Guangzhou vs Shanghai - City Size Comparison

Is Guangzhou Bigger Than Shanghai?

Yes — Guangzhou is 1.2x larger than Shanghai by area. Guangzhou spans 7,434 km² (2,870 mi²) while Shanghai covers 6,341 km² (2,448 mi²) — a difference of 1,093 km².

About Guangzhou

A major port city and trade hub in southern China. Known as "Canton", Guangzhou covers 7,434 km² with a population of 18.7 million. The city was founded around 214 BC. Guangzhou is known for Canton Tower, Cantonese cuisine (dim sum), Canton Fair, among other attractions. The city's main transit system is the Guangzhou Metro.

Guangzhou has been a major trading port for over 2,000 years and was a key stop on the Maritime Silk Road

About Shanghai

China's largest city and a global financial hub. Also known as "The Pearl of the Orient", Shanghai has an area of 6,341 km² and is home to 24.9 million people. The city dates back to 1291. Visitors come for The Bund waterfront, Pudong skyline, Yuyuan Garden, and much more. Getting around is easy with the Shanghai Metro.

Shanghai's Maglev train reaches 431 km/h, the fastest commercial train in the world

Metropolitan Area Comparison

Looking beyond city limits, the Guangzhou metropolitan area covers 7,434 km², which is 1.2x larger than greater Shanghai at 6,341 km². The Shanghai metro area is also more populous, with 28.5 million people compared to 18.7 million.

Population Density

Guangzhou has a population density of 2,513 people per km² — a moderately dense city. Shanghai, with 3,922 people per km², is a moderately dense city. Shanghai is noticeably denser, packing 1.6 times more people per square kilometer.

Climate & Time Zone

Both cities share a humid subtropical climate, though local geography creates distinct microclimates in each.