China's 10 largest cities by population: area, GDP (2023)

Area: 82,400 square kilometers (32,000 sq mi)
Population Density: 2,020/sq. km (5250/sq mi)
GDP 2019: 2.4 trillion RMB (370 billion US dollars)
GDP per capita: RMB 76,000 (USD 11,900)

Geographical location is the first reason why Chongqing is the most populous city in China. As a transport hub between the four cardinal points, this city has become a popular destination for internal migration. Second, as the only municipality and largest city in western China, Chongqing has long enjoyed a favorable policy for the development of industry and commerce, providing many job opportunities that attract foreigners to move. There is also a historical factor to consider. During the Sino-Japanese War (1931-1945), nearly a million people sought refuge here, laying the foundation for the city's future expansion.

Chongqing-Tour
Recommended visit:3-Day Chongqing Private Tour - Dazuvon$389

Area: 6,340 sq km (2450 sq mi)
Population density: 3,820/sq. km (9,900/sq mi)
GDP 2019: 3.8 trillion RMB (600 billion US dollars)
GDP per capita: 157,300 RMB (24,600 USD)

Many think that Shanghai is the largest city in China. In fact, it is the second largest city in China by population and major economic center. During its development, the site has contributed a lot. Located in the Yangtze River Delta, Shanghai has been a busy trading port and a popular location for international companies since the 19th century. In addition, after the development ofPu Dong AirportjHongqiao AirportShanghai has evolved into a truly international metropolis driven by information technology, new energy, a futures and bond market, and wholesale and retail trade. There are all incentives for people to settle here.

Walking tour of Shanghai
Recommended visit:3-Day Private Shanghai Tour with Hotelvon$459

Area: 16,410 sq km (6340 sq mi)
Population Density: 1,140/sq. km (2960 / sq mi)
GDP 2019: 3.5 trillion RMB (550 billion US dollars)
GDP per capita: 164,220 RMB (25,700 USD)

What is the largest city in China? Many people will miss the capital Beijing. It is worth noting that Beijing is the third largest city in China in terms of population. However, no one can deny its importance in this country. On the one hand, with more than 3,000 years of history and more than 1,000 years of history as the capital, Beijing boasts of political supremacy and profound culture. On the other hand, Beijing is playing an increasingly important role in finance and technology. Together they attract locals and non-residents to stay. Thanks to the excellent airports, railways and subway lines, private individuals and companies from home and abroad benefit from the easy accessibility of this megacity.

Beijing tower
Recommended visit:2 Days Beijing Highlights Tour with Forbidden Cityvon$188

Area: 14,335 sq km (5,540 sq mi)
Population density: 1,130/m2 km (2,940/sq mi)
GDP 2019: 1.7 trillion RMB (250 billion US dollars)
GDP per capita: 103,390 RMB (15,220 USD)

Chengdu, the fourth largest city in China in terms of permanent residents, is the capital ofSichuan Province, Southwest China. Since this place is endowed with plains, numerous rivers and a pleasant climate, the ancient Chinese regarded it as the land of plenty when they developed agriculture. Progress had also been made in industry and trade during the yearTopjLiedDynasties (618-1279). Even today, when a large corporation wants to set up its headquarters in southwest China, Chengdu is always the first choice. As a result, more and more people are moving here to pursue promising careers. Also as a tourist city, Chengdu is loved by many people for its cultural relics,Cocina de Sichuan, cute panda and slow life. It is not surprising that many tourists, including foreigners, decide to live here after visiting.

Visit to Chengdu
Recommended visit:3-Day Chengdu Private Tourvon$269

Area: 11,970 sq km (4620 sq mi)
Population Density: 1,310/sq. km (3,405 ⁄ sq mi)
GDP 2019: 1.4 trillion RMB (160 billion US dollars)
GDP per capita: 90,370 RMB (14,140 USD)

One of the main reasons why Tianjin is among the 5 largest cities in China is its location. East of the Bohai Sea, Tianjin is the center of the Bohai Economic Rim and the largest port city in northern China. In fact, as early as the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907), this place used its position and started transporting goods. In 1860, the Qing government officially designated it as a trading port. Since then, Tianjin has played a crucial role in handling imports and exports with foreign countries. Tianjin's economic prosperity and expansion are also due to the construction of airways, highways and railways.

Area: 7,440 sq km (2870 sq mi)
Population Density: 2,060/sq. km (5360/sq mi)
GDP 2019: 2.4 trillion RMB (370 billion US dollars)
GDP per capita: 159,000 RMB (24,900 USD)

Guangzhou should definitely not be left off the list of China's largest cities. Located in the Pearl River Delta, this capital city connects Hong Kong, Macau, Shenzhen, Dongguan and other cities in southern ChinaGuangdong provinceexerts its political and economic influence to the maximum. Even more important is thecanton portjBaiyun International AirportWith their excellent handling ability, they bring many business opportunities from other countries. The China Import and Export Commodity Fair is held here every year, attracting potential partners and investments from Fortune 500 companies. The accumulation of young talents also stimulates high-tech industries. The profound history, convenient transportation and creative atmosphere make Guangzhou a competitive and desirable front-line city.

canton tour
Recommended visit:Guangzhou Private Day Tourvon$121

Area: 2,000 sq km (770 sq mi)
Population Density: 5,960/sq. km (15,500/sq mile)
GDP 2019: 2.7 trillion RMB (420 billion US dollars)
GDP per capita: 203,000 RMB (31,800 USD)

In 1980, as part of the reform and opening-up policy, Shenzhen was declared a special economic zone in southern China due to its favorable location. Thanks to this policy, Shenzhen quickly developed from a fishing village into a thriving immigrant city in just 40 years. Now Shenzhen is benefiting from the advancesBao'an International Airport, 15 ports of entry and exit (most in China) and four major railway stations serving 13.4 million residents. As you can imagine, it is inclusivity and creativity that have enabled Shenzhen to make huge strides in high-tech industry, financial services, export trade and creative culture. From a GDP perspective, Shenzhen is one of the four largest cities in China along with Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. and this great city in China is playing an exemplary role in reforming the administrative system and opening up to the world.

Trip to Shenzhen
Recommended visit:2-Day Shenzhen Private Tourvon$279

Area: 8,570 sq km (3310 sq mi)
Population Density: 2,330/sq. km (6,060/sq mi)
GDP 2019: 1.6 trillion RMB (250 billion US dollars)
GDP per capita: 145,600 RMB (22,800 USD)

However, the main reason that makes it one of the 10 largest cities in China is its extremely extensive transport network. With the Yangtze River and its largest tributary, the Han River, converging in Wuhan, Wuhan is blessed with favorable navigation conditions on the middle reaches of the Yangtze River. In addition, the railway traffic arteries beginWuhan,Wuchangjby HankRailway stations cover more than half of China, making this city the largest domestic transportation hub. As a result, Wuhan derives its competitive advantage mostly from secondary industries, including iron and steel, automobile manufacturing, chemicals, metallurgy, and shipbuilding.

Area: 53,100 sq km (20,500 sq mi)
Population Density: 310/sq. km (800/sq mile)
BIP 2019: 525 Mrd. RMB (82 Mrd. USD)
GDP per capita: 48,000 RMB (7,500 USD)

Harbin is in the list of the largest cities in China by population for both natural and historical reasons. Long ago, the ancient Chinese found the black soil here extremely fertile and gathered here to develop agriculture. During the 19th century, many inland Chinese suffered greatly from frequent floods across the countryYellow Riverand had to flee to the Northeast to earn a living, which dramatically increased Harbin's population. Today, Harbin has lower commodity prices and lower living pressures compared to other provincial capitals, which attracts those who value quality of life. In addition, due to the advanced construction of the railway, many Russians and Europeans consider it a good foothold for the development of cross-border trade.

Harbin-Tour
Recommended visit:4-Day Harbin Private Tour by Ski

Area: 8,660 sq km (3340 sq mi)
Population Density: 1,260/sq. km (3280/sq mi)
GDP 2019: 1.9 trillion RMB (300 billion US dollars)
GDP per capita: 178,900 RMB (28,000 USD)

Suzhou is one of the central cities in the Yangtze River Delta in eastern China. Blessed with fertile soil and abundant rainfall, Suzhou has a long history of producing rice, wheat, cotton, silk and aquatic products so it could support more people in the wild. Speaking of the economy, Suzhou's neighbor Shanghai is worth mentioning. Since these two largest cities in China are very close to each other, Suzhou is strongly driven by the development of Shanghai. With the convenience brought by the airport and railway construction, more and more foreign-funded companies prefer Suzhou, which offers many job opportunities that attract people to move here. Information technology, biomedical engineering, nanotechnology and artificial intelligence are now the four most promising industries in the city.

Excursion to Suzhou
Recommended visit:von$144