10 Busiest Shipping Ports in China

Matthew Chipchura
By
Matthew Chipchura
Jan 30, 2023
3 min read
A container ship in the busiest shipping ports in China

Introduction

China has long been the world's factory, producing an overwhelming share of the world's products. But it's not just the factories or workers that make this feat possible - it's also the ports.

From the bustling port of Shanghai to the fast-growing port of Dalian, China's ports are the lifeblood of its export-oriented economy.

These ports handle an enormous amount of cargo traffic, connecting the country to the rest of the world and enabling it to sustain its position as a global economic superpower.

In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the 10 busiest shipping ports in China, delving into their history, location, capacity, and their significance in the global trade network.

1. Port of Shanghai

Location: Shanghai Province
Chinese name: 上海港
Volume 2020 (Million TEU): 43.5

The port of Shanghai
Port of Shanghai

2. Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan

Location: Zhejiang Province
Chinese name: 宁波舟山港
Volume 2020 (Million TEU): 28.72

The port of Ningbo-Zhoushan
Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan

3. Port of Shenzhen

Location: Guangdong Province
Chinese name:
深圳港
Volume 2020 (Million TEU): 26.55

The port of Shenzhen
Port of Shenzhen

4. Port of Guangzhou

Location: Guangdong Province
Chinese name: 广州港
Volume 2020 (Million TEU): 23.19

The port of Guangzhou
Port of Guangzhou

5. Port of Qingdao

Location: Shandong Province
Chinese name: 董家口
Volume 2020 (Million TEU): 22.00

The port of Qingdao
Port of Qingdao

6. Port of Tianjin

Location: Tianjin Municipality
Chinese name: 天津港
Volume 2020 (Million TEU): 18.35

The port of Tianjin
Port of Tianjin

7. Port of Hong Kong

Location: Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
Chinese name: 香港港口
Volume 2020 (Million TEU): 17.95

The port of Hong Kong
Port of Hong Kong

8. Port of Xiamen

Location: Fujian Province
Chinese name: 厦门港
Volume 2020 (Million TEU): 11.41

The port of Xiamen
Port of Xiamen

9. Port of Dalian

Location: Liaodong Province
Chinese name: 大连港
Volume 2020 (Million TEU): 6.54

The port of Dalian
Port of Dalian

10. Port of Yingkou

Location: Liaoning Province
Chinese name: 营口港
Volume 2020 (Million TEU): 5.67

The port of Yingkou
Port of Yingkou

Downloadable statistics

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the busiest shipping port in China?

The port of Shanghai is the busiest shipping port in China, handling over 40 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of cargo annually. It is also the world's busiest port, serving as a major gateway for trade between China and the rest of the world.

How many of the world's busiest ports are in China?

Seven out of the world's top 10 busiest ports are in China, these ports include Shanghai, Ningbo-Zhoushan, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Qingdao, Tianjin, and Dalian, cementing its position as a global leader in manufacturing, trade and commerce.

How many shipping ports are in China?

China has more than 34 major shipping ports and 2,000 minor shipping ports, including some of the world's busiest such as Shanghai, Ningbo-Zhoushan, and Shenzhen. These ports play a vital role in China's economy, serving as gateways for global trade and connecting the country to the rest of the world.

Conclusion

In conclusion, China is undoubtedly a powerhouse when it comes to the shipping industry, with a remarkable number of its ports making the list of the busiest shipping ports in the world. It's no surprise that China dominates the global trade scene, with seven out of the top 10 busiest ports being located in the country.

At the top of the list, Shanghai stands tall as the world's busiest shipping port, handling an enormous amount of cargo every year. It's incredible to think that this one port alone plays such a significant role in global commerce.

Not to be outdone, Ningbo-Zhoushan port, located just a stone's throw away from Shanghai, comes in at a close second. The proximity of these two ports is truly remarkable, making it incredible for so many products to come from one area of the world.

As you reflect on this article, I hope the Google map and downloadable chart provided some insight into the scale and impact of these busy ports. China's dominance in the shipping industry is undeniable, and it's a testament to the country's commitment to trade and commerce.

Matthew Chipchura
Matthew Chipchura
Founder, Advanta Sourcing

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