China has a blend of ancient heritage and contemporary progress, hosting some of the world’s most populous cities. As of 2021, the country boasts 17 cities each with a population surpassing 10 million, including major urban areas like Shenzhen, Tianjin, and Xi’an. Remarkably, Chongqing, Shanghai, Beijing, and Chengdu each house over 20 million residents, with Shanghai recognized for its dense urban living
Let’s explore the list of the largest cities in China by population.
List of Major Cities by Population
|
S. No. |
City |
2020 Census |
2010 Census |
% Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. |
Shanghai |
21,909,814 |
20,217,748 |
+8.37% |
|
2. |
Beijing |
18,960,744 |
16,704,306 |
+13.51% |
|
3. |
Shenzhen |
17,444,609 |
10,358,381 |
+68.41% |
|
4. |
Guangzhou |
16,096,724 |
10,641,408 |
+51.26% |
|
5. |
Chengdu |
13,568,357 |
7,791,692 |
+74.14% |
|
6. |
Tianjin |
11,052,404 |
9,528,277 |
+16.00% |
|
7. |
Wuhan |
10,494,879 |
7,541,527 |
+39.16% |
|
8. |
Dongguan |
9,644,871 |
7,271,322 |
+32.64% |
|
9. |
Chongqing |
9,580,819 |
6,263,790 |
+52.96% |
|
10. |
Xi’an |
9,392,938 |
5,403,052 |
+73.85% |
|
11. |
Hangzhou |
9,236,032 |
5,849,537 |
+57.89% |
|
12. |
Foshan |
9,042,509 |
6,771,895 |
+33.53% |
|
13. |
Nanjing |
7,519,814 |
5,827,888 |
+29.03% |
|
14. |
Shenyang |
7,026,358 |
5,718,232 |
+22.88% |
|
15. |
Zhengzhou |
6,461,013 |
3,677,032 |
+75.71% |
|
16. |
Qingdao |
6,165,279 |
4,556,077 |
+35.32% |
|
17. |
Suzhou |
5,892,892 |
3,721,700 |
+58.34% |
|
18. |
Jinan |
5,648,162 |
3,641,562 |
+55.10% |
|
19. |
Changsha |
5,630,256 |
3,193,354 |
+76.31% |
|
20. |
Kunming |
5,273,144 |
3,385,363 |
+55.76% |
|
21. |
Harbin |
5,242,897 |
4,596,313 |
+14.07% |
|
22. |
Shijiazhuang |
5,090,440 |
3,095,219 |
+64.46% |
|
23. |
Hefei |
5,055,978 |
3,098,727 |
+63.16% |
|
24. |
Dalian |
4,913,879 |
3,902,467 |
+25.92% |
|
25. |
Xiamen |
4,617,251 |
3,119,110 |
+48.03% |
|
26. |
Nanning |
4,582,703 |
2,660,833 |
+72.23% |
|
27. |
Changchun |
4,557,356 |
3,411,209 |
+33.60% |
|
28. |
Taiyuan |
4,303,673 |
3,154,157 |
+36.44% |
|
29. |
Guiyang |
4,021,275 |
2,520,061 |
+59.57% |
|
30. |
Wuxi |
3,956,985 |
2,757,736 |
+43.49% |
|
31. |
Ürümqi |
3,842,560 |
2,853,398 |
+34.67% |
|
32. |
Zhongshan |
3,841,873 |
2,740,994 |
+40.16% |
|
33. |
Shantou |
3,838,900 |
3,644,017 |
+5.35% |
|
34. |
Ningbo |
3,731,203 |
2,583,073 |
+44.45% |
|
35. |
Fuzhou |
3,723,454 |
3,102,421 |
+20.02% |
|
36. |
Nanchang |
3,518,975 |
2,614,380 |
+34.60% |
|
37. |
Changzhou |
3,187,315 |
2,257,376 |
+41.20% |
|
38. |
Lanzhou |
3,012,577 |
2,438,595 |
+23.54% |
|
39. |
Nantong |
2,987,600 |
1,612,385 |
+85.29% |
|
40. |
Huizhou |
2,900,113 |
1,807,858 |
+60.42% |
|
41. |
Xuzhou |
2,845,552 |
2,214,795 |
+28.48% |
|
42. |
Zibo |
2,750,312 |
2,261,717 |
+21.60% |
|
43. |
Linyi |
2,743,843 |
1,522,488 |
+80.22% |
|
44. |
Wenzhou |
2,582,017 |
2,686,825 |
−3.90% |
|
45. |
Tangshan |
2,549,968 |
2,128,191 |
+19.82% |
|
46. |
Hohhot |
2,373,399 |
1,497,110 |
+58.53% |
|
47. |
Haikou |
2,349,239 |
1,517,410 |
+54.82% |
|
48. |
Shaoxing |
2,333,080 |
1,725,726 |
+35.19% |
|
49. |
Yantai |
2,311,885 |
1,797,861 |
+28.59% |
|
50. |
Luoyang |
2,230,661 |
1,584,463 |
+40.78% |
Top 10 Largest Cities in China by Population
Shanghai (上海)
- Most Populous: Population increased from 19.55 to 23 million.
- Historic Blend: Birthplace of the Chinese Communist Party; global financial hub.
- Key Port: Vital port on the Yangtze River estuary.
Beijing (北京)
- Capital City: Population grew from 15 to 18.08 million.
- Historical Capital: Retained capital status since the Ming dynasty.
- Cultural and Political Center: Houses significant historical sites.
Guangzhou (广州)
- Southern Economic Leader: Population rose from 10.49 to 12.39 million.
- Industrial Hub: Major industrial and commercial center.
- Cultural Richness: Known as Canton; famous for Cantonese culture.
Shenzhen (深圳)
- Tech City: Population increased from 10.22 to 12.34 million.
- Economic Zone: China’s first Special Economic Zone; major financial center.
- Port City: Second busiest port in mainland China.
Chongqing (重庆)
- Riverside Megacity: Population grew from 9.73 to 11.05 million.
- Strategic Location: On the Yangtze River; historical capital during WWII.
- Cultural Blend: Offers a mix of cultural heritage and modernity.
Wuhan (武汉)
- Confluence City: Population increased from 8.90 to 10.26 million.
- Triple City Union: Combination of Hankow, Hanyang, and Wuchang.
- Industrial and Educational Hub: Key center in eastern China.
Tianjin (天津)
- Provincial-Level Status: Population rose from 8.54 to 9.67 million.
- Economic Growth: Significant port city; blend of history and modern development.
Foshan
- Metro Area Growth: Population grew from 7.65 to 8.91 million.
- Urban Cluster: Part of the Guangzhou-Dongguan metropolitan area.
- Cultural Hub: Known for traditional arts and crafts.
Dongguan (东莞)
- Industrial City: Population increased from 7.16 to 7.86 million.
- Giant Mall: Houses the underutilized South China Mall.
- Manufacturing Center: Critical to southern China’s economy.
Hong Kong (香港)
- Financial Powerhouse: Population rose from 7.05 to 7.43 million.
- Unique Composition: Combination of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories.
- Cultural Fusion: A vibrant mix of Eastern and Western influences; major global financial center.
Conclusion
Beyond being densely populated metropolitan areas, China’s major cities are the engine of the nation’s explosive growth. Each city provides a different window into China’s lively and varied culture, from Beijing’s ancient alleys to Shanghai’s busy streets. These cities’ continued expansion and change not only affect China’s terrain but also the international scene. China’s megacities are essential to comprehending the history, present, and future of the nation, whether due to their technical advancements, cultural diversity, or economic might.
Related Articles:
- Top 10 Largest Cities in China
- Top 10 Largest Cities in the World By Population 2024
- Top 10 Largest Cities in the World by Area [2024]
FAQs on List of Largest Cities in China by Population
How many cities over 5 million in China?
China has 10 cities with over 10 million people and there are 21 cities with over 5 million inhabitants
What is the number one city in China?
Beijing secured the top spot for the seventh consecutive year on the comprehensive ranking of the China Integrated City Index 2022.
What city containing China’s largest population?
Shanghai (上海), is China’s most populous city situated on the eastern coast of the country.
Is Beijing bigger than Shanghai?
Beijing is geographically much larger than Shanghai, but slightly less populous.
What is China’s 3 largest city?
The five largest cities in China by population are Chongqing, Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu and Guangzhou.