China is the most populous country in the world, with a total population of over 1.4 billion people. As urbanization continues to accelerate, a significant portion of the population now lives in cities. According to official statistics, approximately 848 million people reside in urban areas, making China one of the largest urban populations globally.
By 2021, China had 298 prefecture-level cities, with an average urban population density of around 2,477 people per square kilometer. In general, the most populated cities in China are concentrated in the eastern, central, and southern regions, while cities in the northwest tend to have smaller populations due to geographical and economic factors.
Overview of China’s City Population Distribution
Based on permanent resident data, Chinese cities can be broadly categorized by population size:
- Cities with more than 4 million residents: around 19
- Cities with populations between 2 and 4 million: approximately 42
- Cities with populations between 500,000 and 1 million: about 86
- Cities with populations between 200,000 and 500,000: around 42
Currently, the top 10 most populated cities in China are Chongqing, Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Tianjin, Wuhan, Harbin, and Suzhou.
Top 3 Most Populated Cities in China
1. Chongqing
Chongqing is the most populated city in China, with a permanent population exceeding 31 million. Located in southwestern China, this municipality plays a vital role as an economic and transportation hub along the upper reaches of the Yangtze River. Despite its mountainous terrain, Chongqing benefits from an extensive network of highways, railways, airports, and river ports, supporting its rapid industrial and urban development.
2. Shanghai
Shanghai ranks second among the most populated cities in China, with a population of nearly 25 million. Situated at the mouth of the Yangtze River, Shanghai is China’s leading international port city and financial center. Its strategic location has fueled strong growth in trade, finance, and high-tech industries, while also driving the development of neighboring cities such as Suzhou, Hangzhou, and Ningbo.
3. Beijing
Beijing, the capital of China, is the country’s third most populated city, home to around 21 million permanent residents. As the political, cultural, and innovation center of the nation, Beijing has witnessed rapid progress in governance, technology, healthcare, and international exchange. A comprehensive transportation system, including major railway stations and international airports, continues to attract talent from across China and around the world.
