Top 10 Major Container Ports in China

As a global leader in international trade, China boasts an extensive and high-efficiency container port network, handling a substantial share of the world’s cargo volume annually. Below is a concise overview of China’s top 10 major container ports, highlighting their core strengths and strategic roles:

Shanghai Port

The world’s largest container port since 2010, Shanghai Port was officially operational in 1842, covering an area of approximately 4 km². It handles over 1/4 of China’s total cargo traffic, with an annual container throughput exceeding 40 million TEUs. Serving as a pivotal hub for both domestic and international trade, it is the primary gateway connecting China to global markets.

Shenzhen Port

Ranked China’s 2nd-largest and the world’s 3rd-largest container port, Shenzhen Port is situated in Guangdong Province, stretching along a 260-km coastline. Divided by the Kowloon Peninsula into eastern and western port areas, it is renowned for its operational efficiency and seamless connectivity to major global trade routes.

Ningbo-Zhoushan Port

China’s 3rd-largest container port features a 220-km coastline and comprises 19 port areas, equipped with over 200 large deepwater berths (≥10,000 dwt) — the most super-large deepwater berths among Mainland China’s ports. With an annual throughput of over 28 million TEUs, it offers advanced infrastructure and diversified value-added services.

Qingdao Port

Located in Shandong Province, Qingdao Port is China’s 4th-largest container port and ranked 7th globally by total cargo volume in 2019. As a key gateway to Northeast Asia, it enjoys excellent connectivity to international trade routes and robust rail-road links to inland regions.

Tianjin Port

Situated in northern China, Tianjin Port is the country’s 5th-largest container port, with an annual throughput of over 16 million TEUs. It serves as the primary gateway to Northern China, featuring advanced facilities, efficient operations, and a comprehensive range of value-added services.

Guangzhou Port

Guangdong Province’s major maritime hub, Guangzhou Port is China’s 6th-largest container port, handling over 15 million TEUs annually. As a core gateway to South China, it maintains strong connections to global trade routes and provides tailored value-added solutions for customers.

Xiamen Port

Located in Fujian Province, Xiamen Port is China’s 7th-largest container port, with an annual throughput exceeding 10 million TEUs. It acts as a strategic gateway to Southeast Asia, recognized for its high operational speed, efficiency, and global connectivity.

Dalian Port

Situated in Liaoning Province, Dalian Port is China’s 8th-largest container port, processing over 8 million TEUs annually. Serving as a key gateway to Northeast Asia, it is equipped with modern facilities, streamlined operations, and a suite of value-added services.

Lianyungang Port

Located in Jiangsu Province, Lianyungang Port is China’s 9th-largest container port, with an annual throughput of over 7 million TEUs. It serves as a critical gateway to Central and Western China, boasting strong links to international trade routes and comprehensive customer-centric services.

Supplementary Note

China’s container port network is characterized by regional coverage and functional complementarity, with coastal ports forming the backbone of the country’s foreign trade logistics system. These ports continuously upgrade infrastructure and optimize services to support global supply chain stability and efficiency.