Beijing, sometimes also referred to as Peking, is the political, cultural, and educational centre of China. The majestic Forbidden City stands as a symbol of ancient grandeur, while the bustling hutongs offer a glimpse into traditional Chinese life amidst a backdrop of modern skyscrapers and technological innovation.
But how does Beijing fare in rankings that measure economic and sustainability performance, city brand strength, and reputation?
Overview of Beijing’s Performance & Potential
The following table offers an overview of Beijing’s overall performance across various international rankings. For a deeper analysis, our custom reports provide tailored insights for specific contexts, such as cities, regions, or countries.
| Ranking | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
| Brand Finance Global City Index | – | – | – | – | 58 | 48 | – |
| Resonance World’s Best Cities | – | 51 | 16 | 26 | 18 | 18 | 36 |
| Global Financial Centres Index | – | 7 | 8 | 8 | 13 | 36 | – |
| 2Thinknow Innovation Cities Index | 26 | – | 19 | – | 28 | – | – |
| Kearney Global Cities Index | 9 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 6 | – |
| Mercer Quality of Living Ranking | 120 | – | – | – | 126 | 123 | – |
| Mercer Cost of Living Ranking | 8 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 13 | 25 | – |
| Numbeo Cost of Living Index | – | 261 | 368 | 354 | 325 | 267 | 210 |
| Numbeo Quality of Life Index | – | 220 | 243 | 249 | 225 | 166 | 224 |
| IESE Cities in Motion Index | 83 | 84 | – | 37 | – | 21 | 21 |
| Arcadis Sustainable Cities Index | – | – | – | 73 | – | 20 | – |
City Brand Strength
Beijing’s global image has seen significant enhancement in recent years. According to Brand Finance’s Global City Index 2024, it ranks 48th.
In Kearney’s Global Cities 2024 Report, Beijing holds the 6th position, reflecting its robust business activity, human capital, and cultural experience.
Appeal to Investors and Business
Beijing’s economic landscape is characterised by its concentration of state-owned enterprises and multinational corporations. The city is home to the largest number of Fortune Global 500 company headquarters globally.
In the GFCI 37 Rank, it ranks 20th, highlighting its significance as a major financial hub.
Appeal to Talent
Beijing is a magnet for talent, boasting prestigious institutions like Peking University and Tsinghua University, which consistently rank among the top 20 universities globally according to the The QS World University Ranking 2025.
The city’s cultural vibrancy and educational opportunities make it an attractive destination for students and professionals alike.
Urban Sustainability
Beijing has made major improvements in sustainability, ranking 20th in the Arcadis Sustainable City Index 2024.
Our Key Takeaways
Beijing continues to solidify its status as a global powerhouse, with strengths in economic performance, talent attraction, and cultural influence. While the city faces challenges in sustainability and livability, ongoing initiatives aim to create a more balanced and resilient urban environment.
- Strengths: Robust economic growth and financial infrastructure, strong global brand and cultural heritage.
- Weaknesses: Environmental concerns, particularly air pollution, urban congestion and sprawl.
- Opportunities: Advancements in green technology and sustainable urban planning.
- Threats: Climate change impacts and resource constraints, economic disparities and aging population.
Last updated in April 2025. Explore more city profiles here.
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Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended to provide a general overview of Beijing’s economic and cultural landscape and facilitate comparison over time. While we strive for accuracy and completeness, the data is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind. Please verify any information before relying on it for decision-making purposes.
