The Top 5 Largest Cities in China
In this article, when we refer to China's major megacities, we are not only referring to their size range, but also to their developed economies, advanced technology, convenient transportation systems, and even population density. Collectively, five of China's largest and most famous cities are considered to meet these criteria: Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Guangzhou.
Beijing
Beijing is literally the capital of the north and is part of the four municipalities that, together with the twenty-two provinces, five autonomous regions and two special administrative regions, make up the People's Republic of China.
As the capital of China, Beijing is the nerve center of the country, an international metropolis that plays a central role in politics, culture, science and technology. Its importance is not limited only to modern times, but has a transcendental significance in ancient times.
During the era of slave society, it was an important city of the states of Yan and Ji, as well as being the secondary capital of the Liao dynasty and the capital of the Jin, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. Furthermore, it is the ancient city that tops the list of Famous National Cultural Cities and has the largest number of cultural heritages.
With an accumulated history of more than 3,000 years, Beijing is home to numerous picturesque places of great historical value, such as the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace and the Great Wall, the latter considered one of the seven wonders of the world.
Shanghai
Shanghai, also known as Shen or Hu, is one of the four municipalities of the People's Republic of China administered directly by the country's central government, and is the birthplace of the Communist Party of China.
With a population of more than 20 million, Shanghai is the most populous city in China and one of the most densely populated in the world. As the nerve center of economy, transportation, science and technology, industry, finance, commerce, fairs and shipping, Shanghai is a superlative metropolis and is the core of the Yangtze River Delta group of cities, which includes Shanghai, Anhui, Jiangsu and Zhejiang, being one of the six city groups in the world.
In 2015, Shanghai's GDP ranked first among Chinese cities and second among Asian cities, only after Tokyo, Japan. Shanghai has also been included in the list of top-tier global cities by GaWC.
In addition to its developed economy, Shanghai is famous for its rich cultural and historical heritage, with numerous historical attractions, such as Xujiahui Cathedral, Sun Yatsen Residence, Waibaidu Bridge, Oriental Pearl Tower, Disney Park and the Jin Mao Tower. Additionally, it is known for its World Architecture Exhibition, with a variety of buildings of different styles on the Bund. A trip to Shanghai promises a wonderful and unforgettable experience.
Shenzhen
Shenzhen, known in ancient times as Nanyue, Xin'an or Bao'an, is one of the most developed cities in mainland China and is considered a central city and megalopolis. In addition, it was the first special economic zone established after the Chinese Economic Reform, making it an open window to the outside world.
In recent years, with economic development, Shenzhen has become a highly influential international metropolis, gaining recognition for its speed and also for being the capital of design and the city of piano, among others. In addition, its privileged geographical location makes it an important port.
Without a doubt, Shenzhen is a popular tourist destination thanks to all these features, attracting visitors from all over the world every year. Landmarks such as the Window of the World, Happy Valley and Hehu Residence are just a few examples of the attractions worth visiting in the city.
Guangzhou
Guangzhou, known as Guangzhou, is one of the main cities in mainland China and the third largest after Beijing and Shanghai. It has sub-provincial administrative status and is one of the six national central cities of China. In addition, it is an international metropolis, an international trade center, an important communications hub and a cultural city of national renown.
Like Shanghai and Hong Kong, Guangzhou is also included in the list of top-tier global cities by GaWC. However, its greatest splendor lies in the China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair. This fair has been held every year during the spring and autumn seasons since 1957, attracting numerous investors and traders from all over the world. It is the largest trade fair in China, offering the greatest variety of products, attracting the greatest number of attendees and facilitating the realization of the greatest number of trade agreements. In addition, it is an event of great international importance, with many traditions and functions.
Guangzhou has been recognized by the UN as the city with the highest Human Development Index in China. If you decide to travel to Guangzhou, you will be able to experience first-hand the rapid development of this wonderful city.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong, officially known as the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, is one of the two special administrative regions, along with Macau. It is composed of a peninsula and several islands on the southern coast of the South China Sea, in the Pearl River Delta, located 100 km southeast of the city of Guangzhou and east of Macau, with a total area of 1,108 square kilometers.
Hong Kong is the third largest financial center in the world and one of the most competitive cities, as well as being a business and shipping center with a reputation comparable to that of New York and London. Like Shanghai, Hong Kong has also been included in the list of top-tier global cities by GaWC.
Furthermore, being a melting pot of Eastern and Western cultures, Hong Kong has achieved great success in combining Chinese wisdom with the Western model of society. It is also known for its incorruptible government, good law and order, free economic system and sound legal system. It certainly deserves its reputation as the Oriental Pearl, the Gastronomic and Shopping Paradise. Notable places to visit include Repulse Bay, Lan Kwai Fong, Victoria Harbor and Causeway Bay.
