Abstract:On the basis of the brief review of the historical evolution of New York,London,Tokyo and Paris,the present paper summarizes the universal law and characteristics of the development of world cities,and defines its concept,and makes an overview of its connotation.By research and comparison,this paper believes that the functional characteristics of world cities are similar,but nuances embody smart growth connotation;operation mechanism is similar,intangible value carrier embodies core function;the concerned focuses are relatively concentrated,basic value orientation of cities is gradually emerging.The paper believes that the world cities in the future will more tend to be versatile type,regionalization,human nature,culturalization and will eventually become the future development model of world cities.Finally,from 8 aspects,the paper briefly discusses the enlightenment to Beijing from successful development experiences and lessons of failures of world cities.