clock retail vitality, including the city’s first timed pedestrian street and year-round events, boasting the highest concentration of Michelin-starred venues and cafes.
For talent, the district provides comprehensive policy support, workspace solutions, and international services, with a one-stop center handling 120 administrative items across 19 departments. Initiatives like the CBD International Business School Alliance further strengthen its global talent network.
Beijing CBD’s rise mirrors China’s growing urban competitiveness, driven by infrastructure upgrades and systemic improvements in business environments, public services, and sustainability. Anchored in Chaoyang’s open, innovative, and green development ethos, the district is poised for new milestones ahead.
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