Dongguan, China | World’s Best Cities

Dongguan, China

Once a magnet for global merchants sourcing goods, Dongguan is now investing heavily in elevating its urban appeal, blending its industrial strength with cultural offerings and enhanced livability. While its reputation as a manufacturing hub remains unchallenged—thanks to 190,000 industrial enterprises and a staggering trade volume surpassing US$140 billion in 2023—the city is evolving into a more holistic urban center. It now ranks #70 in our overall Prosperity index. The city’s rich cultural heritage, represented by landmarks like the Humen Fort and the ancient Nanshe Village, draws both tourists and locals. Food lovers flock to Dongguan for its famed roast goose. Yet Dongguan’s most significant investment lies in urban development aimed at enhancing the quality of life of its 10 million-plus residents. With a focus on creating child-friendly environments, Dongguan ranks #79 in our overall Livability index, led by its #28-ranked Air Quality and #39 spot for Tree Cover. Recent developments include the expansion of Dongguan Metro, which aims to connect more suburban areas to the city’s bustling core, making commuting and getting around more convenient than ever. Dongguan’s position as a logistics hub is also set to improve with planned upgrades to its port infrastructure that will make it a crucial link in the Greater Bay Area.