Beijing has once again topped the list of cities with the most headquarters of Fortune Global 500 companies, marking its 13th consecutive year as the world's leading hub for major corporations. The 2025 ranking, released recently, highlights Beijing's dominance with 47 companies on the list, more than the combined total of Tokyo (26) and New York (14).
The latest Fortune Global 500 report reveals that total revenues of listed companies worldwide reached $41.7 trillion, accounting for over one-third of global GDP, with a year-on-year increase of 1.8%. The entry threshold rose to $32.2 billion.
China has seen steady growth in its corporate representation over the years, with 130 companies making this year's ranking, the second-highest national total globally. These Chinese firms reported combined revenues of approximately $10.7 trillion in 2024, with the average revenue reaching $82 billion per company.
Beijing's corporate strength is anchored by 41 state-owned enterprises including State Grid, China National Petroleum, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, and China Mobile. These companies span critical sectors such as energy, finance, and communications across the globe.
Meanwhile, six private firms, including JD.com, Xiaomi, and Meituan, showcase the city's innovation dynamics with notable rank improvements.
Beijing's sustained leadership stems from its strengths such as a robust industrial base, cutting-edge research institutes, and a business-friendly environment, analysts said. Home to over 90 universities and colleges as well as over 1,000 research institutes, the city has prioritized efforts toward technological advancement, securing 58 national science awards in 2024, 28.7% of the national total. Continuous reforms in market accessibility and global connectivity further reinforce its appeal to multinational firms.