Wondering what the biggest cities in China are?
In this article, we use the very latest official data, including from the National Bureau of Statistics of China, to list the 17 biggest cities in China by population in 2023.
It’s important to note that China defines a city by its administrative divisions, which can include both urban and rural areas.
Under this approach to data collection, Chongqing is the biggest city in China with 31.02 million people.
However, as the BBC has noted, many of those people are actually agricultural workers living in a rural setting.
For this reason, we have chosen to discount those people living rurally, thereby making Shanghai the biggest city in China with a population of 28.52 million people!
Anyway, now that we’ve outlined our parameters, let’s count down the 17 biggest cities in China by population in 2023…
17. Qingdao (Population: 5.98 million)
At number 17 on our list of the biggest cities in China is Qingdao, which is located in eastern China’s Shandong Province on the coast of the Yellow Sea.
Known for its beautiful beaches, scenic mountains, and historic buildings, the city has a population of nearly six million people and is a major economic and cultural center in the region.
It is also home to several major industries, including shipbuilding, petrochemicals, and renewable energy.
Qingdao is a popular tourist destination, and it is known for its seafood, beer, and annual sailing event, the Qingdao International Regatta.
16. Dalian (Population: 6.07 million)
Dalian is located on the Liaodong Peninsula in northeastern China’s Liaoning Province and is one of the largest port cities in the country.
With a population of around six million people, it’s an important hub for trade, finance, and transportation in the region.
Dalian is also known for its modern city planning and architecture, and is a popular tourist destination for its beaches, parks, and seafood.
The city is home to several major industries, including petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and heavy machinery.
15. Harbin (Population: 6.84 million)
Harbin is a major city in northeastern China and the capital of Heilongjiang province, with a population of more than six million people.
It is located on the banks of the Songhua River and is an important transportation and trade hub.
Harbin is known for its beautiful natural surrounding and its rich cultural heritage, with a number of historical sites and cultural institutions located within the city, including the Harbin Museum and the Harbin Ice and Snow World.
The city is also known for its annual Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, which attracts visitors from around the world.
14. Dongguan (Population: 7.58 million)
At number 14 on our list of the biggest cities in China is Dongguan, a city in southern China’s Guangdong Province.
It is located between Guangzhou and Shenzhen, and is a major manufacturing hub in the Pearl River Delta region and has a population of nearly eight million people.
Dongguan is home to many factories and export-oriented businesses, and it is a major hub for the production of textiles, electronics, and other goods.
The city is also a popular tourist destination, and it is known for its shopping, entertainment, and cultural attractions.
13. Foshan (Population: 7.59 million)
Foshan is China’s 13th largest city with a population of 7.59 million people in 2023.
It is located near the city of Guangzhou and is a major hub for trade, finance, and manufacturing in the Pearl River Delta region.
Foshan is home to many ancient temples and historical sites, as well as modern business districts and industrial parks.
The city is also a major center for the arts, and it is known for its traditional music, dance, and martial arts.
Foshan is a popular tourist destination, and it is known for its shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
12. Suzhou (Population: 8.02 million)
At number 12 on our list of the biggest cities in China is Suzhou, which is a major center in eastern China, located in Jiangsu province, about 100 kilometers northwest of Shanghai.
With a population of around eight million people, Suzhou is known for its beautiful gardens and canals, and it is often referred to as the “Venice of the East.”
The city’s economy is driven by manufacturing, including electronics, machinery, and textiles, and is also a major hub for research and development in science and technology.
Suzhou is known for its rich cultural heritage, with a number of historical sites and cultural institutions located within the city, including the Suzhou Museum and the Suzhou Silk Museum.
11. Hangzhou (Population: 8.21 million)
With a population of more than eight million people, Hangzhou is 11th on our list of the biggest cities in China.
Located in Zhejiang province, about 100 kilometers southwest of Shanghai, it is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, including West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is often referred to as the “Paradise on Earth”.
The city’s economy is driven by manufacturing, including electronics, machinery, and textiles, and it is also a major center for research and development in science and technology.
Hangzhou is known for its rich cultural heritage, with a number of historical sites and cultural institutions located within the city, including the Hangzhou Museum and the Hangzhou Library.
10. Xi’an (Population: 8.78 million)
Xi’an has a population of nearly nine million people and is an important economic, cultural, and educational center in the Shaanxi province.
The city’s economy is driven by manufacturing, including electronics, machinery, and chemicals, and is also a major center for research and development in science and technology.
Xi’an is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, including the Huashan Mountain and the Xi’an City Wall.
There are a number of historical sites and cultural institutions located within the city, including the Xi’an Museum and the Shaanxi History Museum.
The city is also home to the famous Terracotta Warriors, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
9. Nanjing (Population: 9.6 million)
Nanjing is the capital and largest city of Jiangsu Province in eastern China.
It is located on the Yangtze River and has a population of more than nine million people.
Nanjing is an important cultural, historical, and economic center in China, and it has a long and rich history dating back over 2,500 years.
The city is known for its museums, cultural sites, and beautiful parks, as well as its modern business districts and universities.
Nanjing is a major transportation hub and is home to several important industries, including machinery, electronics, and chemicals.
It is also a popular tourist destination and is known for its food, shopping, and entertainment.
8. Wuhan (Population: 11.40 million)
Wuhan is the capital and largest city of Hubei Province in central China.
It is a major transportation hub and an important industrial, cultural, and educational center in the region.
Located along the Yangtze River and Han River, Wuhan is known for its beautiful parks, lakes, and gardens.
The city has a population of over 11 million people and is home to several universities, research institutes, and cultural institutions.
Wuhan is an important center for the automotive, iron and steel, and petrochemical industries, and is also a major hub for research and development in science and technology.
In recent years, Wuhan has become known internationally as the site of the COVID-19 pandemic, which began in the city in late 2019.
8. Chongqing (12.3 million)
Chongqing is sometimes referred to as the ‘biggest city in the world’, however, this claim is not entirely accurate.
There is no single, universally accepted definition of what constitutes a ‘city’ and different criteria can be used to determine its size.
If we define a “city” as a metropolitan area that includes both urban and rural areas, then Chongqing could be considered one of the largest cities in the world, as it has a population of more than 30 million people.
However, if we only factor in urban areas, then its population is closer to 12.3 million.
Chongqing is a major city in southwestern China and one of the four municipalities under the direct jurisdiction of the central government.
Located in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, Chongqing is a major transportation hub and a key gateway to the western region of the country.
The city’s economy is driven by manufacturing, including the production of automobiles, electronics, and machinery.
Chongqing is also an important cultural and educational center, with several universities and research institutes located within its borders.
The city is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, including the Dazu Rock Carvings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
7. Shenzhen (Population: 13.07 million)
Shenzhen is a major city in southern China, located just north of Hong Kong.
It is a key transportation and trade hub and is home to one of the busiest ports in the world. Shenzhen has a population of over 12 million people and is an important economic, cultural, and educational center in the region.
The city’s economy is driven by manufacturing, including electronics, machinery, and textiles, andis also a major center for research and development in science and technology.
Shenzhen is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, including the Shenzhen Bay and the Dapeng Peninsula.
6. Tianjin (Population: 13.89 million)
Tianjin is a major city in northern China and one of the four municipalities under the direct jurisdiction of the central government.
Located on the Haihe River and Bohai Sea, Tianjin is a key transportation and trade hub and is home to one of the busiest ports in the world.
The city has a population of more than 13 million people and is an important economic, cultural, and educational center.
Tianjin’s economy is driven by manufacturing, including electronics, machinery, and textiles, and the city is also a major center for research and development in science and technology.
Tianjin’s beautiful natural attractions include the Tianjin Eye and the Haihe River.
5. Guangzhou/Canton (Population: 14.2 million)
Guangzhou, formerly known as Canton, is a major city in southern China and the capital of Guangdong province.
Located on the Pearl River, Guangzhou is a key transportation and trade hub and is home to one of the busiest ports in the world.
The city has a population of more than 14 million people and is an important economic, cultural, and educational center in the region.
Guangzhou’s economy is driven by manufacturing, including electronics, machinery, and textiles, and the city is also a major center for research and development in science and technology.
Guangzhou is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, including the Pearl River Delta.
3. Chengdu (Population: 16.4 million)
Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan province in southwestern China and is one of the most populous cities in the country.
Located in the Chengdu Plain, the city has a population of more than 16 million people and is an important economic, cultural, and transportation hub in the region.
Chengdu is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, including the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Chengdu Base of Giant Panda Breeding.
The city’s economy is driven by manufacturing, including electronics, machinery, and automobiles, and is also an important center for research and development in science and technology.
Chengdu is known for its delicious local cuisine, including spicy Sichuan dishes, and its vibrant cultural scene, with a number of museums, galleries, and other cultural institutions located within the city.
2. Beijing (Population: 21.77 million)
The world is now very familiar with the city of Beijing, after it hosted the Olympic Games in 2022.
Located in northern China, Beijing is a major transportation hub and a key gateway to the rest of the country.
By combining the latest data from China’s National Bureau of Statistics with other official estimates, we have Beijing at number two on our list of the biggest cities in China, with a population of more than 21 million people.
As well as being home to so many people, it has also been a favourite of visiting tourists, who are attracted to its important cultural and historical landmarks, including the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and Peking University.
Beijing is also an important center for business and industry, with a thriving economy driven by finance, technology, and manufacturing.
1. Shanghai (Population: 28.52 million)
Not only is Shanghai number one on our list of the biggest cities in China, it is also one the largest cities in the world by population with more than 28 million inhabitants.
Located on the east coast of China, Shanghai is a major port city and a key center for transportation, trade, finance, commerce and industry.
Shanghai is home to a thriving business and financial sector, and is the location of the Shanghai Stock Exchange, one of the largest stock exchanges in the world.
The city is also a major hub for education, research, and innovation, with several universities and research institutes located within its borders.
Shanghai is known for its modern skyline and vibrant cultural scene, and it is a popular destination for tourists from around the world.
*Whilst best efforts have been made to bring you the most accurate population figures possible, it is important to note that no official statistics have been provided from China since 2018. Asia Markets used a variety of other sources, including the United Nations, to arrive at the numbers provided above.
