The most populous provinces in China are Guangdong and Shandong, home to approximately 227 million people. China has over 100 cities with populations exceeding 1 million, and 17 megacities have surpassed the 10 million mark. Let’s look at the largest of them.

Chongqing — 32 million residents
Chongqing is not only a city but also the largest municipality in central China. It is home to over 32 million people, but most of the population is scattered in the suburbs and rural areas—the urban area accounts for only 5% of the population.

Chongqing’s history dates back over 3,000 years, but its rapid growth began in the mid-20th century, when the city experienced rapid development thanks to the construction of the Three Gorges Power Station and automobile manufacturing plants.

Shanghai — 24 million residents
Located in the Yangtze Delta, Shanghai is considered the commercial and financial center of China. Its recognizable skyscraper silhouette against the backdrop of the Bund has long been the city’s calling card.

Key attractions:

• The Oriental Pearl TV Tower (468 m), which is spectacularly illuminated at night.
• People’s Park and Yuyuan Garden with traditional Chinese landscapes.
• The Old City, where you can see historic temples and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of bygone centuries.

Beijing – 21 million residents
Beijing, the capital of China, is one of the most visited cities in the country. Tourists come here to see the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, and, of course, the Great Wall.

Chengdu – 20 million residents
The capital of Sichuan Province, Chengdu is a major industrial center of China. Automobiles, trains, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods are produced here.

Guangzhou – 18 million residents
Guangzhou is a global center of trade and one of China’s largest metropolises. Twice a year, the Canton Fair is held here, where major international deals are concluded and visitors are introduced to the latest technological developments.