Top ports in China

More than half of the 10 largest ports in the world are in China. If it weren’t for huge ports, trade with China would not be as developed as it is now. Check out what are the top ports in China and Hong Kong.

Map of the largest ports in China

Choosing the right port to send cargo is not easy, so we have prepared a list of the largest ports in China. The ports are shown on the map below.

Top ports in China map

1. Port of Shanghai

Port of Shanghai

The Port of Shanghai is the largest seaport in the world, on the top of the ranking since 2010. It was opened in 1842. Located in the Yangtze River Delta, the port enjoys an ideal geographical location, a very good economic base, and excellent infrastructure. Its location in the middle of the East Coast is very beneficial.

Shanghai Port has three main terminals – Wusongkou, Waigaoqiao, and Yangshan.

Port of Shanghai annual throughput in 2023: 49.15 million TEUs

2. Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan

Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan

The Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan is China’s oldest and second-largest seaport in terms of TEU throughput. The port is located in Zhejiang Province, south of Hangzhou Bay. The city of Ningbo is located in the fastest-growing investment and economic area of China, known as the “Golden Triangle” or “Lower Yangtze River.” For this reason, it is also an important place for inland waterway transport.

The port of Ningbo includes several ports, Beilun (seaport), Zhenhai (estuary port), the old port of Ningbo (inland river port), etc. The coastline of the port is 333 km long.

Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan annual throughput in 2023: 35.3 million TEUs

3. Port of Shenzhen

Port of Shenzhen

The Port of Shenzhen is the fourth largest sea container port in China. It is located in the southern part of the Pearl River in Guangdong Province. Shenzhen Port is one of the busiest and fastest-growing ports in the world. The port has great development opportunities and is considered the gateway to Hong Kong. It is one of China’s most important ports for international trade.

The Port of Shenzhen includes smaller ports like Shekou, Yantian, and Chiwan. It is a huge area with a coastline of 260 km.

Port of Shenzhen annual throughput in 2023: 29.88 million TEUs

 4. Port of Qingdao

Port of Qingdao

The Port of Qingdao is a port located on the Yellow Sea near Qingdao City, Shandong Province. The city is famous and developed thanks to its commercial and fishing port. Its location in Jiaozhou Bay is beneficial. In 2011, together with three other ports, a strategic agreement was signed with the largest port in South Korea, the port of Busan. The alliance aims to create the largest logistics and transport center in Southeast Asia.

The Qingdao Port has four main areas: Huangdong (oil and its products), Dagang, Qianwan, and Dongjiakou.

Port of Qingdao annual throughput in 2023: 26.39 million TEUs

5. Port of Tianjin

Port of Tianjin

The Port of Tianjin has been the largest port in northern China for years. It is located in Bohai Bay and is often referred to as “the gateway to Beijing.” It has played a significant role since the 4th century. In 1860, it officially became an international port.

The Port of Tianjin is divided into the following areas: Beijiang, Dongjiang, Nanjiang, Dagukou, Gaoshaling, Dagang, Haihe, Beitang, and Hangu.

Port of Tianjin annual throughput in 2023: 21 million TEUs

6. Port of Guangzhou

Port of Guangzhou

The Port of Guangzhou is the main seaport in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province. It was a major port on the Maritime Silk Route from the 2nd century BC. It connects Guangdong province with other parts of the world. The port of Guangzhou is also a hub for industries located in neighboring provinces such as Guangxi, Yunnan, Hunan, Hubei, Sichuan, Guizhou, and Jiangxi.

The Port of Guangzhou includes the Huangpu Port Area, Xinsha Port Area, Inner Port Area, and Nansha Port Area, and the anchorages in the Pearl River Estuary.

Port of Guangzhou annual throughput in 2023: 20.8 million TEUs

7. Port of Hong Kong

Port of Hong Kong

The Port of Hong Kong is a deep-water port located in the South China Sea. It played a major role in Hong Kong’s economic development. Deep water ports can accommodate various ships, including mega-ships.

The Port of Hong Kong currently has nine container terminals located in Kwai Chung, Tsing Yi, Stonecutters Island, etc.

Port of Hong Kong annual throughput in 2023: 14.34 million TEUs

8. Port of Xiamen

The Port of Xiamen

The Port of Xiamen is located at the estuary of the Jiulongjiang River in the south of Fujian Province. It is one of the most important ports in China. It has facilities and equipment suitable for handling all types of unloading, as well as modern cranes, etc. Due to its location, it has developed trade relations with Taiwan.

The port area covers Xiamen and Dongshan Bays.

Port of Xiamen annual throughput in 2023: 12.55 million TEUs

9. Port of Beibu Gulf

The Port of Beibu Gulf

The Port of Beibu Gulf is an important part of a group of ports in the southwestern part of China’s coast. It is a relatively new port with over 50 domestic and international connections. The port has 72 bulk cargo berths and 18 container berths.

The port consists of parts: Fangchenggang, Qinzhou, and Beihai.

Port of Beibu Gulf annual throughput in 2023: 8.02 million TEUs

10. Lianyungang Port

Liangyungang

Liangyungang Port was opened in 1956. Its main port area consists of the Mayao Port Area, Miaoling Port Area, Xugou Port Area, and Qitai Port Area. Guanhe Port Area, Xuwei Port Area, and Ganyu Port Area are being built on the north and south wings of the main port area.

Port of Rizhao annual throughput in 2023: 6.13 million TEU

11. Port of Rizhao

The Port of Rizhao

Port of Rizhao is one of the ports in Shandong Province. It faces the Yellow Sea. In the beginning, it was used for handling coal. Now, Rizhao Port is an important distribution center for crude oil and liquid chemicals in northern China. In addition, it has the largest grain terminal on the Chinese coast.

Port of Rizhao annual throughput in 2023: 6 million TEUs

Choosing the right port in China

Before choosing a port of origin for your shipment, get to know the actual costs and transit time. Depending on the location, the shipment may be shorter or longer. Shipping can take longer if you choose door-to-door and LCL.

Request free quotes on ShipHub.co and choose an offer from a reliable freight forwarder.

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