London vs Shanghai - City Size Comparison

Is London Bigger Than Shanghai?

Yes — Shanghai is 4.0x larger than London by area. Shanghai spans 6,341 km² (2,448 mi²) while London covers 1,572 km² (607 mi²) — a difference of 4,769 km². You could fit London inside Shanghai approximately 4 times.

About London

Capital of England and the United Kingdom. Known as "The Big Smoke", London covers 1,572 km² with a population of 9.0 million. The city was established in 43. London is known for Big Ben, Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, among other attractions. The city's main transit system is the London Underground.

London was the first city to have an underground railway, opening in 1863

About Shanghai

China's largest city and a global financial hub. Often called "The Pearl of the Orient", Shanghai has an area of 6,341 km² and is home to 24.9 million people. Its history stretches 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 London metropolitan area covers 8,382 km², which is 1.3x larger than greater Shanghai at 6,341 km². The Shanghai metro area is also more populous, with 28.5 million people compared to 14.3 million.

Population Density

London has a population density of 5,712 people per km² — a densely populated city. Shanghai, with 3,922 people per km², is a moderately dense city. Both cities have comparable density, though London is slightly more compact.

Climate & Time Zone

London has a oceanic climate while Shanghai experiences humid subtropical conditions. Summers are notably different: Shanghai averages 28°C compared to 19°C in London. When it's noon in Shanghai, it's 4:00 AM in London — a 8-hour time difference.