Patent volume is a main indicator in identifying cities' capacity for innovation. By analyzing patents issued in the 30 years, 10 cities have been named the most innovative in China by a report from the Chinese edition of Forbes and Patsnap, a consulting company researching intellectual property in Singapore.

Beijing and Shanghai display strong innovation in TMT (telecommunications, media, and technology), biotechnology and medicine, automobile and nanometer materials, said the report. Shenzhen is the most innovative in TMT with patents for invention concentrated in three technology companies ZTE, Huawei and Hon Hai Group.

No 10 Chengdu

A giant panda-shaped art installation on the facade of the Chengdu IFS shopping mall in Chengdu city, Southwest China's Sichuan province, Dec 23, 2013. [Photo/IC]