Besides Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, another 15 cities including Qingdao have joined the elite club of China's first-tier cities due to their commercial charm.

According to a report by the Shanghai-based media group China Business Network (CBN), the new ranking lifted Chengdu, Hangzhou, Wuhan, Tianjin, Nanjing, Chongqing, Xi'an, Changsha, Qingdao, Shenyang, Dalian, Xiamen, Suzhou, Ningbo and Wuxi as China's new first-tier cities.

Instead of GDP and population, the number of brand outlets, catering industry, cinemas and skyscrapers are emphasized more in the list.

To compile the list, CBN emphasized a city's connectivity with the outside world, the use of smartphone apps in transport and online shopping, the availability of subway.

In addition, the air quality, the number of universities and venture companies would also help boost a city's ranking.