Since ancient times, this mysterious and mysterious country has surprised the world with scientific discoveries, magnificent works of art, subtle and original architecture. Today, China is the leader of the world economy and for many years holds the world primacy in terms of population. We set off on a journey through the vast expanses of an amazing Asian country and visit the largest cities in China, whose population exceeds 7 million inhabitants.
11 largest Chinese cities:
11
Hong Kong
Population: ≈8 million
The largest financial and commercial center of the world, Hong Kong stands apart in a number of Chinese cities, so it is a separate administrative region with wide autonomy.
And he came under the jurisdiction of China relatively recently in 1997. For a long time the British owned these territories, and during the Second World War Hong Kong was captured by the Japanese. The population of the agglomeration is constantly growing and today it has about 8 million inhabitants.
Despite submission to the Chinese authorities, Hong Kong has its own currency and a national government.
10
Taipei
Population: ≈9.5 million
The city of Taipei, whose population is approaching 10 million, has a glorious history and plays an important role in the development of the Republic of China.
In 2003, one of the world's tallest buildings was erected here - the Taipei 101 skyscraper. Among other attractions, the memorial of a prominent political figure Chiang Kai-shek should be noted.
In the city in the XVIII-XIX century, the most beautiful Buddhist and Taoist temples were erected, the oldest of which, Longshan, was built in 1738. The temple is a classic example of oriental architecture with elements of South China influence.
9
Hangzhou
Population: ≈10.4 million
In the capital of the Chinese province of Zhejiang, Hangzhou is home to 10.4 million inhabitants. In the pre-Mongol period of history, the city was called Linan, and was the capital of the Song Dynasty.
The city is located in the Yangtze River Delta, and is today the most prosperous city in China. The industry is represented by almost all sectors, from large-scale engineering to light textile production.
For thousands of years of existence, residents have managed to preserve the historical heritage of previous generations, and thousands of tourists from around the world come to enjoy the parks and sights of Hangzhou.
8
Nanking
Population: ≈10.5 million
We begin the journey with the former capital of China, whose name literally translates as "Southern Capital". Legends say that Nanjing was founded in 472 BC and was renamed several times throughout its history.
Heavy engineering and metallurgy are widely developed in the city, but in recent years, the textile and food industries have begun to develop. In addition, it is the most important transport hub of Southeast Asia.
In the vicinity of Nanjing, many magnificent and unique sculptural compositions have been preserved, which were installed at the tombs of emperors.
7
Dongguan
Population: ≈11.5 million
An important industrial and commercial center of the PRC economy is located among the picturesque landscapes of the Pearl River Delta. The population exceeds 11.5 million, but many of them are not residents of the city, but have come to work in factories.
Dongguan has made a major breakthrough in economic development in recent decades, reorienting the economy to the production of computer equipment.
On the territory of the city there is a magnificent and popular among Buddhists Guanyin Sanctuary, revered by all the faiths of the country. People come here to worship the sculptures of deities and pilgrims of other Asian states.
6
Shenzhen
Population: ≈12.5 million
As you can already see, the large cities of China, however, like other settlements, have romantic and poetic names. So Shenzhen from Chinese is translated as "blue border."
Chinese colonists began to explore the valley, where the megalopolis now stands, in the 3rd century BC, although it received the status of an urban settlement only at the beginning of the 16th century.
The population is quite motley in ethnic composition is just over 12 million people. But foreigners live almost 450 thousand. But a sharp increase in residents began in 1980, and is associated with the construction of the Shenzhen SEZ.
5
Chengdu
Population: ≈14.5 million
In the beautiful valley of the Minjiang River, districts and counties are located in the city of Chengdu, whose population is 14.5 million people.
Among the largest cities in the Republic of China, this is the only one located in arid and mountainous western China. The population was concentrated here due to the fact that the Sichuan reservoir is located nearby.
The first settlement appeared here in the IV century BC, and has always been famous for masters of brocade. He was called Jincheng, literally "brocade city." Today, Chengdu is a large industrial and financial center, but life in it, in comparison with other megacities, is calm and measured.
4
Guangzhou
Population: ≈14.5 million
Guangzhou has other names, such as Huacheng "city of flowers," or Wuyangcheng "city of five rams." The latter comes from a legend according to which, the population of the region from starvation was saved by the gods who arrived on horseback on five rams.
At one time, a large urban settlement arose around the port, which arose here more than 2000 years ago. Among the attractions, we will name the main pride of the Guanzhong people as a hyperboloid TV tower, 610 meters high.
In the large industrial and cultural center of China, according to 2017 data, there are 14.5 million inhabitants, and it is located in a subtropical climate, because there are always many flowers.
3
Tianjin
Population: ≈15.5 million
One of the most beautiful metropolitan areas of China stretches along the Gulf of Bohai, and today 15.5 million inhabitants live within it.
In ancient times, this part was poorly populated, and the history of the city begins in the XII century, when warehouses were built here. But after the transfer of the capital to Beijing, Tianjin in 1336 received its current name, which literally translates from Chinese as “protection of heaven ford”.
Europeans who came to the city were struck by majestic temples and monumental walls, reaching 8 meters in height. Some towers of the defensive system have survived to this day.
2
Beijing
Population: ≈22 million
Beijing’s enormous size and population of 22 million are primarily due to the fact that it is the capital of China. And the story of the “Northern Capital” began in the distant first millennium BC, when the first settlements began to appear on the site of the modern city.
The capital has many attractions and cultural monuments, but due to severe air pollution, tourists are reluctant to rush to visit the capital of China.
Interestingly, in 205 the government passed a law prohibiting Beijing from expanding in all directions, but it continues to expand.
1
Shanghai
Population: ≈25 million
Shanghai, with a population of about 25 million people, is the largest city in China, but in terms of area it takes second place after the capital. A huge metropolis is located in the Yangtze Delta, and is divided into two equal parts by the Huangpu River.
For the beauty and splendor of architectural structures, Europeans often called it "East Paris", but in the 20s of the last century, for the rampant crime, drug business and prostitution, Shanghai received the nickname "Whore of Asia."
The largest metropolis of China is the leading center of industry and banking, and is second only to Hong Kong in terms of investment infusions.
In conclusion
The large cities of China are similar to each other, but each has its own highlight, which will distinguish it among other megacities. The Chinese are very hardworking people who carefully preserve their historical and cultural heritage. It is not in vain that, despite its isolation, in recent decades, China has been gaining a leading position in the world in the number of tourists visiting it. Thebiggest editors ask you to write in the comments about your impressions when visiting the largest cities in China.
- It is important to note that it is quite difficult to find accurate data on the population of a city in China. Many once-large cities of China have grown so much that they formed huge agglomerations without clear boundaries.
Article author: Valery Skiba