In the recently unveiled 2022-2023 Global Top 100 SMILE Cities and Global New Smart City (SMILE Index), China's prowess in the realm of smart cities was brought to the forefront with three of its major cities securing positions in the top 10.

The rankings, made public during the 2023 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS), were a collaborative effort by the Tahaoo International Think Tank, the Guoheng Research Institute of Smart City Technology, and the Digital Economy Working Committee of the China Association of Foreign Funded Enterprises.

On a global scale, Beijing solidified its reputation as a smart city hub by securing the third position. Joining Beijing were Guangzhou at fifth place and Hong Kong at seventh place in the rankings.

Singapore has set the bar high for smart city excellence, claiming the top spot in this index. Following closely behind are Zurich, Beijing, Copenhagen, Guangzhou, Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong, New York, London, and Paris.

The rankings highlight a crucial shift in the definition of smart cities. Beyond the conventional focus on information and communication strategies, there is now a growing emphasis on fostering warm, livable, and sustainable urban ecosystems. Zeng Yong, founder of the Tahaoo International Think Tank and the head of the Guoheng Research Institute of Smart City Technology, underscored the importance of a holistic approach to smart city development.

The Global New Smart Cities (SMILE Index) introduced a comprehensive and inclusive system for evaluating smart cities. The framework comprises five key parameters and corresponding evaluation indicators, and offers a more comprehensive assessment of urban development efforts.

In the SMILE Index, S represents security and services, M stands for management and mobility, the letter I stands for independent industry, information innovation, and intelligent infrastructure, L covers lively, lovely and living, and E encompasses education, electronic, environment, and entertainment, according to the Tahaoo International Think Tank.

In addition to Beijing, several other Chinese cities earned notable positions in the rankings. Shanghai secured the 11th spot, Shenzhen followed closely in 15th place, Hangzhou earned the 20th position, Chengdu was ranked 26th, and Ningbo held the 30th spot.

Furthermore, the 2022-2023 China New Smart City (SMILE Index) Top 100 was also unveiled. The top 10 cities in this category included Beijing, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Chengdu, Ningbo, Qingdao, and Chongqing.