Chinese cities claimed nine positions among the top 20 cities globally in terms of socioeconomic and commercial real estate dynamism, according to the world-leading consultancy JLL.

JLL, the US-based real estate investment management company, released its sixth City Momentum Index recently, which pointed out that China is now home to nine of the top 20 cities in the world in terms of socioeconomic and commercial real estate dynamism.

Xi'an was ranked ninth on the list, followed by Guangzhou, Nanjing, Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, Hangzhou, Shenzhen and Chengdu.

"Chinese cities are evolving on a truly global scale, where momentum is more dependent on levels of innovation, entrepreneurship and livability. They are home to a new breed of energetic tech-savvy firms that are extending their global footprints, facilitated by the Belt and Road Initiative," said Jeremy Kelly, director of global research at JLL.

Located in a strategic position on the Silk Road economic belt, Xi'an emerged at the top spot nationally for the first time for "playing an important role in connecting the Asia-Pacific economic circle and European economic circle," according to JLL.