In the past decade, the Chinese city of Guangzhou has been actively pursuing its transformation into a dynamic, globally recognized metropolis. This ambitious goal was outlined in the city’s recently released 2035 Master Plan, which envisions Guangzhou becoming a vibrant global city with a strong international influence. The Guangzhou Academy of Social Sciences (GZASS), a leading think tank in southern China, has been at the forefront of driving this vision. One of its key initiatives was the organization of the 2018 Guangzhou Forum on Global Cities, which focused on exploring the strategies, trends, and best practices from top global cities in order to shape Guangzhou’s path forward.

Guangzhou’s Global City Strategy: Key Focus Areas

At the 2018 forum, Guangzhou presented a roadmap to transition from a regional hub to a global leader in various sectors, including commerce, technology, and international collaboration. As one of China’s most populous and economically significant cities, Guangzhou’s plan is designed to leverage its existing strengths while addressing its current urban challenges. Let’s break down some of the key components of this strategy:

1. Economic Growth and Innovation

Guangzhou has long been a major player in China’s manufacturing and trade sectors. As a key port city in the Pearl River Delta region, the city has a booming economy with a GDP surpassing $300 billion in 2017. Looking forward, the city’s focus is on diversifying its economy and transitioning to a knowledge-based economy with a focus on science and technology innovation. Guangzhou has set its sights on becoming an international hub for innovation, particularly in fields like artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology, and clean energy.

The city’s Greater Bay Area initiative is integral to this vision, aiming to create a global economic corridor that connects Guangzhou with nearby cities like Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and Macau, fostering deeper collaboration in tech, finance, and international trade.

2. Mobility, Transportation, and Infrastructure Development

Guangzhou ranks highly in the mobility and transportation dimension of the IESE Cities in Motion Index (CIMI), reflecting its status as a well-connected global city. The city has one of China’s largest and most efficient public transportation networks, including its extensive metro system and high-speed rail links that integrate Guangzhou into the broader Pearl River Delta region.

The city is also expanding its infrastructure to improve airports, ports, and logistics capabilities, aiming to facilitate smoother international trade and attract more global investment.

3. Urban Planning and Smart Governance

While Guangzhou has made strides in smart city initiatives, challenges remain in areas like urban planning, social cohesion, and environmental sustainability. The IESE CIMI 2018 report highlights Guangzhou’s lower rankings in urban planning (#124) and the environmental dimension (#152), signaling the need for strategic improvements in these areas.

In response, Guangzhou’s approach emphasizes smart governance, a concept promoted by Prof. Joan E. Ricart at the 2018 forum. Moving beyond a technology-focused mindset, the city is embracing holistic urban planning that integrates sustainable growth, smart technologies, and community well-being. The goal is to create a resilient city that addresses population growth, traffic congestion, and resource management while promoting a green, low-carbon future.

4. Social Cohesion and International Outreach

Guangzhou’s path toward becoming a global city also involves enhancing its social cohesion and international outreach. The city has made significant strides in fostering global partnerships, hosting events like the Guangzhou Forum on Global Cities to exchange ideas and build stronger relationships with leading research institutions and global organizations.

However, there is still room for improvement in terms of social cohesion and integration. This includes addressing challenges like income inequality, education access, and ensuring that urban development benefits all segments of the population, particularly the city’s growing migrant workforce.

Guangzhou also continues to expand its international communication networks, engaging in cross-border cooperation, promoting its cultural assets, and attracting global talent. As a global trade hub, the city is actively building relationships with international companies, research institutes, and cultural organizations.

Guangzhou’s Ranking in the IESE Cities in Motion Index (CIMI) 2018

Guangzhou ranks 109th in the overall Cities in Motion Index (CIMI) for 2018, a composite ranking that evaluates cities on various dimensions, including economy, mobility, urban planning, social cohesion, and environmental sustainability.

• Strengths: Guangzhou excels in mobility and transportation (#27), economy (#55), and international outreach (#56). These rankings reflect its position as a major transportation hub and economic powerhouse, especially within the Greater Bay Area.
• Challenges: The city’s social cohesion (#121), urban planning (#124), and environmental sustainability (#152) scores highlight areas requiring further attention. As Guangzhou grows, it must address the challenges of managing rapid urbanization, providing adequate public services, and implementing green technologies to ensure a sustainable future.

The Road Ahead: Guangzhou’s Vision for 2035

The Guangzhou government’s 2035 Master Plan aims to transform the city into a leading global center with Chinese characteristics. The vision includes creating a hub-network city that connects with global innovation ecosystems, improving foreign trade efficiency, and enhancing cultural diplomacy to expand Guangzhou’s influence worldwide.

The city’s Greater Bay Area vision will be key in fostering regional integration and promoting global trade. At the same time, Guangzhou is focused on improving its quality of life, urban sustainability, and social inclusiveness. The success of these initiatives will determine whether Guangzhou can emerge as one of the world’s leading metropolises by 2035.

Conclusion

Guangzhou’s strategy for becoming a global city is ambitious but rooted in a solid understanding of the city’s unique strengths and challenges. As the city navigates its transformation, lessons learned from international forums like the Guangzhou Forum on Global Cities and benchmarks from global indices such as the IESE Cities in Motion Index will be invaluable in guiding its progress. If successful, Guangzhou will not only solidify its position as a key player in the global economy but also emerge as a model of smart governance, sustainable urban planning, and cultural diplomacy in the 21st century.