Initiated in 2004, the rankings are aimed to measure Chinese cities' performance in business environment and livability, based on their personnel resources, sizes, consuming capacities, passenger traffic, freight transportation, vitality of private economy, operating costs of businesses, and innovation capabilities. 100 cities are chosen on the list from hundreds of their counterparts on the Chinese mainland.

According to the Forbes China, through the "Venture Tianfu" action plan, Chengdu is attracting talents and startups from across the world to develop itself to be a regional innovation and entrepreneurship center with international influence.