The city of Chengdu, China is one of rich history and tradition, but also is growing into an important hub of finance, communication and transportation as China establishes itself in the global economy. By examining the cities history, present situation and future potential anyone can see that Chengdu is and will continue to be an important player in both China's and the World's global marketplace.

Chengdu is China's fifth most populated city. The cities population by 2006 was estimated to be 11.03 million people. The city is located in southwest China and is the capitol of the Sichuan Province. The cities roots can be traced back as far as the Qin (212-206 BC) and the Han (206 BC ¨C 220 AD) dynasties.

Chengdu as a city has long been recognized as a hub of commerce in China. The city is most famous for its brocades and embroideries made in many tiny workshops. As time went on many of these workshops were transformed into storefronts with manufacturing facilities attached. Eventually the city would be divided into five commercial centers and a large market where people could sell their products. This large amount of trade was the driving force for China to develop the concept of paper money and its was first used in the city of Chengdu during the Song Dynasty (420 ¨C 479 AD).

Today Chengdu the city has a very broad industrial base, which includes light and heavy manufacturing, Aluminum Smelting, and chemicals. However, the city has not strayed from its roots and continues to play an important role in the textile industry. Although these industries continue to be vital to Chengdu's economy there several other key industries that are propelling the city onto the international stage. For many years the Sichuan province and more specifically the Chengdu region have been at the forefront in Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM. Recently there has been a surge into pharmaceuticals in this region and combined with the concept of TCM has made the city of Chengdu an epicenter for major pharmaceutical company's R&D centers. In addition to this the city has a Hi-tech Industrial Development Zone, which has attracted numerous global companies such as Intel and Microsoft.

Each of these industries gives Chengdu a well-rounded and balanced economy. However, looking at the city currently it's obvious that there is another industry that has become the focus of putting the city on the map in the global market place. Chengdu is gradually establishing itself as the financial hub of Western China. In recent years numerous global financial institutions have set up branch offices in Chengdu. Some of these institutions include Citigroup, HSBC, Standard Chartered Bank, United overseas bank, and the Bank of East Asia. Along with these major international players the People's Bank of China set up its southwest China headquarters there along with almost all of China's domestic banks and securities brokerage firms.

As the city continues to grow and become part of the international market place so does its infrastructure. The city is located on two major rivers that connect to the Yangtze River, which is also connected to forty other rivers. In the past these rivers were the best way of moving goods domestically through the country. Today the City is home to China's sixth largest International Airport and ranks as one of the World's busiest airports in passenger traffic.

Looking to the future Chengdu appears to be one of major players in the international market especially in the financial industry. Foreign Investment Firms and Banks may want to consider expanding their reach by establishing themselves in Chengdu. The city has a lot to offer many different types of industries and should be considered a prime gateway for bringing goods and services into southwest China

Written by:Kevin Cyr

The city of Chongqing, which is the fourth largest municipality in China, is the industrial and commercial hub of Southwest China. The city is situated at the upper end of the Yangtze river, where the Jialing and the Yangtze rivers meet. This area is considered to be a provincial level jurisdiction comprised of over 30,000 square miles supporting a population of just under 40 million people. Chongqing has been called the ¡°Mountain City¡± because much of the city is situated on the terraced hillsides leading down to the Yangtze river. Because of its rolling hills, Chongqing is well known for its wonderful scenery. Its climate is generally characterized as semi-tropical because of its warmer temperatures and above average humidity, which is attributed to the abundant rainfall it receives each year.

Chongqing is considered to be one of the world's largest municipalities and is supported by excellent river and land based transportation ports, as well as an international airport with a capacity of accepting 1,000 passengers per hour. In addition, there are two new regional airports currently under construction to support the expected growth over the next few years. The central government of China plans to make Chongqing the ¡°Gateway to the West¡± and continues to invest in the development of extensive regional infrastructure including elevated and surface railways, new city roads and highways, and the further expansion of existing river ports. With the completion of the Three Gorges Dam Project in 2009, vessels up to 20,000 tons will be able to ship directly to the Chaotianmen Docks.

Chongqing is the fourth largest economic center within China and an important logistics and industry center for the Southwest area. The World Bank has rated Chongqing as one of the country's fastest developing cities. The Chinese central government is in the process of modernizing much of Chongqing's industry. The three main industries of the region are machine building which includes automobile / motorcycle manufacturing; the chemical industry which is focused on natural gas and pharmaceutical chemistry; and the metallurgical industry represented by steel and aluminum industries. Agriculture is another major sector which still employs a significant segment of the population. Other contributing sectors include information technology, foodstuffs, building materials, and daily use chemicals.

Since the late nineties, the Chinese government has taken numerous positive steps to create an efficient and transparent investment environment. Key business attractions include low labor costs, substantial natural resources, an established and modernizing industrial base, and favorable investment policies. The Chinese government has created a series of business friendly, tax and investment incentives to attract businesses to the region. One such example includes a five year tax holiday with a subsequent permanent tax rate of only 15%. This positive business atmosphere has attracted over 3300 foreign companies and influenced prominent fortune 100 companies like BP and Ford Motor Company to make major investments. As a result, Chongqing has experienced unprecedented economic growth with GDP increasing around 10% or more per year for the last few years, a trend which is expected to continue for the near future.

Written By:Gary Barker

Dalian has a population of about 6,200,000 and is the governing city in the eastern Liaoning Province of Northeast China. Dalian is also China's northernmost ice-free seaport. The city directs 6 districts, 3 county-level cities, and 1 county. There are 4 national leading open zones which are:

*		The Development Zone
*		The Free Trade Zone
*		The Hi-Tech Industrial Zone
*		The Golden Pebble Beach National Holiday Resort

Dalian is one of the most heavily developed industrial areas of China. The administrative district today consists of Dalian proper and the smaller Lushunkou (know in western and Russian historic references as Port Arthur), about forty nautical miles farther along the Liaotung/Liaodong Peninsula. With a coast line of 1,906km, it governs the entire Liaodong Peninsula and about 260 surrounding islands and reefs. It is south-south-west of the Yalu River, and its harbor entrance forms a sub-Bay known as Dalian Bay.

August of 1945 marks the liberation of Dalian in the antifascist war, but the Soviets remained in the city until 1955. During this period the Soviets and Chinese Communists cooperated in the further development of the city, its industrial infrastructure, and especially the port. After the departure of the Soviets, China made Dalian into a major shipbuilding center. In the 1990's Dalian benefited from the attention the mayor of the city put into building up the city.

Dalian port is emerging as a very important port for international trade. A new harbor for oil tankers, at the end of an oil pipeline from the Daqing oilfields, was completed in 1976. Dalian is the largest petroleum port in China, and also the 3rd largest port overall. Accordingly, Dalian is a major center for oil refineries, diesel engineering, and chemical production. Dalian has been given many benefits by the Chinese government, including the title of "open-city," in 1984, which allows it to receive considerable foreign investment. This is know as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), which is a geographical region that has economic laws that are more liberal than a country's typical economic laws. Usually the goal is an increase in foreign investment. One of the earliest and the most famous Special Economic Zones were founded by the government of the People's Republic of China under Deng Xiaoping in the early 1980s. In the United States, SEZ are referred to as "Urban Enterprise Zones".

The city also hosts the Dalian International Fashion Festival every September. This festival is a chance for many major foreign companies to showcase their new products and sign up buyers. Many locals are involved in this community project as well as stars from the entertainment world.

Dalian is a model city from which other urban planning in China is to be inspired and it's also considered on the the cleanest cities in China. It has has certainly used it's natural resources and location to prosper in the foreign markets in regards to its shipbuilding, being an important international port for trade and it's petroeum buisiness. Localy, it inspires local business to import and export locally and with foreing businesses by promoting the Dalian International Fashion Festival. It is truly a city to be admired!

Written by:Stacy Buldini

Guangzhou, also know as Canton, is the capital city of the Guangdong Province. Benefiting from its location, Guangzhou is the economic center of South China. Guangzhou is the heart of South China's commercial, manufacturing, transportation, commerce, finance, information and education centers. Guangzhou, located on the Pearl River has a geography and regional advantage; it is easily accessible to Japan, S.E. China, Hong Kong, and the rest of China. An updated international airport, metro subway, trains, buses, and ferries welcome investors and foreign commerce to this major international trading post.

At least 5 distinct industrial zones are located in the Guangzhou region. The economic, technologic, high tech, and export zones are supported with preferential policies relating to development. The Guangzhou government actions promote long tenured businesses. The area boasts 37 schools of higher learning that generate highly skilled workers. There is also an abundance of unskilled laborers that work for 1/20 of the wages in developed countries.

Industry presently found in Guangzhou include automobile, machinery, shipbuilding, fine chemistry, petrochemistry, electronics, information technology, finance, logistics, service, bio- tech and pharmaceuticals. Some transnational corporations with businesses in Guangzhou include: Proctor and Gamble, Kraft Food, Mitsubishi, Amway Pacific, Pfizer, Eriksson Telecom, IKA, and LG information and communication. There are 7933 foreign funded enterprises from over 70 countries already operating out of Guangzhou. Automobiles, petrochemistry, and electronics have a gross output value of RMB 223.482 billion, an increase of 35% over 2003.

Guangzhou's economy has enjoyed a stable and healthy development since 2004. A 12% increase in total consumer goods produced, along with 22% increase in total commodities sales, and total import/export value over $40 billion USD. The Guangzhou government sponsors a joint development venture with Hong Kong along with the Regional Provincial Capital City Cooperation Agreement. Together these 9 cities collaborate and supplement each other with information, economy, transportation, logistics, and developing human resources to ensure the region attracts business.

Guangzhou is driving toward the future. The four regional industrial group areas that will continue to grow with support from the government include: automobile and motorcycle manufacturing, petrochemistry, electronics and IT, and heavy industry like shipbuilding, iron, steel and machinery.

The 2010 Asian Games will bring improvement to Guangzhou's infrastructure. Construction will commence for stadiums, gymnasiums, and the Asian Games Village. Upgrades to the international airport, new railway station, and urban road will see significant improvements. Transportation will be easy and convenient with the completion of the improved infrastructure.

Guangzhou seriously takes their role in improving their economic and social development. The more business brought into the country the more beneficial for all.

Websites:

Investguangzhou.com

Gzwaishi.gov.cn

Gzqw.gov.cn

Written By:Jeannie Barry

Hangzhou, also known as the Garden City, is the capital city of the Zhejiang province of the People's Republic of China. Hangzhou is located in the south of Yangste River Delta, on the northern bank of the lower reach of the Qiantang River, and southern end of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, just over 180 kilometers from Shangai. It was built over 2,200 years ago and still remains one of China's 7 major capitals with a registered population just over 6.5 million people.

Hangzhou has been known as one of the most celebrated and flourishing cities for much of the last 1,000 years having extremely beautiful natural scenery perfect for tourism. The West Lake, covering an area of 60 square kilometers, serves as the most remarkable locations with the city center built around the eastern and northern banks. The city government has invested a lot of money to further increase the forestation, imagery, and beautiful surroundings in recent years, achieving a green coverage ratio of 31.8%. The civilization committee of Hangzhou has implemented a goal to become the ¡°cleanest city in China¡± with the first phase to be completed in the five year span from 2007 ¨C 2011.

Hangzhou's economic outlook is bright having developed consistently and rapidly over the years. The GDP per capita is ranked second among all the provincial capitals having a double digit growth rate over the last fifteen years. Forbes magazine has ranked Hangzhou the number 1 city in China for business in 2004, 2005, and 2006 and World Bank honored Hangzhou as the number 1 Chinese city for ¡°Investment Environment¡±. Their strong industries have been textile, silk and machinery, chemical fiber, pharmaceutical, rubber, steel & iron, and metal and general manufacturing equipment, since the start of the new open economy in 1992. Hangzhou is also one of the major producing areas of grain, oil, cotton, hemp, mulberry, and vegetables. The soil also makes Hangzhou a perfect location for planting tea plant trees, which is said to produce one of the finest green teas in all of China, called Longjing.

Hangzhou has made heavy investments in infrastructure with the '33939' project (the constructions and renovations of 33 roads, 9 bridges, 2 tunnels and 9 city-entrances), which has achieved great progress with at total 64 completions. In 2004, the extension of Shangtang Elevated Highway, Shiqiao Road, Shixiang Road, Linding Road, Jiqingshan Tunnel, Wulaofeng Tunnel and Fuxing Bridge were completed. The Shanghai-Hangzou and Hangyong Expressways are now in full operation for road transportation and they also have the key railway traffic hinge in southeast China. The Xiaoshan International Airport of Hangzhou has been open to navigation with over 40 key cities in China. Public transportation has improved with more than 420 bus lines and 8,100 taxicabs in the city.

The completion of the Zhejiang World Trade Center provides favorable facilities for international and domestic meetings, exhibitions and tours on business.

Written By:Stephen Basile

Harbin is the capital of the Heilongjiang province in northeast China. Harbin is the largest central city in Northeast China. Harbin is known to many as ¡°the pearl underneath the neck of the swan¡± because the shape of Heilongjiang resembles a swan and the location of Harbin is in the neck, or the southeastern area of the province. The city encompasses almost 54,000 square kilometers and has a population of approximately 9.5 million. Harbin is famous for its long and cold winters. Because of this, Harbin is a tourist destination with unique beauties. The annual Ice and Snow Festival of Harbin is renown as being one of the world's four leading winter event.

Harbin is the political, economic, scientific, educational, cultural, and transportation center of the Heilongjiang province. Harbin also serves as one of the most important industrial cities in China. It is a front-runner in many manufacturing industries such as automobile manufacturing, food production, electrical equipment manufacturing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and chemical manufacturing. Harbin is an area with good natural conditions and abundant natural resources that are vital to their manufacturing businesses.

The city of Harbin has a very strong infrastructure that continues to grow today. Harbin has an advanced transportation network that includes five railways and seven main highways that pass through the city. There is also air transportation in Harbin. There are 58 flight lines at Harbin Taiping International Airport, which can handle the transport of products to over 200 airports around the world. Harbin has complete infrastructure facilities such as energy, telecommunications, power and water supply. There are many infrastructure projects that are being constructed today, such as a subway system, to accommodate the growth of the city and the region.

The economic outlook of Harbin is very strong. It has established economic and trade relations with over 100 countries and regions of the world. Harbin is geographically located near many important markets, such as Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia. Harbin's low cost structures allow it to compete against other regions of the world. The political leadership is knowledgeable in western business practices and supportive of the new China policies of business development.

Harbin continues to grow at a rapid pace and increase its visibility in the international marketplace. It is quite clear that Harbin will thrive globally as a major industrial manufacturer of products. It is important for investors to take notice of this city and its potential.

Written By: Robert Savoy

Lanzhou is the capital city of the northwest Gansu Province. Once called the Golden City, it is located in the geometrical center of China. Not only is it the geometrical center, but it is also a center in the northwest, in terms of transportation, telecommunication and the 5000 mile long Silk Road Tourism Ring. In terms of physical size, Lanzhou is 629.96 square miles. The population of Lanzhou is 3.14 million, including Han, Hui, Bao'an, Dongxiang, Tibetan, Yugu and Sala and more. The climate of the city is quite nice. Temperatures range from the 30's in the winter to the 80's in the summer. Because it sits in a river valley with no free air flow, one major drawback to the city is its heavy pollution.

The physical location of Lanzhou plays into its means of economic growth. Since it is surrounded by mountains and small rural villages, the Yellow River enabled the growth. It is a connection between central China and the western region. The Great Wall of China was extended to Yumen to protect the city. Additionally, it is a major city along the Silk Road, which has been the largest trade route dating back to 300 years B.C. The Silk Road is an interconnected series of trade routes connecting China, Asia Minor and the Mediterranean. Over the years, the Silk Road had gone through many changes and had deteriorated considerably for many economic and political reasons. There is now however, a reemergence of the route, setting up the major hubs along the way for considerable growth.

Travelers will want to stop in Lanzhou to see attractions such as the Majji Caves, the Bingling Thousand Buddha Caves, the Labrang Monastery and the Mogao Caves. The Yellow river runs through the city making it a very picturesque vacation area. It is both a quaint, but modern city. The Chengguan District, in eastern Lanzhou, is the center of politics, economy, culture, scientific research and transportation. In the northwest, the Anning District is the economic development zone as well as the area where most colleges are located. There are also a number or parks in the city where travelers can see the beauty and further study and appreciate the culture and history of the city. The Lan-Xin railway which has lines going to Longhai, Lanxin and Baolan begins in Lanzhou.

The economic outlook for the city is great with the reemergence of the Silk Road. Good or bad, Lanzhou has many factories including petroleum processing. Natural resources in the area include coal, gold, silver, zinc, nickel, manganese, clay and dolomite. The Yellow River provides waterpower. One of the largest oil refineries, and the center of China's atomic energy industry are located in Gansu. Other industry in the area includes textile mills, rubber, fertilizer plants, metallurgical and petrochemical, In terms of agriculture, the main crops include spring wheat, vegetables, beans, melons, peaches, tobacco, and rose and lily flowers.

The city is also being helped by its outstanding growth in telecommunications. It is becoming the hub for the western region of the country with its four major optical fiber trunk lines connecting local networks and the rest of the world. China Telecom is the largest player making major connections within the region and outside. Lanzhou hosts a satellite for Globalstar satellite-based mobile communications. All of this means that the citizens are enjoying above average telecommunications capabilities.

Besides telecommunications, the infrastructure is growing in terms of transportation. The city is the connection to Xinjiang and Northwest China. Lanzhou is building its air travel, with Lanzhou Airport hosting over 10 major airlines including United Eagle Air. The railroad system links the city to Shanghai, Baotou, Beijing, Urimqi and Xinjiang. The Asian Development Bank is working on a plan to construct a railway through Gansu, Shaanxi, and Shichuan. This will connect 13 counties with a population totaling about 15 million.

There are many science and technology programs popping up in the area. All of which may have long lasting effects on the region. Some of these programs include; The Torch Program, the National New Products Program, and the National Key Basic Research Program which has long-term research goals for agriculture, energy, population, health, and environment.

The future for Lanzou is looking bright!

Written By:Robert Melota

LOCATION

Nanjing is located on the east coast of China, measuring a total area of 6,598 km2 and is 300 km from Shanghai and 1200 km from Beijing. The Yangtze River flows past the west side of Nanjing City Proper, while the Ningzheng Ridge surrounds the north, east, and south sides of the city. The city flower is the Asian plum or "mei hua" and the city tree is deodar cedar. Nanjing's climate is temperate and seasons are distinct with summers hot but pleasant and ample precipitation throughout the year.

HISTORY

The ¡°Father of Modern China¡±, Dr. Sun Yat-sen's, mausoleum is located in Nanjing, on the Purple Mountain (or Mount Zijin). Revered in both mainland China and Taiwan, the founder of the Kuomintang party became the first president of the Republic of China in 1912. The Gate of China, Zhonghua Gate or Zhonghuamen in Chinese, is the southern gate of Nanjing city and the 600 year old gate is known as China's greatest ancient city gate. Nanjing is the capital of the Jiangsu Province of China and the city boasts a rich history spanning almost 2500 years and traces back to the Warring States Period of Chinese history. The name Nanjing refers to "Southern Capital" and the city has served as China's capital during six different Chinese dynasties and also for the Republic of China and is listed as one of China's Four Great Ancient Capitals. Behind Shanghai, Nanjing is the second largest commercial center in the Eastern China region. Positioned downstream of the Yangtze River Drainage Basin and Yangtze River Delta economic zone, Nanjing has always been a national center of commerce, education, research, transportation and tourism.

POPULATION, CULTURE, & TRANSPORTATION

Nanjing's current population numbers over 6 million residents and in 2004 the city's GDP was RMB 191 million, and GDP per capita was RMB 33,050, a 15% increase from 2003, while disposable income for urban residents was RMB 11,601. Benefitting from its status as one of the four ancient capitals of China, the city has always attracted intellectuals from around the country, making it a historic cultural center and a hub for exploring different thoughts and opinions. Due to its history and strong support from educational institutions, Nanjing is looked upon as a ¡°city of culture¡± and as a great Chinese city to live in. Nanjing serves as the transportation hub of eastern China and of the downstream Yangtze River area. Nanjing boasts a three-dimensional transportation system that includes land, water and air.

ECONOMY

Nanjing has been home to thriving textile and mint industries since the period of the Three Kingdoms. This is primarily due to its geographicly strategic location and convenient accessibility to transportation. Nanjing's economy transformed over time to now reflect an economy rooted in the "Five Pillar Industries" which are cars, petrochemical, iron and steel, and power. Panda Electronics, Jincheng Motors and Nanjing Steel are several large state owned firms along with many international firms that are located in Nanjing. Nanjing's tertiary industry or service sector accounts for approximately 44% of the city's GDP.

INTERNATIONAL APPEAL

Nanjing hosts several multinational firms such as Sharp, Fiat, Iveco, and A.O. Smith, firms that have made significant investments in the present and future economy of the city. Since China's entry into the WTO Nanjing continues to attract an increasing amount of foreign investment attention. In order to encourage and nurture this attention the city government has built five large industrial parks, with future plans to build more. The city's population and GDP continue to increase while services and conditions continue to improve, all desirable qualities contributing to Nanjing's attractiveness to organizations and individuals. Rich in culture, heritage, and opportunity Nanjing is a modern and dynamic city with something to offer visitors and investors from around the world.

Written By:Joao Evora

Shanghai is the largest city in China and the eighth largest city in the world. Situated on the banks of the Yangtze River Delta in East China, the city was originally a quiet fishing village. Today, it is considered one of the most important cultural, commercial, financial, industrial and communications centers in all of China.

In the 19th and early 20th century, the importance of Shanghai grew exponentially due to the fact its strategic position at the mouth of the Yangtze River made it an ideal location for trade with the West. Through several occupations (including the Japanese) and wars, the city was turned back over to China after Japan's surrender in 1945.

The Communist Party of China which controlled the army took over the city in 1949. After the communist takeover, most foreign firms moved their offices from Shanghai to Hong Kong. During the 1950s and 1960s, Shanghai became an industrial center and center for revolutionary leftism. Yet, even during the most tumultuous times of the cultural revolution, Shanghai was able to maintain a high level of economic productivity and some sense of social stability.

From an economic standpoint, Shanghai is one of the world's busiest ports. In 2005, Shanghai was ranked first out of the world's busiest ports in terms of cargo, handling a total of 443 million tons of cargo. In terms of container traffic, it is the third busiest port in the world, following Singapore and Hong Kong.

Shanghai is home to a large and highly skilled work force in addition to broadly based scientific establishment, tradition of producer cooperation, and excellent transportation and communications facilities. These factors have all contributed to the city's stature as the leading industrial centre in China. This industrial establishment produces a great variety of capital and consumer goods, including specialized dies, lathes, electronic assembly equipment, watches, cameras, radios, fountain pens, glassware, leather goods, stationery products, and hardware. The city's well-established chemical and petrochemical industries serve as a basis for the production of plastics, synthetic fibres, and other products.

Shanghai and Hong Kong have recently been engaged in a somewhat of a rivalry over which city is considered the economic center of China. Hong Kong has the advantage of a stronger legal system, international market integration, superior economic freedom, greater banking and service expertise. However, Shanghai has stronger links to the Chinese interior and the central government. In addition, Shanghai has a stronger base in manufacturing and technology. The city has noticibly increased its role in finance, banking, and has become a major destination for corporate headquarters.

The city of Shanghai has proven itself able to weather many storms and is certainly a city to keep an eye on as one of China's main emerging markets.

Written By:Andrea M. Bonham

Shenyang is the capital city of Liaoning province in Northeast China. It is an important industrial center in China. Shenyang came to prominence in 1625 when it became the capital of the Qing Dynasty. It remained the capital until it was moved to Beijing after the overthrow of the Ming Dynasty. Shenyang has 38 of China's 56 recognized ethnic groups, including the Han Chinese, which makes up over 91 % of Shenyang's population. The largest minority groups are the Manchu, Korean, Hui, Xibe, and Mongolian.

Shenyang is a city located on what can be considered the cultural and physical frontiers of China. Natural resource exploitation has been an important factor in the industrialization of the city. Development of Shenyang's rail network was a key to its early growth. Shenyang has served as a regional center. Foreigners who have left distinct impressions on the landscape and culture have repeatedly occupied Shenyang. Shenyang's industrial development is largely derived from influences outside of China.

The Tiexi Industrial Park it the both the past and hope of the future for Shenyang. The Tiexi Industrial Park has the highest concentration of heavy industry in all of China. It covers an area of some 25.5 square miles (66 square kilometers), one third of the land within the city of Shenyang. Chief among the numerous factories in the industrial park are machinery manufacturing and chemical processing plants. The Liaoning Province in northeastern China is blessed with large deposits of raw materials such as coal and iron. These natural resources in part led Japan to invade China in the 1930s in order to fuel its own economy. While occupying the region, the Japanese invested in the development of much of the industrial infrastructure, such as rail and road networks, that exists today.

Economic growth in Shenyang lags behind the rest of China, particularly the booming maritime areas of southeastern China. When tensions between China and the Soviet Union were high in the 1950s and 1960s, investment was diverted out of the region and into southern China. Communist agrarian reform also caused a decline in investment in the region's industrial base. In recent years, many of the facilities have become outdated.

With the disappearance of many of the traditional machine shops that provide equipment for heavy industry throughout Japan, Korea, and most of China, Shenyang will face stiff competition even as it takes advantage of its skilled workforce and sturdy infrastructure. Recently, Volkswagen, the German auto manufacturer, began production at Jilin Province's massive Automobile Factory Number One. Other auto manufacturers have moved into the area as well.

The bright spot in Shenyang's economic future is new machinery investments by the Japanese and other foreign concerns. New industrial investment in the region has helped create training programs and opportunities for young workers, many of whose fathers and grandfathers worked in the same factories, but under very different circumstances. While many see the Economic Zones in coastal southern China reaping the lions share of direct foreign investment. Shenyang's available infrastruce and workforce make it an attractive alternative.

Patrick Foy

Shenzhen is a sub-provincial city (it is ruled by a province, but is administered independently in regard to economy and law) located in southern China at the border with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Since the late 1970's Shenzhen has been one of the fastest growing cities in the world, over the past two decades, foreigners have invested more then $30 billion into the city for construction of factories and creating joint ventures. Shenzhen is also the busiest port in China. The municipality covers an area of 2,020 km (780 sq miles) with an official population of nine million.

Once a small fishing village, Shenzhen was the first of the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) in China. SEZ is a geographical region that has economics laws that are more liberal then a country's typical economic laws. Usually the goal is an increase in foreign investment. Shenzhen was chosen to be an SEZ to bring in industrial investments from Hong Kong since they share the same language, dialect, and culture. It was originally established as an SEZ in 1979 because of it location, and proximity to Hong Kong. The concept worked so well it propelled economic reform in China. What was once a small fishing village became one of the largest cities in the Pearl River Delta regions, and one of the economic powerhouses of China. Shenzhen Municipality is made up of six districts: Luohu; which is the financial and trading center, Futian; which is where the Municipal Government is situated; Nanshan is the hub for high tech industries; Yantian is known for logistics, and is the second largest deepwater container terminal in China. The last two districts are Bao'an, and Longgang, they are not part of the Special Economic Zone.

The population in Shenzhen has developed rapidly since the establishment of SEZ. The official population is nine million but the estimated total population is seventeen million. This has been the fastest growing city in China for the past thirty years and is likely to be the most rapidly evolving city in the world. By 2001, the working population had reached just over three million people. Secondary sector of industry (this includes those economic sectors that create a finished, usable, product-wealth producing) had the largest percentage of employees; the tertiary sector (also known as the service sector-wealth consuming) is increasing rapidly. Shenzhen's gross domestic product GDP totaled CNY 492.69 billion in 2005, up 15% over the previous year. From 2001-2005 the average annual increase in economy was 16.3%. Shenzhen is one of the top ranked cities in terms of comprehensive economic power. The import and export volumes have been first for the last nine years, and they are second in terms of industrial output. Shenzhen is home to some of China's most successful high-tech companies such as Huawei and ZTE. Several foreign IT companies also have facilities in the city.

Shenzhen established their stock exchange (SSE) in 1990. SSE is a mutualized national stock exchange under the China Securities Regulatory Commission (the CSRC) that provides a venue for securities trading. Average daily trade volume is around 600,000 deals valued at $807 million USD. There are a broad range of market participants, including 540 listed companies, 35 million registered investors and 177 exchange members.

Shenzhen has grown exponentially over the past two decades, and has become a hub for international business and investment. The city is accessible by air, land, or sea, and continues to grow and evolve along with the people. For any company interested in going global to China, this would be one city to explore the potential of.

Written By:Jenna O'Leary

Location

Tianjin is one of the four municipalities of the People's Republic of China. The region holds ¡°provincial¨Clevel¡± status, meaning it falls under the control of the central government. 120 kilometers from Beijing in the northwest, Tianjin is located in northeast part of the North China Plain, bordering the Bohai Sea in the east and the Yuanshan Mountains in the north. The region covers an area of 11,305 square kilometers and sits in the warm temperate zone with a sub-humid continental monsoon climate.

The region is divided into 15 districts and 3 counties, with a population of 10.01 million by 2000 consisting mainly of the ethnic groups of Han, Hui, Korea, Manchu and Mongolian.

Tianjin City is the third largest city in mainland China ¨C after Beijing and Shang-Hiaand is found in the south central part of the municipality.

Culture and History

Many cities in China have a rich history, and Tianjin is no exception. Historical sites include Ning Garden, Tianhou Temple (Temple of Heavenly Empress), Dule Temple in Ji county, The Great Wall at the Huangya Pass, the Panshan scenery area etc. Yet the city is also known for its 19th-century European-style buildings, modern railway station, subway line and modern convention center.

Industry & Infrastructure

Tianjin is the largest industrial city with the largest port in North China. As one of China's key industrial centers, the city has developed a well rounded industrial and manufacturing portfolio of machinery, electronics, textiles and chemicals. Tianjin Harbor serves as the primary sea outlet for Beijing, North and Northwest China, with its port serving as distribution connection for over 150 countries and areas around the world.

Domestically, the city has well-developed road transport networks, regular air-service to over cities throughout the country, and inland water shipping The region boasts a rich supply of natural resources, from its Bohai and Dagang Oil Fields which produce over 13,000,000 tons of crude oil and 850,000,000 of natural gas per year to its 150 kilometers of coastline which enables significant production of sea-salt urrently, significant effort is underway to develop Tianjin primarily into a financial center in North China.

Potential for growth

Yet like many of China's larger cities, Tianjin is experiencing the growing pains of expansion. Issues such as critical infrastructure needs like air and seaports keeping pace with massive industrial expansion, bottleneck traffic on highways, and believe it or not, available land in which to expand.

Yet Beijing seems wants to spread the wealth, and all indications are that they intend to spread it first to Tiajin. In April 2006, The National People's Congress promised Tianjin "various support measures, such as allowing the area to pilot various new reforms, including financial reforms, and to grant some preferences with respect to finance, taxation and land acquisitions.

For its part, Tianjin tends to be generous with tax breaks for foreign companies. The key will be to ensure that the cities infrastructure can handle the growth.

David Cuddy

Wuhan is located in Central China and is the capital of the Province of Hubei. The city has a population of 9 million people and is the 7th largest city in China. One of Wuhan's most significance factors is its geographical location. Wuhan is a distributor's dream; products are easily shipped in any direction. It has an extensive infrastructure and numerous ports up and down the length of the Yangtze River, in which the city sits upon. In fact, Wuhan is dubbed ¡°A Passageway to Nine Provinces¡±. Routes by sea via rivers, allows access to over ten countries in the region.

As with many cities in China, Wuhan's local government encourages, promotes, and welcomes business as well as economic development. A majority of this promotion is done by a governmental agency called, The Wuhan Foreign Investment Office. Interestingly enough, Wuhan also posses a handful of development zones that includes industries such as; automobile, high-tech, engineering, and optics. A report by the United Nations list Wuhan as in the top ten out of twenty-five cities in China as having the most development opportunities.

To help facilitate future economic growth, leaders in Wuhan are being proactive and are embarking on a project to build a dam on the Yangtze River that will provide a source of alternative energy, hydroelectric power.

Wuhan of the past was a critical component in the lowering of China's economic iron fist. For years the city was known for and survived as a result of automobile manufacturing. Even today in modern Wuhan the automobile industry is still a thriving sector as Chinese are buying more and more affordable domestically made cars.

China's emerging investment powerhouse, Wuhan, provides for global strength in almost every business industry possible. In addition to their aggressive development, Wuhan plays host to over 1200 hi-tech companies and multiple enterprise incubators. In creating incubators, the city of Wuhan aids in the development of new business ventures by providing low cost commercial space, various shared services, and/or management assistance.

Wuhan is quiet competitive socially also. The city is home to what is called the number one tower in the world ¡°The Yellow Crane Tower¡±. Built in 223 AD, the site is 50 meters tall, draped in gold tiles, and has been an inspiration to many artists over the years. As for academics, there are approximately35 institutions of higher learning, labs, and research & design centers. In fact, Wuhan is considered a major strength in China, in the fields of science and R&D.

Investors and businesses alike would be remiss not to include Wuhan in their global plans if Asia is in their future. Wuhan is the most forward thinking and liberal city in China, with unlimited possibilities.

Written By:Michael Morris

Xi'an, pronounced Shee-on is the capital of Shanxi Province in central China. Surrounded by the Qinling Mountains located to the south and the Weihe River to the north, Xi'an is in a favorable geographical location. It is one of the birthplaces of ancient civilization in the Yellow River Basin area of the country, and in ancient times, Xian was called Chang'an.

Known as one of the most important cities in Chinese history, Xi'an is one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China because it has been the capital of nearly thirteen dynasties. It is one of northwest China's chief textile centers, where cotton grown in the artificially irrigated paddy fields is treated and processed. Other major industries located in Xi'an are civil engineering, and chemicals and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

As early as 4000 B.C. there is evidence of human life in Xi'an, but it was during 300 B.C., when the Qin dynasty ruled with Xi'an as its capital, elevating the city to international importance. This period has left behind one of the main tourist attraction in the city today, the Army of Terracotta Warriors. For nearly 1400 years, Xi'an served as the capital for twelve ancient imperial dynasties. Merchants and travelers arriving from and going towards the West had their material goods, culture, religion, and technology exchanged here, making it the world's largest, richest, and most cosmopolitan city in medieval times.

At one time, China was a country of walled cities, but recently most of the walls have been torn down to make way for urban expansion. However, Xi'an is one of the few cities today, where the city wall remains and is used as the backdrop for high-level contemporary political and cultural gatherings. Xi'an is also the beginning of the world famous Silk Road.

In 2005, Xi'an's economy was ranked number 39 among 659 Chinese cities. Their GDP was RMB 127 billion and their GDP per capita was RMB 16,180, which is equal to $2,025 in the United States. It is one of the most industrialized and developed cities in the northwest of China. (In my research I was unable to find more recent information on Xi'an's economy).

Today, the rich and deep-rooted historical and cultural heritage of Xi'an is visible through a wealth of cultural relics, museums, and historical sites making the city a continuous growing tourist attraction. Five star hotels, youth hostels, shopping outlets, department stores, supermarkets, and colleges are scattered throughout the city. The city is populated with foreign residents who many come here to study and learn Chinese from several famous colleges and universities. Cultural and historical sites in Xi'an include the Museum of Terracotta Warriors and Horses, the Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the City Wall of the Ming Dynasty, the Banpo Village Remains, the Forest of Stone Steles and many more.

Sources:

1. http://www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/xian.htm

2. http://www.imh.org/imh/china/xian.html

3. http://www.chinahighlights.com/xian/index.htm

Written By:Maura Kelley