China, a vast and diverse nation, is home to some of the world’s most populous and dynamic cities. These urban centers are not only economic powerhouses but also cultural and technological hubs, shaping the country’s future. From the bustling financial districts of Shanghai to the high-tech corridors of Shenzhen, each city offers a unique blend of modernity and tradition.

In this comprehensive article, we will explore the top 10 most populated cities in China, unveiling their distinct characteristics, economic strengths, and cultural richness. These metropolises serve as gateways to understanding the nation’s remarkable growth and development, showcasing its resilience, innovation, and unwavering spirit.

List of 10 Major Cities in China by Population

China’s top 10 populated cities include: 

1. Shanghai (24.87 million)
2. Beijing (21.54 million)
3. Guangzhou (18.68 million)
4. Shenzhen (17.56 million)
5. Chongqing (15.87 million)
6. Tianjin (13.86 million)
7. Wuhan (13.52 million)
8. Dongguan (8.34 million)
9. Foshan (7.91 million)
10. Chengdu (7.74 million)

1. Shanghai

Population: 24.87 million

Key Details about Shanghai

Shanghai is a major economic and financial hub of China and a global center for finance, trade, and transportation. Here are some key details about Shanghai:

• It is China’s largest and most populous city, with a population of over 24 million residents.
• Shanghai is a leading financial center in the world and home to the Shanghai Stock Exchange, one of the largest stock exchanges globally.
• It serves as a major industrial and manufacturing base, producing automobiles, electronics, steel, petrochemicals, and more.
• Shanghai has one of the world’s busiest container ports and a major international airport, making it a crucial transportation hub.
• The city has implemented various smart city initiatives, including a digital twin, 5G coverage, and the Citizen Cloud App for accessing government services.
• Shanghai is known for its iconic skyline, featuring numerous skyscrapers like the Shanghai Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center.
• It is a cosmopolitan city that blends modern and traditional Chinese elements, attracting tourists and expatriates from around the world.
• Shanghai has made efforts towards sustainable development, with initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and promote energy efficiency through smart city technologies.

Also Read: Why Manufacturing in China is Cost-Efficient?

2. Beijing

Population: 21.54 million

Capital City

• Beijing has served as the capital of China for most of the past eight centuries, making it one of the world’s longest-serving capital cities.
• It is the political center of the country, housing the headquarters of the Chinese Communist Party, the State Council (China’s cabinet), and numerous government ministries and agencies.
• Beijing is home to the Forbidden City, the former imperial palace that served as the residence of Chinese emperors for nearly 500 years.
• Iconic landmarks like Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, and the Summer Palace are located in Beijing, reflecting its rich history and cultural heritage.

Cultural and Educational Hub

• Beijing is renowned for its opulent palaces, temples, gardens, tombs, and art treasures, making it a significant cultural center in China.
• The city hosts several prestigious universities, including Peking University and Tsinghua University, which are among the best in the country and globally recognized.
• Beijing is a hub for traditional Chinese arts and crafts, with numerous workshops and markets showcasing these cultural treasures.

Other Key Details

• Beijing is a major transportation hub, with an extensive subway system, a bustling international airport, and high-speed rail connections to other major cities.
• The city has hosted several major international events, including the 2008 Summer Olympics and the 2022 Winter Olympics, showcasing its global significance.
• Beijing is known for its diverse cuisine, with numerous restaurants offering traditional Beijing dishes as well as regional specialties from across China.
• The city has undergone rapid modernization in recent decades, with a skyline featuring modern skyscrapers and infrastructure developments, while still preserving its historical core.

3. Guangzhou

Population: 18.68 million

Guangzhou is a major city in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, a highly urbanized and economically vibrant region in southern China.

Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area

• The Greater Bay Area comprises nine cities in Guangdong Province, including Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan, Huizhou, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Jiangmen, and Zhaoqing, as well as the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macao.
• This region is a major economic powerhouse, accounting for around 12% of China’s GDP and serving as a hub for finance, trade, logistics, and innovation.
• Guangzhou plays a pivotal role in the Greater Bay Area, serving as the capital of Guangdong Province and a major transportation and commercial center.

Key Details about Guangzhou

• Guangzhou is a historic city with a rich cultural heritage, dating back over 2,200 years.
• It is a major transportation hub, with an international airport, a bustling port, and an extensive railway network connecting it to other parts of China and beyond.
• Guangzhou hosts the Canton Fair, one of the largest trade fairs in China, attracting businesses from around the world.
• The city is known for its vibrant culinary scene, featuring Cantonese cuisine and a wide variety of regional and international dishes.
• Guangzhou has made significant efforts to develop its high-tech and service industries, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

4. Shenzhen

Population: 17.56 million

Shenzhen is a major tech and innovation hub in southern China, located in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Tech and Innovation Hub

• Shenzhen has transformed from a small fishing village into a global center for technology and innovation within a few decades.
• The city is home to numerous tech giants, including Huawei, Tencent, ZTE, and DJI, as well as countless startups and entrepreneurs.
• Shenzhen has fostered a vibrant ecosystem for innovation, with a focus on industries such as telecommunications, electronics, software, and artificial intelligence.
• The city has implemented various initiatives to support entrepreneurship, including the establishment of technology parks and incubators.

Part of Greater Bay Area

• As part of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Shenzhen benefits from close economic ties with Hong Kong and Macao, as well as other cities in the region.
• Shenzhen’s proximity to Hong Kong has played a crucial role in its development, facilitating trade, investment, and the exchange of talent and ideas.
• The city serves as a hub for advanced manufacturing, logistics, and financial services within the Greater Bay Area.

Key Details about Shenzhen

• Shenzhen has a young and dynamic population, with a median age of around 33 years old.
• The city is known for its modern infrastructure, including an extensive public transportation system and high-tech facilities.
• Shenzhen has implemented various smart city initiatives, leveraging technologies such as 5G, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things to improve urban management and quality of life.

5. Chongqing

Population: 15.87 million (2020 estimate)

Chongqing is a major inland city and one of the four direct-controlled municipalities in China. Here are some key details about Chongqing:

Major Inland City

• Chongqing is the largest and most populous municipality in western China, serving as an important economic and transportation hub in the region.
• It is strategically located at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers, making it a crucial inland port and a gateway to the upper Yangtze River basin.
• Chongqing is a major industrial and manufacturing center, with a focus on automotive, machinery, metallurgy, and chemical industries.
• The city is a transportation hub, with an extensive network of highways, railways, and waterways connecting it to other parts of China and beyond.

Key Details

• Chongqing has a unique geography, with urban areas built on mountains and hills, earning it the nickname “Mountain City.”
• The city is known for its spicy Sichuan cuisine, including famous dishes like hot pot and Chongqing noodles.
• Chongqing played a significant role during World War II, serving as the temporary capital of China after Nanjing fell to the Japanese.
• The city is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Dazu Rock Carvings and the Wulong Karst National Geology Park.
• Chongqing has made efforts to develop its high-tech and service industries, aiming to become a modern, sustainable, and livable city.
• The municipality covers a vast area, encompassing not only the central urban area but also surrounding rural regions and smaller cities.

Also read, Top 10 Natural Resources of China

6. Tianjin

Population: 13.86 million

Tianjin is a major coastal city located in northern China, near the capital city of Beijing.

Major Coastal City near Beijing

• Tianjin is situated approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) southeast of Beijing, making it a convenient gateway to the capital.
• As a coastal city, Tianjin has a strategic location along the Bohai Gulf, providing access to the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea.
• Tianjin serves as a crucial transportation hub, with one of the largest ports in China and an extensive network of railways and highways connecting it to other major cities.

Key Details about Tianjin

• Tianjin is a major industrial and manufacturing center, with a focus on industries such as aerospace, automotive, petrochemicals, and electronics.
• The city has a rich history, dating back to the 11th century, and is known for its blend of Chinese and Western architectural styles.
• Tianjin is home to several prestigious universities, including Nankai University and Tianjin University, contributing to its status as an educational hub.
• The city has made efforts to develop its high-tech and service industries, attracting investment from both domestic and international companies.
• Tianjin hosts the Binhai New Area, a state-level economic development zone that has become a hub for advanced manufacturing and technology.

Also Read: Strategic Importance of the South China Sea

7. Wuhan

Population: 13.52 million

Wuhan is a major transportation hub in central China, strategically located at the confluence of the Yangtze and Han rivers.

Major Transportation Hub

• Wuhan serves as a crucial transportation node, connecting various regions of China through its extensive network of railways, highways, and waterways.
• The city is a major hub for rail transportation, with multiple high-speed rail lines linking it to other major cities across the country.
• Wuhan’s location along the Yangtze River makes it an important inland port, facilitating the movement of goods and cargo throughout the region.
• The city has a large international airport, further enhancing its connectivity and accessibility.

Key Details about Wuhan

• Wuhan is an important industrial and manufacturing center, with a focus on industries such as automotive, steel, machinery, and electronics.
• The city has a rich history dating back over 3,500 years and is known for its cultural attractions, including the Hubei Provincial Museum and the Yellow Crane Tower.
• Wuhan is home to several prestigious universities, including Wuhan University and Huazhong University of Science and Technology, contributing to its status as an educational hub.
• The city has made efforts to develop its high-tech and service industries, attracting investment and talent from across China and abroad.
• Wuhan has implemented various urban development initiatives, including the construction of new transportation infrastructure and the revitalization of its riverfront areas.

Also read, Why China Banned Tech Giant Google? 

8. Dongguan

Population: 8.34 million

Dongguan is a major manufacturing center and an integral part of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Manufacturing Center

• Dongguan has long been known as the “factory of the world” and a hub for export-oriented manufacturing.
• It is a leading producer of electronics, machinery, textiles, and consumer goods, with a strong focus on high-tech industries.
• Major Chinese tech companies like Huawei, Vivo, and Oppo have established manufacturing facilities in Dongguan.
• The city is home to over 170,000 industrial enterprises and has a thriving robotics industry, employing over 55,000 people.

Part of Greater Bay Area

• Dongguan is strategically located within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, a highly urbanized and economically vibrant region in southern China.
• Its proximity to Hong Kong and Macao has facilitated trade, investment, and the exchange of talent and ideas.
• The city serves as a hub for advanced manufacturing, logistics, and high-tech industries within the Greater Bay Area.

Key Details about Dongguan

• Dongguan has transformed from a small fishing village into a global manufacturing powerhouse within a few decades.
• The city is actively transitioning towards high-tech and innovation-driven industries, with plans to create a “Chinese Silicon Valley-style tech corridor.”
• Dongguan has made efforts to improve its livability, with initiatives to address environmental challenges and develop sports, arts, and cultural facilities.
• The city has a unique polyamorous subculture due to a population disparity, with a higher number of women than men.

9. Foshan

Population: 7.91 million

Foshan is a major city located in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, known for its manufacturing and trade industries.

Part of Greater Bay Area

• Foshan is one of the nine cities in Guangdong Province that make up the Greater Bay Area, along with Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and others.
• As part of this highly urbanized and economically vibrant region, Foshan benefits from close economic ties and collaboration with other cities in the area.

Key Details about Foshan

• Foshan has a long history of manufacturing, with a focus on ceramics, furniture, and household appliances.
• The city is home to several well-known brands, including Midea (appliances) and Fotile (kitchen appliances).
• Foshan has a thriving trade and logistics sector, facilitated by its strategic location and transportation infrastructure.
• The city is known for its rich cultural heritage, including the Ancestral Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Foshan Lingnan Folk Art Museum.
• Foshan has made efforts to develop its high-tech and service industries, attracting investment and talent from across China and abroad.

Also Read: Largest Dams in China

10. Chengdu

Population: 7.74 million

Chengdu is a major city in Sichuan Province, known for its laid-back lifestyle, rich cultural heritage, and growing importance as an economic and technological hub.

Major City in Sichuan Province

• Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan Province and one of the most populous cities in western China.
• It serves as an important economic, transportation, and cultural center in the region, with a long history dating back over 2,300 years.

Key Details about Chengdu

• Chengdu is renowned for its unique cuisine, particularly its famous hot pot dishes and Sichuan peppercorn-infused flavors.
• The city is home to the Chengdu Research Base for Giant Panda Breeding, a world-famous facility dedicated to the conservation of giant pandas.
• Chengdu has a rich cultural heritage, with numerous historical sites, including the Wuhou Memorial Temple and the Jinli Ancient Street.
• The city has emerged as a hub for technology and innovation, attracting major companies and startups in industries such as electronics, software, and biotechnology.
• Chengdu has implemented various smart city initiatives, leveraging technologies like 5G and artificial intelligence to improve urban management and quality of life.

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Conclusion

The top 10 most populated cities in China are a remarkable showcase of the country’s economic transformation and urban development. From the global financial center of Shanghai to the manufacturing powerhouse of Dongguan, these cities have played pivotal roles in driving China’s growth trajectory.

While each city boasts its own unique strengths and identities, they collectively represent the nation’s diversity, resilience, and ambition. As China continues to evolve, these urban centers will undoubtedly remain at the forefront of innovation, propelling economic progress and shaping the country’s future.

FAQs

What is the Largest City in China by Population?

Shanghai is the largest city in China, with a population of around 24.87 million.

Which City is known as the Tech and Innovation Hub of China?

Shenzhen, located in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, is widely recognized as China’s tech and innovation hub, home to numerous tech giants and startups.

What is the Significance of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area?

The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is a highly urbanized and economically vibrant region in southern China, comprising several major cities like Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Dongguan. It serves as a hub for finance, trade, logistics, and innovation.

Which City is known for its Unique Geography with Urban Areas Built on Mountains and Hills?

Chongqing is known for its unique geography, with urban areas built on mountains and hills, earning it the nickname “Mountain City.”

What is the Significance of Wuhan as a Transportation Hub?

Wuhan is a major transportation hub in central China, strategically located at the confluence of the Yangtze and Han rivers. It serves as a crucial node for rail, road, and waterway transportation, connecting various regions of the country.