Due to a sharp growth in international e-commerce trade over the first five months of the year, Guangzhou has topped all cities in China in a couple of key categories.

According to the Guangzhou Municipal Commission of Commerce, the total import and export trade in Guangzhou over the five months reached 9.09 billion yuan ($1.37 billion) and the total express delivery volume reached 1.75 billion packages, both the highest among all Chinese cities.

Total retail sales of consumer goods reached 373 billion yuan, ranking third in the country. Online store sales in Guangzhou was 34 billion yuan, up 29.6 percent year on year.

Guangzhou's economy has upgraded across different sectors due to success efforts to transition from traditional industries to strategic emerging industries. Officials are optimistic that it will continue to grow, particularly with increased efforts to open to the outside world.

"Guangzhou is sure to seize every opportunity to attract investment and  boost its economy," said Yang Yong, deputy director of Guangzhou municipal commission of commerce.