Editor's notes: Economic development and rapid urbanization have spurred massive migration in China, with almost 60 percent of the total population now living in urban areas. Besides those who have moved to the city from the countryside in search of work, others have moved to other cities across China for better opportunities or work-life balance.

A recent report, jointly issued by the Industry Research Institute under the China Fortune Land Development Co, Ltd (CFLD) and big data technology provider Smart Steps, ranked the attractiveness of metropolitan areas for "new migrants" based on 30 indicators. It defines six types of "new migrants" as rural-urban migrants, rural migrant workers returning to their hometowns, university graduates, entrepreneurs, senior citizens retiring to different places, and international migrants. Meanwhile, the report examined included economic conditions, job opportunities, income, public services and infrastructure, and entertainment.

Here are the top 10 metropolitan areas according to the report. (As most metropolitan areas are anchored by one major city, the core city has been used to represent the area.)

10. Nanjing

Population: 8.4 million

Area: 6,587 square kilometers

Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu province, is filled with cultural and historical sites, has a booming economy and is home to numerous higher education institutes.

The city boasts ancient towering pagodas, Song Dynasty temples and a 600-year-old Ming Dynasty city wall. With a friendly atmosphere for migrants, it is an inclusive and international city that offers a modern life.

The city's GDP of 1.3 trillion yuan in 2018 means it is economically thriving, but it offers a different pace of life from Beijing or Shanghai. Numerous job opportunities, decent salaries, affordable living costs and excellent public services are drawing migrants here.

9. Tianjin 

Population: 15.60 million

Area: 11,760 square kilometers

One of only four municipality-level cities in China, the historic city of Tianjin may appear to be in the shadow of its nearby neighbor Beijing, however, it has a completely different charm for migrants.

The population of Tianjin has grown to over 15 million people and has a GDP of around 1.9 trillion yuan. In recent years, it has been developing its tourism and high-tech industries by constructing the Binhai New Area, as well as a high-speed intercity railway connecting it to the capital in just 30 minutes. 

8. Wuhan 

Population: 11.08 million

Area: 8,494 square kilometers

As the capital of Hubei province, Wuhan is the biggest city in central China. It is not only historically significant, but also a major player in China's rapidly developing future. Thanks to its location, it is also one of the country's biggest transportation hubs. 

As a "new first-tier" city, it is attracting migrants with its solid economy, favorable business environment and vast talent pool. Wuhan is home to 84 universities and colleges, producing such graduates as Lei Jun, the founder of electronics company Xiaomi. It is second only to Beijing for universities, but boasts the highest number of university students (1.3 million). 

7. Hangzhou 

Population: 9.8 million

Area: 16,847 square kilometers

An old Chinese saying goes: "Up in heaven there is paradise, down on earth there are Suzhou and Hangzhou." The capital city of Zhejiang province, Hangzhou has long-been famed for its historical sites and natural beauty.

Nowadays, it is home to the e-commerce and tech giant Alibaba and numerous high-tech enterprises, as well as being renowned for its startup environment and digital economy. According to the latest figures, the city's GDP reached 1350.9 billion yuan– nearly one quarter of the entire province. 

More migrants are choosing this prosperous city as their home. By the end of 2018, the city had over 9.8 million residents, with a registered population of 7.7 million.

6. Chengdu

Population: 16.76 million

Area: 12,132 square kilometers

The hometown of pandas and spicy hotpot, Chengdu is one of the rising economic stars in China. Like the cozy life of its furry black-and-white residents, the city's relatively slow pace is a powerful draw for many people.

Those living here enjoy playing mahjong, sipping tea and sampling the various street foods on offer, which has led to Chengdu being nicknamed China's "capital of fun." There is a Chinese saying that "The young shouldn't come to Chengdu (because of its laid-back life) and the old shouldn't leave." The comfortable tempo and philosophy of living well make the city an ideal place to settle down.

5. Chongqing

Population: 34.04 million

Area: 82,300 square kilometers

Little-known to many outside China, the hotpot city of Chongqing has the largest population in the country with a staggering 34 million residents. Like Chengdu, it's well-known for its spicy food.

Since 2014, Chongqing has maintained double-digit GDP growth, topping all other provinces and cities in China. In 2018, its GDP reached over 2 trillion yuan and its average wage of employed persons in urban non-private units was 78,928 yuan. With the increasing cost of living in Beijing and Shanghai, many are choosing to relocate to up-and-coming new first-tier cities like Chongqing. 

4. Guangzhou

Population: 14.49 million

Area: 7,434 square kilometers

A major trading port along the maritime Silk Road since the sixth century, Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province, has been one of the richest cities in China for centuries. In 2018, its GDP reached 2.3 trillion yuan, ranking just behind Shanghai, Beijing and Shenzhen. 

A 2018 report jointly released by the UN and Chinese Academy of Social Sciences named Guangzhou as China's most livable city. The city continues to attract migrants because of its affordable housing and competitiveness, as well as world-renowned Cantonese cuisine, rich cultural life and natural attractions.

3. Shenzhen 

Population: 13.03 million

Area: 2,050 square kilometers

Transforming from a rural village to one of the world's biggest metropolises in just three decades, the fast-developing vibrant city Shenzhen has become a firm favorite for migrants. 

Designated as one of four special economic zones in 1980, Shenzhen has expanded at a rapid pace. It now has the third largest economy in China, attracting international investment because of its special tax benefits and preferential treatment.

The city's population increased by 498,300 in 2018 – the largest growth of any city in China. Migrants are enticed by its favorable talent policies including expedited residency rights, increased minimum wage and housing discounts.

2. Beijing 

Population: 21.54 million

Area: 16,808 square kilometers

As the political, cultural and educational heart of China, Beijing is unsurprisingly one of the top destinations for migrants. According to the Beijing statistical yearbook, its population is around 21.54 million, nearly one third (7.6 million) of whom are migrants. 

Despite the high cost of living and difficultly in obtaining a Beijing hukou (household registration) people continue to flock here. Besides job opportunities and the highest salary of any city in China at 145,766 yuan, its excellent education, advanced hospitals, first-rate public facilities, as well as historical and cultural sites lure people seeking a better life.

1. Shanghai

Population: 24.24 million

Area: 6,340 square kilometers

Fast-paced and cosmopolitan, Shanghai is a magnet for people from across China and overseas. Its GDP of over 3.2 trillion yuan (about 466 billion U.S. dollars), makes it the richest city in China, and its average wage of those in urban non-private units reached 140,400 yuan in 2018.

Besides its financial prowess, the city blends both modern and traditional as well as Chinese and Western influences. Shanghai appeals to migrants because of its energetic, inclusive, international and futuristic elements, as well as an abundance of restaurants, cafes, nightclubs, shopping centers and leisure activities.

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