(Yicai Global) Feb. 14 -- Xi'an, the provincial capital of China's central Shaanxi province, has become the country's 9th National Central City, establishing itself as a testbed for urban reform efforts in the region.

The city's new status has strategic significance on a national level and Xi'an will become a driver of development in the areas of finance, trade, management, culture and transport, said China's top macroeconomic planner, the National Development and Reform Commission.

Xi'an joins Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Tianjin and Chongqing, which were named in the first batch of National Central Cities in 2010, as well as Wuhan and Zhengzhou which were added in 2016.

Many of China's urban centers have applied to the government to be added to the group, with tech hub Shenzhen, Nanjing and Hangzhou most likely to be among the next additions based on their historical status, economic strength and development potential, analysts say.

China's more affluent eastern region is the country's main driver of urban economic development at present, though it is only represented by Shanghai on the list of National Central Cities. As a result, Nanjing, a traditional ancient capital, and Hangzhou, a hotbed of activity for internet-related sectors are likely to be added. Shenzhen, one of China's four first-tier cities and a driver of innovation, is also likely to qualify, said Peng Peng, vice-president of Guangdong Provincial Society of Economic Reform.