Newly released PwC report highlights the digital and intelligent development of 60 Chinese cities

Digital and intelligent empowerment is one of the keys to unlocking diverse opportunities in Chinese cities, according to a business executive at the 2026 China International Fair for Trade in Services.

A report titled Chinese Cities of Opportunity 2026 was jointly released by PwC and industry institutes at an achievements release event of 2026 CIFTIS on Friday.

The report highlights investment values and the multiple development paths of 60 Chinese cities across 10 key dimensions.

With digital and intelligent empowerment, China has already formed a digital ecosystem integrating technology, application scenarios, data, and manufacturing in the process of artificial intelligence industrialization, Zhou Xing, vice-chair and head of public affairs at PwC China, said.

Cities such as Hangzhou, Chengdu, Suzhou, and Chongqing have kept pace with or even surpassed first-tier cities in five key indicators, including digital infrastructure, information network services, smart factories, data elements markets, and AI industry activity.

According to the report, the growth rate of 5G stations reached double digits in 23 cities. The number of 5G stations per 10,000 people in Beijing and Hangzhou is nearly double the nation's average level.

AI-related companies in the 60 cities highlighted have seen double-digit growth rates. In particular, the scale of Chengdu's core AI industry grew by more than 39 percent in 2025.

The number of 5G factories in 20 cities has also seen skyrocketing growth. Led by Suzhou, Chongqing, and Shanghai in the number of smart factories, Qingdao boasts 10 "lighthouse factories", ranking first nationwide.

An intelligent urban management application in Hangzhou has been recognized by the UN as a typical case. The transport project has provided intelligent solutions for Shanghai's traffic system.

The opportunities empowered by digital and intelligent technologies in Chinese cities are not only a testing ground for Chinese markets, but also a bridge connecting China with the world.