China Population by City: List of 50 Most Populated Cities

With more than 1.4 billion people, China is one of the most populated areas in the world, and nearly 848 million Chinese live in cities. By 2021, there are 298 prefecture-level cities in China, and the urban population density reaches 2,477 people per square kilometer. Generally, most populated places in China cluster in southeastern area, whereas northwestern places lag behind in China city population ranking.

If we subdivide those most populous cities in China, we will have 19 cities each with more than 4 million people in municipal districts, 42 cities with 2 to 4 million people, 86 cities with 0.5 to 1 million people, 42 cities with 200 to 500 thousand people, and 9 cities with no less than 200 thousand people. Top 10 most populated cities in China are Chongqing, Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, Tianjin, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Wuhan, Harbin and Suzhou. More details about China population by city are given below.

Which city in China has the largest population? Top 3 megacities are Chongqing, Shanghai and Beijing, each accommodating over 20 million people.

Chongqing, with more than 31 million permanent residents, is undoubtedly the most populous city in China. Despite the inland location and the mountainous terrain, dozens of highways, railways, five civil airports and several large river ports together bring great convenience for Chongqing to develop manufacturing industry. Now, it is the economic center in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River and a transportation hub in southwestern China. Urban amenities including metro, bus, ferry, cableway, light rail and large size elevator solve the traffic problem and support such a huge population of this China’s large city.

Beijing

The second most populated city of China is Shanghai, and more than 24 million people live here. Situated in the Yangtze River Delta, eastern China, Shanghai has brought its geographical convenience into full play ever since 1980s. Up till now, Shanghai ports handle import and export business with more than 200 countries. The railway, highway and airport construction also contribute to its high-tech industry and financial development. Moreover, this city in China with largest population sets the pace for the development of its neighboring cities, such as Suzhou, Hangzhou and Ningbo.

Beijing, the capital of China, is ranked the third highest population city in China with about 21 million permanent residents. This city has been witnessing China’s development in political reform, finance, technological innovation, sports, medical care, etc. Its 2019 GDP reached 3.5 trillion RMB (550 billion USD), showing great potential of this biggest population city in China. Five large railway stations and two international airports provide easier access for competent people at home and abroad. 

Notice: The list of most populated cities in China is on the basis of the permanent resident number of each city in 2021.

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