This study analyzes the regional competitiveness of China's cross-border e-commerce using the Groundings-Enterprises-Markets (GEM) model, factor analysis, and the entropy weight method. Data from 2018 to 2021 across 31 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions show that China's overall cross-border e-commerce competitiveness has improved annually, though regional disparities persist, with the east outperforming the west. Guangdong Province leads as a key player. Key factors influencing competitiveness include the digital economy development index, number of cross-border e-commerce pilot zones, R&D expenditures, cross-border enterprise competitiveness, and core enterprise scale. The study recommends policies focusing on digital reform, logistics efficiency, and digital technology promotion. Regional competitiveness is classified into three tiers, with Guangdong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai leading in basic competitiveness. Enterprise competitiveness is a major factor in regional differences, with Guangdong consistently at the top. Market competitiveness is strong in Guangdong, Shanghai, Beijing, and Jiangsu. Challenges include platform dependence, logistics, payment, intellectual property, and tax issues. The study suggests strategies for different regions, including digital reform for top-tier, logistics improvement for second-tier, and pilot zone expansion for third-tier provinces. The research highlights the importance of digital infrastructure, innovation, and international cooperation for China's cross-border e-commerce development.This study analyzes the regional competitiveness of China's cross-border e-commerce using the Groundings-Enterprises-Markets (GEM) model, factor analysis, and the entropy weight method. Data from 2018 to 2021 across 31 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions show that China's overall cross-border e-commerce competitiveness has improved annually, though regional disparities persist, with the east outperforming the west. Guangdong Province leads as a key player. Key factors influencing competitiveness include the digital economy development index, number of cross-border e-commerce pilot zones, R&D expenditures, cross-border enterprise competitiveness, and core enterprise scale. The study recommends policies focusing on digital reform, logistics efficiency, and digital technology promotion. Regional competitiveness is classified into three tiers, with Guangdong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai leading in basic competitiveness. Enterprise competitiveness is a major factor in regional differences, with Guangdong consistently at the top. Market competitiveness is strong in Guangdong, Shanghai, Beijing, and Jiangsu. Challenges include platform dependence, logistics, payment, intellectual property, and tax issues. The study suggests strategies for different regions, including digital reform for top-tier, logistics improvement for second-tier, and pilot zone expansion for third-tier provinces. The research highlights the importance of digital infrastructure, innovation, and international cooperation for China's cross-border e-commerce development.