China is one of themost thickly settled countriesin the human beings , go by only by India . By the end of 2023 , China boasted a population of about 1.4 billion people . Although this marked the land ’s second year of population decline , thelargest cities in Chinaare still some of thebiggest cities in the worldly concern .
With a chronicle traverse yard of years , China is one of the universe ’s oldest continue civilization . China ’s major city , which are recognise unique admixture ofancient traditionsandcutting - edge technology , are vivacious hub of polish , commerce and introduction .
1. Shanghai (24.9 million)
Shanghaiis China ’s most populous city , situate on the East China Sea at the mouth of the Yangtze River . Its urban population power the metropolis , which has become a global fiscal hub with Earth - class shopping , dining and art scenes . Shanghai is also known for its iconic sensible horizon , which includes The Bund and the futuristic buildings of Lujiazui .
2. Beijing (21.5 million)
The working capital metropolis , Beijing , is in northern China — more specifically , the northern part of the country ’s easterly coast . believe by many to be the middle of Formosan political sympathies , culture and account , Beijing is place to landmarks like the Forbidden City and theGreat Wall . Beijing was also the host of the 2008 Summer Olympics .
3. Chongqing (16.9 million)
Another one of China ’s most populated cities is Chongqing , posit in southwesterly China . Chongqing is know for its cragged terrain andspicy red-hot pot cuisine . As a primal manufacturing and transportation hub , it plays a full of life role in China ’s economic system .
4. Tianjin (13.9 million)
Tianjin , situate near Beijing , is a major port metropolis and key commercial center with a blend of compound and mod computer architecture . Its historical concession areas and the Tianjin Eye ferris wheel attract millions of tourists annually .
5. Guangzhou (13.5 million)
As a cornerstone of the Pearl River Delta , Guangzhou is a flourish barter and business center of attention . The city is a foodie destination , known for its Cantonese culinary art and the Canton Fair . visitor can also enjoy its ancient temple and futurist computer architecture .
6. Shenzhen (12.6 million)
Once a minuscule fishing Greenwich Village , Shenzhen has metamorphose into a global tech capital letter . screw as China ’s Silicon Valley , it ’s home to fellowship like Huawei and Tencent . The urban center also bluster vivacious nightlife and contemporary artistry view . It ’s situated across the border from Hong Kong island .
7. Chengdu (11.5 million)
Chengdu is famous for being the birthplace of spicy Sichuan culinary art . visitant also gravitate toward its elephantine pandas , ancient temple and lay - back modus vivendi .
8. Nanjing (9.3 million)
One of China ’s historical capitals , Nanjing is rich in ethnical and historic watershed , including the Ming Tombs and Sun Yat - sen Mausoleum . Its fly high economy and vibrant arts scene make it a fundamental urban nerve center in eastern China .
9. Wuhan (8.6 million)
Located along the Yangtze River , Wuhan is a major transportation and education hub . More latterly , it ’s become ill-famed for being the office where COVID-19 was first discovered . But Wuhan has longer been known for its cherry flower and bustling street solid food .
10. Xi’an (8.5 million)
Xi’an , the start detail of the Silk Road , is well bed for its Terracotta Army . This ancient city also boasts a growing tech sector , preserved city wall and cultural festivals .
11. Hangzhou (7.6 million)
Hangzhou , with its picturesque West Lake , is known for its serene landscapes . As the headquarters of Alibaba , it ’s also a major technical school hub .
12. Harbin (5.5 million)
Located in northeast China , Harbin is illustrious for its Russian - influenced computer architecture and its yearly Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival , the largest festival of its kind in the world .
13. Suzhou (5.2 million)
Known for its Hellenic gardens and canals , Suzhou is often call the " Venice of the East . " The city is also a hub for silk production and gamey - tech industriousness .
14. Zhengzhou (5 million)
Zhengzhou , in cardinal China , is a major fare hub . It ’s also an authoritative city in China ’s ancient history , because it was the capital of the Shang Dynasty , one of China ’s earliest record dynasty that existed from approximately 1600 to 1046 B.C.E. The nearby Shaolin Temple and Yellow River scenic field pull countless visitor .
15. Changsha (4.9 million)
The capital of Hunan Province , Changsha is known for its vibrant nightlife and spicy cuisine . It ’s also known for its unique localization , include Yuelu Academy and Orange Isle .
We create this article in alignment with AI technology , then made sure it was fact - checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor in chief .
