Malls in Shanghai, Beijing rank highest for potential

Beijing (CNS) -- Shopping centers in Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou have the strongest potential for development, according to the latest DTZ Chinese city ranking based on shopping mall evaluations.

Population, urban GDP, total consumption, disposable income per capita and number of hi-end brands were included in the analysis of 31 Chinese cities.

Shanghai is the favorite for hi-end foreign brands and prevails over Beijing for its better allocated urban resources, though the latter has more famous brands, the report finds.

As the most vital industrial base in the Pearl River Delta, Guangzhou is the most alluring for its booming economy.

In fourth place, Chongqing benefits from a big population, a firm foundation for industrial development, policy endorsements and a strong economic thrust. The city of Chengdu, in Chongqing's vicinity, also ranks high at seventh.

Wuhan, Shenyang, Xi'an and Zhengzhou should gain more notice from investors in the future, due to their rapidly developing urban transportation systems and favorable policies, points out the report.

Shenzhou, Dalian, Qingdao, Ningbo and Xiamen follow after, while traditionally attractive cities Fuzhou and Hefei are assessed as having less potential.