As a major global trading nation, China has many busy cargo ports. Its port network plays a vital role in international logistics. These ports are not only hubs for transporting goods but also bridges connecting China to the global market. This article will take an in-depth look at the ten busiest cargo ports in China.
Port of Shanghai
Location: Shanghai, China
2023 Throughput: 49 million TEU
Located on the coast of the East China Sea, the Port of Shanghai is the world’s largest container port and an important gateway for China’s foreign trade. Its Yangshan Deepwater Port Area is equipped with advanced automated facilities that can efficiently handle large container ships. The Port of Shanghai’s strategic location makes it a meeting point for major global shipping routes, connecting the Yangtze River Economic Belt with the rest of the world.
Ningbo-Zhoushan Port
Location: Zhejiang, China
2023 Throughput: 35.3 million TEUs
Ningbo Zhoushan Port is known for its deep-water advantages and can accommodate the world’s largest container ships. The port is not only a logistics hub in China but also plays a vital role in global trade. Its extensive route network covers more than 600 ports in 190 countries and is one of the leading distribution centers in mainland China.
Shenzhen Port
Location: Guangdong, China
2023 Throughput: 29.88 million TEUs
Shenzhen Port is located in the Pearl River Delta and is China’s second-largest container port. Its Yantian International Container Terminals are among the busiest in the world, serving major shipping lines in North America, Europe, and Asia. Shenzhen Port’s rapid development has benefited from its policy advantages as an economic special zone, which has attracted a large amount of foreign investment.
Guangzhou Port
Location: Guangdong, China
2023 Throughput: 25.41 million TEUs
Guangzhou Port is one of China’s oldest foreign trade ports, located at the mouth of the Pearl River. The port plays a vital role in Southeast Asian trade, handling goods such as cars, construction materials, and agricultural products. Guangzhou Port’s modern facilities and extensive route network have made it an essential node in global trade.
Qingdao Port
Location: Shandong, China
2023 Throughput: 30 million TEUs
Qingdao Port is a significant energy and agricultural logistics center in China, focusing on the transportation of iron ore, crude oil, and grain. Its Dongjiakou Port Area is one of the world’s largest iron ore import ports. Qingdao Port’s strategic location and modern facilities make it an essential link between China and the global market.
Tianjin Port
Location: Tianjin, China
2023 Throughput: 22.17 million TEUs
Tianjin Port is the largest port in northern China and an important logistics hub for Beijing. The port mainly handles goods such as fertilizers, coal, and natural stone, and its free trade zone policy has attracted a large number of international companies. The rapid development of Tianjin Port has promoted the growth of the economy in northern China.
Hong Kong Port
Location: Hong Kong, China
2023 Throughput: 14.34 million TEUs
The Hong Kong Port is one of the most important international shipping centers in Asia and is known for its efficient operations and modern infrastructure. The port mainly handles electronic products, textiles, and consumer goods and is an essential link between China and the global market.
Xiamen Port
Location: Fujian Province
2023 Throughput: 12.55 million TEUs
Xiamen Port is located along the coast of the Taiwan Strait and is an important trading hub on China’s southeast coast. The port mainly handles electronic products, textiles, and seafood, and its free trade zone policy provides opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Yantian Port
Location: Shenzhen, China
2023 Throughput: 12.49 million TEUs
Yantian Port is an integral part of Shenzhen Port and is known for its efficient container handling capacity. The port is closely linked to the markets of North America, Latin America, and Oceania and is an essential window for China’s foreign trade.
Beibu Gulf Port
Location: Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
2023 throughput: 8.02 million TEUs
The Beibu Gulf Port is located on the coast of the South China Sea and is an emerging logistics hub in southern China. The port mainly handles goods such as oil, liquefied gas, and bulk ore, and its rapid development has promoted trade between China and Southeast Asian countries.
China’s ten busiest freight ports are not only the core of domestic logistics but also an essential hub for global trade. From the worldwide leadership of the Port of Shanghai to the rapid development of the Beibu Gulf Port, these ports have driven China’s economic growth and strengthened its ties with the global market. Understanding the characteristics and advantages of these ports can help companies optimize their supply chains and enhance their international competitiveness.
