Guangzhou, China | World’s Best Cities

Guangzhou, China

Guangzhou is a city where culinary brilliance and global commerce intersect, creating a dynamic and multifaceted urban experience. As the birthplace of Cantonese cuisine, Guangzhou ranks among the top food cities in the world, offering culinary delights from dim sum to roasted meats. The phrase “To eat is to be in Guangzhou” speaks volumes about the city’s reputation. The dining is matched by Guangzhou’s prominence in international trade, where it ranks #6 in our overall Prosperity index. The city is home to the Canton Fair, China’s largest and longest-running import-export event, which attracts business leaders and buyers from around the world. Its economic strength is further supported by Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, which ranks #4 in our Airport subcategory, making it a key gateway for international trade and tourism. In 2023, Guangzhou attracted US$6.8 billion in foreign investment, a foreign capital surge that has driven the establishment of thousands of new foreign-invested enterprises, further solidifying the city’s role as a global business hub. No wonder its Convention Center tops our ranking. Guangzhou’s cultural influence remains significant, with ongoing urban developments aimed at enhancing the city’s appeal, while recent reforms are set to expand its service sectors, including healthcare, tourism and telecommunications, driving continued growth.