National central city

In China, a national central city (国家中心城市) is a modern metropolis with regional, national, and international importance. There are nine national central cities: Beijing, Tianjin, Chongqing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Wuhan, Xi'an, and Zhengzhou.^[1]The first four cities listed are the four provincial-equivalent direct-administered municipalities of China.

Beijing

Tianjin

Shanghai

Chongqing

Chengdu

Guangzhou

Wuhan

Zhengzhou

Xi'an

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Location of National central cities of China

As defined by the PRC National Development and Reform Committee,^[a] national central cities are strategically located in the country, shoulder the national mission, lead regional development, participate in international competition, and represent the national image.^[1] This designation was formulated by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development in 2005 as a first step in reforming urbanization in China. The national central cities' spheres of influence have great impact on surrounding cities in modernizing and integrating services in various fields, including infrastructure, finance, public education, social welfare, sanitation, business licensing, and urban planning.