What counts as a slowdown in China would make most other nations envious. After dominating equity listings from 2009 to 2011, the country slipped to No. 2 behind the U.S. last year as its stock markets struggled and regulators put the brakes on approvals. But thanks to policy reforms and growing economic bullishness, domestic and offshore fundraising could send Chinese initial public offerings skyward again. The IPO pipeline contains a record 800-plus Chinese companies, says Hong Hao, head of research at Bank of Communications International in Hong Kong. In late 2011, by comparison, that number was less than 300. “Yes, 2013 will be a better year for sure,” Hong predicts. Hu Yifan, Hong Kong–based chief economist at Haitong International Securities Group, agrees. “I see a pickup in the economy, a pickup in investor sentiment and a large increase in liquidity,” Hu....