The latest GDP rankings for China’s top 50 cities during the first three quarters of 2025 have been released. Shanghai, Beijing, and Shenzhen have maintained their positions in the top three, driven by the remarkable expansion of their artificial intelligence (AI) and new energy vehicle (NEV) sectors. Beijing, a leader in financial and information services, reported a GDP of 3,841.59 billion yuan, marking a 5.6% year-on-year increase. Shanghai’s three key industries have surpassed a combined scale of 1.8 trillion yuan, with the city achieving a GDP of 4,072.117 billion yuan, up 5.5% from the previous year. Shenzhen has seen its share of NEV production rise to 35%, contributing to a GDP of 2,789.644 billion yuan, also reflecting a 5.5% year-on-year growth. Meanwhile, Guangzhou’s economy has shown signs of stabilization and recovery, with balanced growth across industries, fixed-asset investment, and foreign trade. Cities such as Ningbo and Qingdao have climbed the rankings through their specialized industries, posing a challenge to traditionally dominant cities as the urban economic landscape undergoes continuous transformation.