Beijing posts 5.6% GDP growth in first 3 quarters

Beijing's economy expanded 5.6% year on year in the first 3 quarters of 2025, as the capital advanced a package of innovation, reform, and policy measures to sustain steady, high-quality growth.

Emerging industries continued to show strong momentum. From the First World Humanoid Robot Games to the launch of the Beijing Quantum Computing Industry Innovation Center, new sectors are becoming fresh sources of growth. Meanwhile, traditional strengths such as advanced manufacturing remain solid anchors. The city's industrial output above designated size rose 6.5% in the first 3 quarters, with strategic emerging industries and high-tech manufacturing up 17.9% and 9.9%, respectively.

Beijing is also accelerating its push toward becoming a leading artificial intelligence city. The city's total intelligent computing capacity has reached 42,000 PFlops. It has also launched initiatives to promote high-quality research and applications of AI, securing national pilot bases for AI in healthcare and manufacturing.

During the January-September period, service consumption increased 4.8%, providing strong support for overall consumer spending. "About 60% of spending by Beijing residents goes to services," said Li Jinya, director of the Institute of Regional Development at the Beijing Institute of Economic and Social Development. "Concerts, sporting events, music festivals, and major exhibitions have all boosted demand across dining, shopping, and entertainment."

Inbound travelers have benefited from greater convenience, including a new "refund-upon-purchase" tax rebate service. Unlike traditional refund procedures that require travelers to claim their taxes back at the airport, the new model allows tourists to receive refunds directly at designated bank branches. Inbound tourist arrivals rose 42.9% year on year, with their spending up 48.3%.

In addition, a citywide tourism booking platform integrating transportation, lodging, dining, attractions, and experiences will be launched by the end of the year.

On the social front, the city continued to improve public services. In the first three quarters, Beijing built 15 new subdistrict- or township-level eldercare centers and added 7,641 home-based eldercare beds. The city also added 24,000 school seats, piloted smart cafeterias in 259 schools, and achieved full coverage of pediatric and child mental health services across all 17 maternal and children's hospitals.

In the fourth quarter, Beijing plans to further enhance quality of life. The city will open 50 new community eldercare centers, add 2,000 childcare slots, and expand comprehensive childcare services citywide. It also plans to complete the southern extension of Metro Line 6 and the middle section of Line 17.

Looking ahead, Wang Yuling, an official with the city's development and reform authorities, said Beijing will focus on drafting the 15th Five-Year Plan, boosting consumption and investment, deepening reform and opening up, fostering innovation-driven industries, and improving people's well-being. She said the city also aims to ensure this year's target and tasks are finished and the 14th Five-Year Plan is successfully completed.