Top 10 Largest Cities in China by Population

Area: 82,400 sq. km (32,000 sq. mi)
Population Density: 2,020/sq. km (5,250/sq. mi)
2019 GDP: 2.4 trillion RMB (370 billion USD)
GDP per capita: 76,000 RMB (11,900 USD)

Geographical location is the first reason why Chongqing is the biggest city in China by population. As a transport hub connecting all four points of the compass, this city evolved as a popular destination for internal migration. Secondly, as the sole municipality and largest city in western China, Chongqing enjoys long-standing favorable policies for developing industry and commerce, enabling many job opportunities that attract outsiders to move in. Also, a historical factor should be considered. During the Sino-Japanese War (1931-1945), almost one million people sought shelter here, laying a base for this city’s future expansion.

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Area: 6,340 sq. km (2,450 sq. mi)
Population Density: 3,820/sq. km (9,900/sq. mi)
2019 GDP: 3.8 trillion RMB (600 billion USD)
 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, location has contributed greatly. Situated at the Yangtze River Delta, Shanghai has been a busy trading port and a desired location for international corporations ever since the 19th century. Plus, following the development of Pudong Airport and Hongqiao Airport, Shanghai has become a truly international metropolis fueled by information technology, new energy industry, a futures and bonds market, and wholesale and retail industry. There is every inducement for people to settle here.

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Area: 16,410 sq. km (6,340 sq. mi)
Population Density: 1,140/sq. km (2,960/sq. mi)
2019 GDP: 3.5 trillion RMB (550 billion USD)
GDP per capita: 164,220 RMB (25,700 USD)

Which is the largest city in China? Many people will blurt out the capital, Beijing. It is worth mentioning that when it comes to population, Beijing is ranked as the third largest city in China. Nevertheless, no one can deny its importance in this country. On the one hand, with more than 3,000 years’ history and over 1,000 years’ history as capital, Beijing boasts political supremacy and a profound culture. On the other hand, Beijing plays an increasingly leading role in finance and technology. They together attract locals and outsiders to stay. Thanks to its excellent airports, railways and metro lines, individuals and companies alike, both domestic and foreign, benefit from the easy access to this megacity.

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

Chengdu, the 4th largest city in China in terms of permanent residents, is the capital city of Sichuan Province, southwestern China. Since this place is endowed with plain-lands, numerous rivers and a pleasant climate, the ancient Chinese considered it the Land of Abundance as they developed agriculture. Progress in industry and commerce had also been made during the Tang and Song Dynasties (618-1279). Even today, whenever a large corporation wants to set up headquarters in southwestern China, Chengdu is always the first choice. Accordingly, more and more people move here to pursue a promising career. In addition, as a tourism city, Chengdu wins many people’s affection for its cultural relics, Sichuan cuisine, cute panda and slow-paced life. No wonder many tourists, even those from overseas, decide to live here after their visit.

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Area: 11,970 sq. km (4,620 sq. mi)
Population Density: 1,310/sq. km (3,405/ sq. mi)
2019 GDP: 1.4 trillion RMB (160 billion USD)
GDP per capita: 90,370 RMB (14,140 USD)

One of the most important reasons placing Tianjin among the top 5 largest cities in China is its location. East of the Bohai Sea, Tianjin is the very center of the Bohai Economic Rim and the biggest port city in northern China. In fact, this place already took advantage of its position and started transporting goods back in the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). In 1860, it was officially designated as a trading port by the Qing government. Ever since then, Tianjin has played a crucially important role in handling imports and exports with overseas countries. Tianjin’s economic prosperity and expansion can also be attributed to its airway, highway and railway construction.

Area: 7,440 sq. km (2,870 sq. mi)
Population Density: 2,060/sq. km (5,360/sq. mi)
2019 GDP: 2.4 trillion RMB (370 billion USD)
GDP per capita: 159,000 RMB (24,900 USD)

By no means can Guangzhou be omitted from the list of largest cities in China. Located at the Pearl River Delta and connecting Hong Kong, Macau, Shenzhen, Dongguan and other cities in southern China, this capital city of Guangdong Province exerts its political and economic influence to the full. More importantly, the Guangzhou Port and Baiyun International Airport with their excellent handling capacity bring in many business opportunities from other countries. China’s Import and Export Commodity Fair is held here every year, luring potential partners and investment from Fortune 500 corporations. The amassment of young talents also spurs its high-tech industry. Profound history, convenient transportation and creative atmosphere together make Guangzhou a competitive and desirable first-tier city.

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

In 1980, under the reform and opening up policy, Shenzhen was appointed as a special economic zone in southern China for its favorable location. Thanks to this policy, Shenzhen rapidly developed from being a fishing village to an emerging city of immigrants in just 40 years. Now, Shenzhen benefits from the advanced Bao’an International Airport, 15 entry and exit ports (the most in China) and four major railway stations, serving 13.4 million residents. As you can imagine, it is the inclusiveness and creativity that enabled Shenzhen to make giant strides in high-tech industry, financial services, export trading and creative culture. Now, from the perspective of GDP, Shenzhen ranks among the four largest cities in China together with Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou; and this China’s large city is playing an exemplary role in administrative system innovation and opening up to the world.

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

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

Harbin is on the list of China’s largest cities 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 the frequent floods along the Yellow River and had to flee to the northeastern area to make a living, dramatically increasing the Harbin population. Now, compared with other provincial capitals, Harbin has lower commodity price and less living pressure, which attract those who value the quality of life. Besides, owing to the advanced railway construction, many Russian and European people consider it a nice foothold to develop cross-border trade.

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Area: 8,660 sq. km (3,340 sq. mi)
Population Density: 1,260/sq. km (3,280/sq. mi)
2019 GDP: 1.9 trillion RMB (300 billion USD)
 GDP per capita: 178,900 RMB (28,000 USD)

Suzhou is one of the core cities at 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 was capable of feeding more people in nature. Speaking of economy, Suzhou’s neighbor, Shanghai, is worth mentioning. Since these two largest cities in China are remarkably close to each other, Suzhou is galvanized considerably by Shanghai’s development. With the convenience brought by the airport and railway construction, more and more overseas-funded corporations favor Suzhou, bringing many job opportunities that attract people to move here. Information technology, biomedical technology, nanotechnology and artificial intelligence are now the city's top four up and coming industries.

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