More cities in China have entered the first-tier city club as they catch up with traditional metropolises like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen.

Financial news portal Yicai.com recently released its 2019 ranking of China's new first-tier cities, with Southwest China's Kunming of Yunnan province a newcomer this year. Wuxi in East China's Jiangsu province, on the other hand, has missed out in this year's list.

Evaluation statistics include big data from 170 major consumer brands as well as consumer data from 18 internet companies from different sectors in 337 cities. Criteria include the cities' business resources, potential to function as a hub, resident activity, lifestyle diversity and future adaptability.

Let's take a look at the top 15 new first-tier cities in China this year.