The 2025 ranking of China's top 100 districts was recently published, with Tianhe district of Guangzhou – the capital of South China's Guangdong province – slotting in at third place nationwide, leading all districts in the city.

The top 100 districts ranking, compiled by CCID Consulting Urban Economy Research Center, does not simply rely on GDP figures.

The report maintains a "dual threshold" evaluation principle – requiring a regional GDP of over 80 billion yuan ($11 billion) and a general public budget revenue exceeding 2 billion yuan.

It uses an evaluation system with 23 indicators to assess high-quality development from five aspects: Economic strength, growth drivers, endogenous support, regional capacity, and shared development.

District that goes from strength to strength: A view of skyscrapers in Tianhe. [Photo/WeChat account: tianhefabu]

As of 2024, China boasted 299,764 high-tech enterprises located in urban districts, including 8,424 "little giant" enterprises – those specializing in niche industries that apply cutting-edge technologies, command a high market share, and boast strong innovative capacity and core technologies.

At the time, Guangdong led the nation with 60,287 high-tech enterprises and 1,680 "little giants".

Tianhe – also known as Guangzhou's "top economic district, innovation powerhouse and city lounge" – is widely viewed as being a crucial link and hub in Guangzhou's "three veins, three axes and three cores" strategic layout.

Moreover, it has led the city's economic performance for 18 consecutive years, with its GDP surpassing 660 billion yuan in 2024.

For many years, Tianhe has consistently appeared on CCID's list of top 100 districts, highlighting its leading position in national urban district competition.

Overall, its world-class business environment, industrial ecosystem, and innovation capabilities have made Tianhe a frontrunner in regional development.