Abstract: | Employing cluster analysis of selected economic indicators, this paper classifies Chinese cities into various levels according to their total urban economic strength and per capita economic performance. Regional characteristics of China's urban system are identified and policy-related measures for improving the economic efficiency of Chinese cities are suggested. In general, China''s urban economy appears to be undergoing a transition from a centrally planned economy into a market-oriented one, particularly in cities along the coast and the lower reaches of the Yangzi valley. |