Comprehensive Analysis of Existing Data: Chengdu in the World City Network

Abstract

In the fast-growing Chinese economy, Chengdu is currently developing into an important western center, playing a very similar role to Chicago in the 1800s. Both China and the US first developed their economies in eastern, coastal regions and then expanded inland, so Chicago and Chengdu both became transport and logistics centers of western development. But Chengdu today cannot hope only to become the “Chicago of China.” Chicago is only a strong regional center, from which one must go through eastern coastal cities to connect internationally. But Chengdu today exists in the context of globalization. This means that having only regional advantages is insufficient. Current urban development is economically connected through the global space. As an emerging international city, a successful regional foundation is necessary for Chengdu, but not sufficient. Thus, we use global city analysis to make an empirical analysis of Chengdu.