How many cities are there in China? The largest cities in China. The largest cities in China Top cities in China by population

The world leader in population is China. More than 1 billion people on the planet live in this country. But few people know how many cities there are in China where the population exceeds a million people. Let's try to understand this issue.

Division of cities by levels

Official city status in China is assigned to administrative units at various levels. Almost all of them consist of a central part, as well as an adjacent territory, which is many times larger than the area of ​​the city itself. To find out how many cities there are in China, you need to understand what similar administrative units include. And they, in turn, are divided into 5 levels:

1. Provincial. This category includes centrally subordinate cities (GCs), of which there are 4 in China. They are equal to provinces.
2. District. This includes 283 cities that have district significance.
3. District. There are 374 settlements in China that have the status of a county town or a municipal district. This category also includes 5 provincial cities in Taiwan.
4. Volost. This level includes 19,522 townships in China, as well as 61 townships and 32 county-level cities located in Taiwan.
5. Intermediate. This category includes sub-provincial urban districts, which number 15 administrative units and cities at the sub-district level.

Main cities of China: list

The main cities can be called 4 megacities that have GPC status:

• Beijing.
• Shanghai.
• Chongqing.
• Tianjin.

These megacities are not only the largest, but also the most densely populated in China. The capital of China, Beijing, has a population of more than 21 million people. There are about 24 million residents of Shanghai. The largest city in China is Chongqing. Today, more than 53 million people live in it, and the population density is 600 people/km 2 . The area of ​​Chongqing is 82,403 km2. More than 14 million people live in Tianjin, and in total the agglomeration has over 23 million citizens. This number includes residents of nearby settlements adjacent to the metropolis.

There are two more cities in China that have GPC status - Taipei and Kaohsiung. They are located on the island of Taiwan. The powers of these cities are somewhat different from the first four. If on the Chinese mainland such megacities are authorized to manage territories many times larger than their area, then on the island of Taiwan they control the zone that relates directly to the city itself.

Kaohsiung and Taipei were given the status of state central cities in 1949 by local authorities, but since the supreme leadership of China considers this decision illegitimate, in the PRC these megacities are not considered cities of central subordination.

Cities with over a million people in China

On the territory of this state there are more than 100 cities with a population exceeding 1 million citizens. The largest of them, where more than 10 million people live, are described in the table.

Capital of China

The city of Pikin has an ancient history, although its name has undergone changes over the centuries. In the first millennium BC, in its place was the capital of the Yan kingdom - the city of Ji. In 938 it was renamed Nanjin, which means "Southern Capital". After the territory was captured by the Jin Empire, the city was called the "Central Capital" (Zhongdu). In 1215, it was completely destroyed by the troops of Genghis Khan, but in 1267, it was completely rebuilt. Kublai Khan, who is the founder of the Yuan Empire, gave the city the new name "Great Capital". In Chinese it sounded like Dadu, and in Mongolian it sounded like Khanbalik.

After the fall of the Yuan Empire (1368), the city was destroyed, but upon its arrival it was restored, and in 1421 the emperor appointed it as the capital, renaming it Beijing. It was during the reign of the Ming Empire that the capital of modern China acquired its contours, which have survived to this day. Over the course of many centuries, the city was renamed several more times, and it received its familiar name “Beijing” in the middle of the 20th century, with the coming to power of the Communist Party.

Today this metropolis is one of the largest not only in China, but throughout the world. is more than 21 million people. This is one of the richest cities in Asia. The metropolis's GDP is about 60 billion dollars or 366.11 billion yuan.

Shanghai is the richest city in China

Almost all million-plus cities in China have a developed economic sector and attract potential investors. However, Shanghai stands out the most against the general background. This port city is known far beyond China. More than 24 million citizens live here, and the metropolis' GDP is more than $67 billion annually. Shanghai is one of the most important economic centers of the country. Many foreign investors invest huge amounts of money in the city's enterprises. The high level of GDP and the rapid pace of economic development allow the state to build new cities and improve their infrastructure.

The rapid development of Shanghai began in the 90s of the last century. After the tax burden was lifted, the city flourished economically. Previously, about 70% of all tax revenue in China came from Shanghai. Now this figure is 20-25%.

In 2005, the city received the status of the largest port in the world. The volume of cargo transported amounted to 443 million tons. Not many million-plus cities in China can boast of such achievements.

Chongqing city is the largest in area

Chongqing means "Capital of Mists" in Chinese. The city received this name due to the frequent fogs that are observed here from October to April. has the status of a state-owned program and is the most important economic component of the country. Chongqing can rightfully be called the largest in China. Its area is more than 82 thousand km 2. A large number of industrial enterprises are concentrated in Chongqing. The main industries are mechanical engineering, metallurgy and chemical industry. On the territory of the city there are:

• more than 400 enterprises producing spare parts for cars;
• five automobile production plants;
• 2 steel corporations;
• air conditioner manufacturing plant;
• metallurgical enterprise for processing aluminum;
• six chemical industry enterprises.

The presence of a huge number of industrial facilities requires the training of qualified personnel. Therefore, the city has more than a thousand research institutes and 25 specialized universities. The number of scientific and technical workers is more than 400 thousand people.

It is difficult to say how many cities in China can boast of such dimensions and such a large population.

Tianjin city

This metropolis has a little more than 14 million inhabitants. Over the past century, Tianjin has become a kind of locomotive of China's industrialization. This is one of the largest centers where heavy and light industry enterprises are concentrated. Main activities: mechanical engineering, metalworking, textile and petrochemical industries. Tianjin also has developed agriculture (rice, wheat and corn are grown), fishing, and the extraction of salt, boron and manganese. In 2009, an airliner assembly plant (Airbus company) was opened in this city.

China's population is growing rapidly, which is why the country's leadership is rapidly building many new settlements. There is such a thing as ghost towns. These are huge megacities with practically no people. High-rise buildings have been built here, roads have been made, there are all the necessary administrative buildings, but the number of residents, corresponding to the number of apartments, is no more than 20%.

The Chinese government hopes that approximately 250 million people from rural areas will soon move here. But for now they all remain lifeless. It’s difficult to say how many ghost towns there are in China.

In the eastern part of Asia is the majestic state of China. All over the world they know that there is a unique flavor and tradition, an amazing history. The country also ranks first in the world for the most densely populated cities.

It is very difficult to define the very concept of “city” in China, because it has 2 concepts - as a geographical unit or as a city in general.

If we talk about cities by population, then there are 913 cities in the country with up to 53 thousand inhabitants, 463 cities with more than 100 thousand inhabitants, 229 cities with more than 200 thousand inhabitants.

How many million-plus cities are there in China?

The number of Chinese cities with a population of over a million is growing every year and as of 2018 there were 103 of them. Data provided by the University of Virginia. Statisticians also claim that by 2025 their number will almost double and reach about 200 cities. The reasons for such rapid urban development are considered to be special policies for urban development and improvement of urban infrastructure.

Smallest city in China

Xichang is conventionally considered the smallest Chinese city. It is home to 126 thousand inhabitants. It is often visited by tourists, because just 62 km from it there is a cosmodrome, which attracts visitors so much. There used to be an observatory here. Because of this, Sichan received a second name - the lunar city. There are also many archaeological sites here - ruins of buildings, drawings on rocks. The oldest discovered artifacts date back to the Stone Age (the period of the first dynasties of China).

The largest city in China

The city of Chongqing shows the highest indicators in terms of area and population. It is located in the southwestern part of the country. The height above sea level is 400 m. Officially, 34 million inhabitants are registered in the territory. The total area of ​​the city is 82.3 thousand sq. km. If we talk about population density, then per 1 km. 412 inhabitants live. Located in 8 time zone. The main nationalities that inhabit the city are Han, Tujia, and Miao.

This is an ideal place for rice cultivation due to the fertile land here. The city also has one of the largest ports in the country. Chongqing has landscapes of unique beauty: the navigable Yangtze River is surrounded by mountain ranges.

The most populous city in China

The city with the highest population density in China is Shanghai – per 1 km2. A record number of residents was recorded - 7290 residents. Few tourists believe that not so long ago this was a small fishing village. And today it is a huge port city with a combination of Western and Chinese traditions.

The largest cities in China by population, megacities

For several decades, China has held the world championship in the number of megacities and cities with the largest population.

With a population of 34 million, it ranks first among densely populated cities. The population density is low due to the large size of the city - 82.3 thousand sq. km. Oddly enough, most of the population lives in the suburban area. Chongqing is located near the Yangtze River.

Just 5 years ago it was not a big city. Everything began to change after investments began to be made in the development of industry. In addition, infrastructure and tourism are well developed here. Vacationers are attracted by the fact that there is a mountainous area nearby, there are fascinating fogs in the mornings, and travel agencies offer amazing cruises along the Yellow River.

Shanghai

The city with 25 million inhabitants is considered the largest in the country in terms of the number of residents. In terms of area, it is in second place, because the capital is in first place. The population density is one of the largest due to the relatively small area - 6.3 thousand sq. km. The Yangtze River flows not far from the metropolis, and the city itself is divided into two parts by the Huangpu River.

This is a very beautiful city with a lot of attractions, which is why it received its second name – “Paris of the East”. Although 100 years ago it unofficially had an indecent name due to the rampant crime, prostitution and the spread of drugs among the population.

The investment, banking, and industrial sectors are best developed in Shanghai. Here you can observe an amazing combination of European culture and the peculiar traditions of China.

The northern capital has a huge size (16.8 thousand km2) and a population of 22 million. And for good reason, because it is the capital of a rapidly developing country. More than 3,000 years ago, there were only a few small settlements on the site of modern Beijing.

The city has many attractions; it is considered the largest industrial center, where not only goods are produced, but also research is carried out - technological and scientific. Due to high air pollution, tourists do not stay here for long.

Beijing is home to the second largest airport in the world.

One of the most picturesque and largest metropolises in China, located along the Bohai Bay (where the Yellow River and Yangtze River meet). Number of inhabitants – 15.5 million. Area – 11.7 thousand sq. km. The city arose in the early 12th century due to the fact that warehouses were built there.

After Beijing officially became the Chinese capital, Tianjin received its name and was recognized as "the city that guards the heavenly ford." Already in the 14th century, huge defensive systems and the highest luxurious temples 8 meters high were built here. The city is often used as a starting point for tourist tours around China.

The city has several other unofficial names: “city of 5 rams” and “flower city”. The latter name was given for a reason, because the area is located in a subtropical climate near the Pearl River, where many flowers constantly bloom. As of 2017, about 14.4 million inhabitants lived here. The total area of ​​the city is 7.4 thousand sq. km. Refers to cities with high population density.

The settlement arose more than 2000 years ago near the local port. The main “pride” of the city for a long time remains the hyperboloid television tower, whose height is more than 600 m.

The rapid production of various goods (electronics, clothing, toys, plastic products) prompted permanent exhibitions and Chinese fairs.

The population of the city is 14.5 million inhabitants. The city itself is located at the mouth of the Minjian River and is the capital of Sichuan Province. Area – 14.3 thousand sq. km. If you compare it with other cities, this is the only settlement that grew up in the western part of mountainous and arid China. The main factor that influenced the settlement of people in this area was the proximity of the Sichuan Reservoir.

The first inhabitants appeared here in the 6th century BC. The city quickly became popular, since the best brocade masters were located here. Today, industry is developing rapidly here, but the city has managed to maintain a moderate pace of life.

Located within the Zhujiang River Valley. The territory was developed by colonists from China in the 3rd century BC. Up to 16th century AD it was a small settlement. Only at the beginning of the 17th century was it possible to obtain city status. Today the population in the city is about 12 million, about 500 thousand are foreigners. One of the most diverse cities in China in terms of ethnic composition. A sharp increase in the number of residents began in 1980, as soon as construction of the Shenzhen SEZ began.

Today the area of ​​the city is 2050 sq. km. Rapid development is taking place primarily due to the fact that Zhenshen is surrounded by megacities.

The total area of ​​the city is 2.4 thousand sq. km. The population is about 11 million. Although statisticians claim that not all of them officially live here, some simply come to work in factories and factories. The city is located in the Pearl River Delta in a picturesque area and today is considered one of the most developed cities in China in industrial and economic terms.

Such a sharp leap in development is possible thanks to the rapid restructuring of the economy towards the production of computer equipment. But today the city is not considered the richest, because low-paid specialists live and work here. The best of them managed to travel to Hong Kong, Beijing or Shanghai.

Tourism is also well developed here, because the Guanyin Sanctuary is located in Dongguan - the most revered and popular place not only among Buddhists, but also representatives of other faiths. There are sculptures of deities that pilgrims from all continents want to worship.

The city of China, known as the educational, high-tech and financial center of the state. On an area of ​​8.6 thousand sq. km. 10.5 million people live. It is located in the central part of the country, where the Hanshui and Yangtze rivers merge.

The transport system is well developed here, and city guests assure that local residents are very friendly and are always ready to help guests. Due to its favorable geographical location, the city has played an important role in the Chinese economy for more than 2.5 thousand years.

Located in the northeastern part of China (the capital of Liaoning province). The city's population exceeds 8 million inhabitants. They live on an area of ​​almost 13 thousand sq. km. It has the status of a commercial and industrial city. It is one of the ten largest Chinese cities.

During the Manchu period, Shenyang was even the capital of China. In the 20th century, for several years it belonged to the territories occupied by the Japanese.

The main historical attraction of the city is the emperor's palace.

Main cities of China

The top ten most important cities in China include Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Wuhan, Tianjin, Hanzhou, Shenyang, Nanjing, Shenyang, Suzhou.

Major cities of China on the map

The largest cities arose where there were favorable good transport routes, a raw material base or a waterway.

The People's Republic of China is the most populous state in the world, one of the three largest countries, second only to Russia and Canada. The climate and landscape of China is very diverse, there are high mountains and vast plains, dry deserts and diverse bodies of water. There are provincial settlements and large industrial cities, as well as resort towns in China.

China has 228 cities with a population of more than 200 thousand people, 462 cities with a population of over 100 thousand people, and 912 cities with a population of over 53 thousand.

China is one of a kind, surprising with its color, infinity and uniqueness. Each city here has its own distinctive feature and is sure to be remembered by a visitor for a lifetime.

China's industry is developed at a high level. Hong Kong alone ranks 3rd in the World Bank rankings and is the main financial market. It is here that the headquarters of the largest corporations known throughout the globe are located. In addition, the well-known Hong Kong Stock Exchange is located here, as well as a huge number of jewelry, automobile, textile and alcohol factories.

Shanghai also shares the industrial activities of the Republic of China; approximately 40 thousand factories sell a variety of goods here. There are also financial organizations in Shanghai. Guangzhou is the largest center of light industry; clothing, shoes, bags, electronics and much more are produced here. Beijing bears the proud title of an innovation and educational center. The industrial sector of China is developing no less successfully in Shenzhen

Tourist centers

China attracts tourists from all over the world. Beijing delights with the variety of ancient palaces and temples that have not lost their amazingly beautiful appearance over many millennia. Tourists in Beijing must visit:

• Minsk tombs.
• And the Chinese Circus.

Shanghai harmoniously combines modernity and the history of the republic. The city is famous for its luxurious gardens, historical museums, ancient temples and the Bund, which bears the title of “Open Air Museum of Architecture”.

Guilin is a small town located in the southern part of the Republic of China. Beautiful places, comfortable climate and healthy air attract tourists to visit this amazing town. Those who come to Guilin must visit: Elephant Hill, the mysterious Mount Fuboshan and the wonderful

Chongqing is the largest city in China. According to various sources, up to 40 million people live there. The city is comparable in size to Austria; it stretches 450 kilometers long and 470 kilometers wide. Of course, not all 82,000 sq. km of Chongqing are built up, but the matter is fixable. Construction here is proceeding at a fantastic pace. I looked at the photos from 2010 and didn't recognize Chongqing! In recent years, a bunch of new bridges, skyscrapers and overpasses have been built here. The year of development of Chongqing is like 20 years for Moscow.

01. Among other things, Chongqing is a large industrial center. The city is home to hundreds of factories, from chemicals to automobiles. As a result, the city is covered in smog almost all year round.

02. Noon on a sunny day.

03. Most of the skyscrapers you see in the photo have appeared here over the past 10 years.

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05. Old buildings are being actively demolished, and skyscrapers will take their place.

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07. In the city center there is a very small pedestrian zone with a dozen expensive boutiques.

08. There are still old neighborhoods on the banks, but they are already being replaced by modern residential complexes

09. Old Chongqing

10. In a couple of years he won’t be left.

11. All old things are being demolished. For now the city looks like a big construction site.

12. Individual old houses are preserved and rebuilt for tourists. But this remake is of no interest.

13. In general, Chongqing is a completely uncomfortable city. You can come here only on business. Well, or for 1 day, like me, look at the construction successes of the Chinese.

14. Embankment

15. The city center is located at the confluence of the two rivers Jialingjiang and Yangtze. The water level in the rivers varies depending on the season, so the embankments are very high.

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19. The city is located on steep terrain. This, by the way, is the only large city in China where there are almost no cyclists. You can't go up steep hills.

20. River

21. New business district, built in 2 years

22. The main attraction is, of course, the fantastic overpasses that entangle everything here.

23. Embankment.

24. Overpasses go on stilts right along the shore

25. Through old residential areas.

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28. Old bridges

29. New bridge, just opened

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31. Chinese landing stage, note that there are 2 elevators on the right side of it). Here it is - scope!

32. The city has 2 metro lines and 2 monorail lines.

33. At the entrance to the metro they sell all sorts of junk. Just like ours at Vykhino station.

34. There are McDonald's kiosks in the subway that sell drinks and ice cream.

35. The list of prohibitions on the subway is impressive.

36. The monorail train has 4 cars.

37. You can walk inside and even sit on the accordion

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39. The city has cool 3D navigation.

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41. Local cuisine is represented by all sorts of entrails, paws, heads and even pig snouts.

42. Sale of cigarettes. All Chinese cigarettes have very beautiful packs. They must overflow. Smoking is a status thing. You will be immediately identified by looking at the pack. One of the most expensive cigarettes is “Zhonghua” (“China”), costing almost 500 rubles per pack!

43. Carrying children

44. Fruit traders

45. There is also a cable car in the city from one bank to the other. Local landmark. Previously, when there were not so many bridges, it served a transport function, but now it is more like an attraction.

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48. Chaotianmen Bridge is an arch bridge with the longest span in the world. The total length of the bridge is 1.7 km.

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50. Downtown

51. Chongqing was also led by Bo Xilai. He did a lot to develop the city's infrastructure, built bridges, cut 2,000 city officials and took care of the people. Under Bo, Chongqing organized choral singing of revolutionary songs and mass marches to places of military glory of the CCP. The people loved Bo very much. He was predicted to have a place in the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee, and possibly the chair of chairman. But it didn’t work out. Bo Xilai's wife was accused of organizing the murder of a foreign businessman and sentenced to death; Bo himself was expelled from the party and given life imprisonment for corruption. This is China.

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