Shenzhen ranked 2nd preferred investment destination in China: report

Shenzhen is the second most favored city on the Chinese mainland for investment, following Guangzhou and ahead of Shanghai and Beijing, according to the 2026 Special Report on the State of Business in South China released by the American Chamber of Commerce in South China (AmCham South China) in Guangzhou today.

Representatives of the American Chamber of Commerce in South China (AmCham South China) speak at a press conference during the release of the 2026 Special Report on the State of Business in South China in Guangzhou today. Photos courtesy of AmCham South China

The report shows that Shenzhen rose by 6 percentage points to 29%, following Guangzhou (38%) and ahead of Shanghai (10%) and Beijing (5%).

The 206-page bilingual report, the 22nd edition, provides a comprehensive and quantitative analysis of the business community and offers valuable insights into the development trends in South China. This year, 426 companies participated in the study.

A copy of the 2026 Special Report on the State of Business in South China.

The report notes that despite ongoing trade tensions, China’s position as a leading global investment destination continues to strengthen. Forty-five percent of the companies surveyed ranked China as their top global investment priority, representing a 6 percentage-point increase from 2024. Furthermore, 37% of surveyed companies reported generating more than 60% of their global revenue from China, also a 6 percentage-point increase.

The 2026 Special Report highlights exceptional levels of commitment to the Chinese market: 95% of participating companies reaffirm their commitment to maintaining operations in China, and no company reported a complete withdrawal from the market.

Looking ahead, 75% of the companies surveyed plan to reinvest in China in 2026. Collectively, member companies have earmarked an estimated US$13.79 billion in profits generated in China for reinvestment over the next three to five years.

Business representatives attend the release of the 2026 Special Report on the State of Business in South China, presented by the AmCham South China in Guangzhou.

“Companies are reinvesting not only to expand market share, but also to innovate, localize, and strengthen their integration within the Chinese economy. This sustained reinvestment reflects confidence in the market’s resilience and its central role in global business operations,” said Dr. Harley Seyedin, chairman and president of AmCham South China.

Dr. Harley Seyedin, chairman and president of the AmCham South China, speaks at a press conference during the release of the 2026 Special Report on the State of Business in South China in Guangzhou today.

As per the report, business sentiment regarding the future of U.S.-China relations has improved significantly. The report shows that 39% of all studied companies now express a positive outlook.

Dr. Seyedin noted, “The U.S. and Chinese economies are deeply interconnected. While differences remain, our commercial ties are substantial and mutually beneficial. Continued dialogue, transparency, and engagement between the two countries will foster greater understanding — creating a more stable environment for trade, investment, and long-term economic cooperation.”