International Exchange Hub City Index 2025 Released

Beijing has risen to 6th place globally in the ranking of international exchange hub cities.

The “International Exchange Hub City Index 2025” report was released. This is the third release of this index. Beijing improved its ranking by one position compared to last year, reaching 6th place globally, due to progress in its business-friendly environment, recovery in inbound tourism, technological innovation, and transportation connectivity.

As the world’s first index focusing on international exchange hub cities, the report evaluates participating cities’ roles and functions in global resource aggregation, international political and economic exchanges, and worldwide cultural exchanges through data collection, index calculation, and qualitative research. It reflects their international exchange capabilities and aims to provide references for government administrators and public policy practitioners in formulating urban development strategies and plans. This year, the index continues to use the research framework of three dimensions: attractiveness, influence, and connectivity, while expanding the total number of participating cities to 50, further increasing the proportion of cities from developing countries.

The top 10 cities in the comprehensive ranking are: London, Paris, New York, Seoul, Singapore, Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Tokyo, San Francisco, and Bangkok, with San Francisco and Bangkok tied for 10th place.

Beijing ranks 6th globally. In sub-item evaluations, Beijing’s attractiveness ranking jumped to 19th place, mainly due to its advantage in the growth rate of inbound tourist numbers; its influence and connectivity rankings remain at 2nd and 15th place respectively. The report interprets that Beijing’s core advantages in building an international exchange hub are reflected in its outstanding technological innovation, continuously leading trends in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, life sciences, and new materials, attracting a large number of top international scientific and technological talents.

Compared to last year’s top 10 ranking, London, Paris, and New York continue to hold the top three positions. Shanghai, benefiting from recovery in inbound tourism, economic development, and progress in culture and education, jumped to 8th place, marking Shanghai’s first entry into the top 10.

The report proposes that international exchange hub cities need to proactively adjust their functional positioning, upgrade industrial structures, strengthen institutional openness, enhance horizontal cooperation between cities, maintain advantages in technological innovation, continue to create a favorable international development environment, and strive to make cities key forces in the process of globalization.

Beijing

Beijing is the capital of China and a major cultural and historical hub. It served as the seat of power for several imperial dynasties, including the Ming and Qing, which is reflected in its UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall. Today, it is a sprawling metropolis that blends ancient traditions with modern development.

London

London is a historic global city founded by the Romans nearly 2,000 years ago. It has since grown into a major political, financial, and cultural capital, famously housing landmarks like the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the Houses of Parliament. Its rich history is visible in its layered architecture, from medieval streets to modern skyscrapers.

Paris

Paris is the capital of France, historically founded as the Roman city of Lutetia in the 3rd century BC. Renowned as a global center for art, fashion, and culture, its iconic landmarks include the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.

New York

New York is a major global city and cultural hub in the United States, originally founded as a Dutch trading post named New Amsterdam in the 17th century. It later became a British colony and served as the first capital of the United States after the American Revolution. Today, it is renowned for its iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and Central Park, and its profound influence on finance, art, fashion, and entertainment.

Seoul

Seoul is the capital of South Korea, with a history spanning over 2,000 years. It served as the capital of the Joseon Dynasty from 1394, and its rich past is visible in historic sites like the Gyeongbokgung Palace. Today, it is a bustling global metropolis known for its modern skyscrapers, high-tech subways, and vibrant pop culture.

Singapore

Singapore is a modern Southeast Asian city-state founded as a British trading colony in 1819. It gained independence in 1965 and rapidly transformed into a global economic hub. Today, it is renowned for its multicultural society, futuristic skyline, and lush green spaces.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of China with a unique history as a former British colony. It is renowned as a global financial hub and a vibrant cultural melting pot, where Eastern and Western influences converge. Its history, from its origins as a fishing village to its return to China in 1997, has shaped its distinct identity.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a major global financial hub and the most populous city in China. It grew from a small fishing village into a significant port after being forced open to foreign trade in the 19th century, leading to the establishment of the famous international settlements. Its iconic skyline, including the Bund and Pudong district, symbolizes its rapid modern development.