Did you know that some of the biggest economic success stories are happening in China’s counties? These smaller regions, often the backbone of the nation’s economy, are fueling remarkable growth across the Chinese mainland.
In 2023, a record 59 counties surpassed the 100 billion yuan ($14 billion) GDP milestone. Leading the pack are Kunshan, Jiangyin, and Zhangjiagang—all from Jiangsu Province—with Kunshan’s GDP soaring past 500 billion yuan ($70 billion)! That’s more than the GDP of some countries.
These counties aren’t just posting impressive numbers; they’re making a real impact. By leveraging their unique local strengths, they’re playing a significant role in revitalizing rural areas and bridging the gap between urban and rural development. It’s a massive leap from just nine counties hitting this mark in 2013.
Together, these 59 counties contributed 9.6 trillion yuan to China’s national GDP, accounting for 7.6% of the total. Their industries generated over 13 trillion yuan in output—more than 10% of the country’s total industrial production. That’s huge!
So why does this matter? Well, according to McKinsey, by 2030, these county economies will drive over 66% of China’s personal consumption growth. That means the everyday lives and spending habits of millions are being shaped by these booming local economies. It’s a trend that shows how local growth can have a global impact.
