The Six Largest Cargo Ports in China

China's ports dominate the global shipping industry, leading the world in cargo handling volumes and acting as crucial pillars for the country's trade and economy. Of the ten busiest ports in Asia, eight are located in China.

1. Port of Shanghai (CNSHG)

As the busiest container port in the world, the Port of Shanghai is a crucial hub for China's economic activity and global trade networks.

• Location: The Port of Shanghai is located on the eastern coast of China, where the Yangtze River meets the East China Sea. It is situated in the city of Shanghai, one of China’s most important economic and industrial centers.
• Annual Container Throughput: 47.3 million TEU in 2022 (Lloyd's List)
• Annual Cargo Volume: 539 million tonnes in 2021 (Statista)
• Key Commodities: Electronics, textiles, machinery.

2. Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan (CNNGB)

The Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan serves as a major transshipment hub, with robust connections to global shipping routes and extensive handling of bulk commodities.

• Location: This port is located in the Zhejiang province on China’s eastern coast, bordering the East China Sea. It lies near the cities of Ningbo and Zhoushan, both key industrial and maritime centers.
• Annual Container Throughput: 35.3 million TEU in 2023 (Hellenic Shipping News)
• ‍Annual Cargo Volume: 1.3 billion tonnes in 2023 (Hellenic Shipping News)‍
• Key Commodities: Crude oil, coal, iron ore.

3. Port of Shenzhen (CNSZP)

Known as China's "Silicon Valley," the Port of Shenzhen plays a pivotal role in supporting the country’s vast manufacturing industry and global tech exports.

• Location: The port is located in the Guangdong province on the southern coast of China, along the Pearl River Delta, facing the South China Sea. Shenzhen is a rapidly growing city and a major economic zone.
• Annual Container Throughput: 30.0 million TEU in 2022 (Lloyd's List)
• Annual Cargo Volume: Approximately 280 million tonnes in 2023 (Shenzhen Government)
• Key Commodities: Electronics, consumer goods, machinery.

4. Port of Guangzhou (CNGZG)

The Port of Guangzhou is essential for China's Pearl River Delta region, one of the most industrialized and economically active areas in the country.

• Location: Situated in the Guangdong province, the port lies on the Pearl River, providing access to the South China Sea. Guangzhou is a major metropolis and trade center in southern China.
• Annual Container Throughput: 24.9 million TEU in 2022 (Lloyd's List)
• Annual Cargo Volume: 675 million tonnes in 2023 (The Macao News)
• Key Commodities: Automotive parts, machinery, textiles.

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5. Port of Qingdao (CNQDG)

The Port of Qingdao is a significant gateway to Northern China, specializing in bulk cargo and serving as a key link for regional trade.

• Location: The port is located on the northeastern coast of China, in the Shandong province, by the Yellow Sea. Qingdao is a major commercial and industrial city in the region.
• Annual Container Throughput: 25.7 million TEU in 2022 (Lloyd's List)
• Annual Cargo Volume: Exceeded 700 million tonnes in 2023 (China Daily)
• Key Commodities: Chemicals, machinery, agricultural products.

6. Port of Tianjin (CNTXG)

The Port of Tianjin is Northern China's largest port, providing essential connectivity between Beijing and global markets.

• Location: Situated in the northern part of China, in the Tianjin municipality, the port lies on the Bohai Bay, which leads to the Yellow Sea. It is the main maritime gateway for the capital city, Beijing.
• Annual Container Throughput: 21.0 million TEU in 2022 (Lloyd's List)
• Annual Cargo Volume: 445 million tonnes in 2023 (Tianjin Port Development Holdings Limited)
• Key Commodities: Iron ore, crude oil, electronics.