China’s maritime sector plays a crucial role in global trade and the country’s economic growth. With its extensive coastline and strategic location, harbour China has developed some of the world’s busiest and most efficient ports. These ports serve as vital gateways for international commerce, handling massive volumes of cargo and containers annually.

Let’s explore the biggest and busiest sea ports in China, highlighting their significance and recent performance. This can help business importers optimize their logistics, improve supply chain efficiency, and make informed decisions about their shipping strategies.

1. Shanghai Port

The Shanghai Port is the busiest port in China and the world, renowned for its immense capacity and advanced infrastructure.

• Container volume (2023): 47.28 million TEUs
• Cargo throughput (2023): Approximately 1.1 billion tons
• Economic impact: Over USD 950 billion
• Key features:
  • World’s busiest container port for 13 consecutive years
  • Comprises three main areas: Yangshan Deep Water Port, Waigaoqiao Port, and Wusong Port
  • Yangshan Deep Water Port is the world’s largest automated container terminal
  • 2,281 berths, including 82 deep-water berths for 10,000+ TEU vessels
  • Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and remote-controlled quay cranes at Yangshan
  • IRIS (Intelligent Recommendation of Indirect Sailing-routes) system for optimizing shipping routes
  • Shanghai Shipping Exchange located here, influences global shipping indices
  • A key node in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, connecting river and sea transport

2. Ningbo-Zhoushan Port

Ningbo-Zhoushan Port is known for its strategic location and efficient operations, supporting diverse industries from machinery to chemicals.

• Container volume (2023): 33.36 million TEUs
• Cargo throughput (2023): Over 1.2 billion tons
• Economic impact: Over USD 400 billion
• Key features:
  • World’s busiest port by cargo tonnage for 14 consecutive years
  • Formed by the merger of Ningbo Port and Zhoushan Port in 2015
  • 260 production berths, including 39 deep-water berths capable of handling 200,000-ton vessels
  • Home to the Zhoushan Oil and Gas Hub, China’s largest storage base for crude oil
  • Advanced rail-sea intermodal transportation system connecting 15 provinces
  • Pioneering 5G smart port technologies, including remote-controlled gantry cranes
  • Major transshipment hub for iron ore, crude oil, and liquefied natural gas
  • Serves over 600 ports across 200+ countries and regions

3. Shenzhen Port

Shenzhen Port is a critical hub in southern China, facilitating major export activities, especially in electronics and consumer goods.

• Container volume (2023): 30.04 million TEUs
• Economic impact: Over USD 390 billion
• Key features:
  • Comprises multiple port areas: Yantian, Shekou, Chiwan, and Dachan Bay
  • Yantian International Container Terminal handles about half of Shenzhen’s container throughput
  • Specializes in high-tech and high-value goods exports from the Pearl River Delta
  • Advanced customs clearance system with 24/7 one-stop services
  • Green Port Plan with shore power facilities and LNG-powered tugboats
  • Home to China’s first 5G smart port application
  • Direct shipping routes to over 300 ports worldwide
  • Integrated with Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development

4. Qingdao Port

Qingdao Port is crucial for handling bulk goods and raw materials, enhancing its role in industrial logistics.

• Container volume (2023): 25.66 million TEUs
• Economic impact: Over USD 320 billion
• Key features:
  • World’s first 5G smart port with fully automated container terminal
  • Largest crude oil terminal and second-largest iron ore terminal in China
  • Qianwan Container Terminal uses AI for automatic identification and positioning
  • “Qingdao Port Index” serves as a barometer for international trade
  • Integrated logistics network covering 30 inland provinces
  • Home to Asia’s largest oil tank farm with 32 million cubic meters capacity
  • Pioneering blockchain technology for paperless customs clearance
  • Key hub in the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor

5. Guangzhou Port

Guangzhou Port is a significant port in southern China, with advanced facilities supporting automotive and electronics exports.

• Container volume (2023): 24.6 million TEUs
• Economic impact: Over USD 340 billion
• Key features:
  • Largest comprehensive port in South China with a 2000-year history
  • Nansha Port Area is a pilot free trade zone and a key component of the Greater Bay Area
  • Specialized automotive terminals handling over 1 million vehicles annually
  • Advanced grain logistics system with 2.8 million-ton storage capacity
  • “Southbound Strategy” connecting ASEAN countries
  • Smart port initiatives including 5G, big data, and IoT applications
  • Green port development with LNG refueling stations and shore power facilities
  • Extensive inland waterway network with 50+ branch ports along the Pearl River

6. Tianjin Port

Tianjin Port, also known as Xingang Port, serves the northern region of China, playing a vital role in the logistics of industrial products and automotive parts.

• Container volume (2023): 21.03 million TEUs
• Economic impact: Over USD 280 billion
• Key features:
  • Largest artificial deep-water port in Northern China, serving the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region
  • 217 berths including 97 deep-water berths for 10,000+ ton vessels
  • World’s first zero-carbon terminal at Section C of Beijiang Port Area
  • Pioneering autonomous driving technology with 76 driverless electric trucks
  • Home to Northern China’s largest bonded port area (10 sq km)
  • Specialized terminals for crude oil, LNG, automobiles, and ro-ro cargo
  • The key player in the “Ice Silk Road” with Arctic shipping routes
  • Integrated sea-rail transport system connecting to 12 inland provinces
  • Smart port initiatives including AI-powered container positioning and 5G remote control

7. Hong Kong Port

Hong Kong Port, once the world’s busiest container port, continues to play a significant role in global shipping, despite recent challenges.

• Container volume (2023): 17.8million TEUs
• Economic impact: Over USD 110 billion
• Key features:
  • One of the world’s busiest container ports, ranking 8th globally in 2023
  • Natural deep-water port with 9 container terminals and 24 berths
  • Total quay length of 7,694 meters, water depth of 15.5 meters
  • Capable of handling ultra-large container vessels
  • Free port status with minimal customs and documentation requirements
  • Extensive shipping network connecting over 470 destinations worldwide
  • Key transshipment hub for Southern China and Asia-Pacific region
  • Strong intermodal connections, including the River Trade Terminal for Pearl River Delta cargo
  • Modern cruise terminal at Kai Tak for mega cruise ships
  • Implementing smart port technologies and green initiatives
  • Plays a crucial role in the Greater Bay Area development plan
  • Operated by multiple terminal operators, including Hongkong International Terminals (HIT)
  • Facing increased competition from mainland Chinese ports, particularly Shenzhen
  • Ongoing port expansion and modernization projects to maintain competitiveness

8. Yantian Port (Shenzhen)

Yantian Port, part of Shenzhen’s port network, specializes in container shipping, vital for electronics and consumer goods.

• Container volume (2023): 14.16 million TEUs
• Economic impact: Over USD 210 billion
• Key features:
  • World-class deep-water port, a key component of Shenzhen Portxingang port
  • Operated by Yantian International Container Terminals (YICT)
  • Founded in 1985, specializing in port construction, investment, and operation
  • Awarded “Best Container Terminal in China” multiple times
  • Handles approximately half of Shenzhen’s container throughput
  • 20 deep-water berths capable of accommodating mega-vessels
  • Direct shipping routes to over 100 ports worldwide
  • Advanced customs clearance system with 24/7 one-stop services
  • Integrated logistics services covering sea, land, and air transportation
  • The key hub for high-value exports from the Pearl River Delta region
  • Pioneering smart port technologies, including 5G applications
  • Green port initiatives with shore power facilities and energy-efficient equipment
  • Yantian Port Logistics Co., Ltd. provides comprehensive logistics solutions
  • Strategic location supporting the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area

9. Xiamen Port

Xiamen Port is known for handling electronics, machinery, and textiles, leveraging its strategic location for international trade.

• Container volume (2023): 12 million TEUs
• Economic impact: Over USD 180 billion
• Key features:
  • One of the world’s top 15 container ports
  • Natural deep-water port with 30 berths capable of handling 100,000-ton vessels
  • Home to Southeast China’s largest bonded port area (9.45 sq km)
  • Advanced digital customs clearance system reducing clearance time by 65%
  • Strong focus on cross-strait trade with Taiwan, handling 70% of cross-strait shipping
  • A key node in the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road
  • Specialized facilities for cruise ships, with capacity for 220,000-ton vessels
  • Green port initiatives including shore power for 50 berths
  • Integrated logistics services covering air, sea, and land transportation

10. Dalian Port

Dalian Port is significant for its handling of bulk commodities and raw materials, supporting trade with neighboring countries.

• Container volume (2023): 10 million TEUs
• Economic impact: Over USD 150 billion
• Key features:
  • Largest multi-purpose port in Northeast China, ice-free year-round
  • 80 modern berths including 38 deep-water berths
  • World’s second-largest oil transshipment center
  • Specialized ro-ro terminal handling over 85,000 vehicles annually
  • Key hub for Japan-Korea-China-Russia trade routes
  • Home to Northeast Asia’s largest grain transshipment base (6.5 million-ton capacity)
  • Dalian Northeast Asia International Shipping Center is under development
  • Integrated with China-Europe freight train services
  • Smart port system with automated container terminals and AI applications

11. Yingkou Port

Yingkou Port, located in Northeast China, is known for its rapid growth and strategic importance in regional trade.

• Container volume (2023): 7 million TEUs
• Economic impact: Over USD 120 billion
• Economic impact:
• Key features:
  • Fastest growing port in Northeast China
  • 71 production berths including 36 deep-water berths
  • The key hub for the China-Europe freight train service, connecting to 13 countries
  • Specializes in bulk cargo like coal, grain, and ore
  • Yingkou Port Index serves as an important indicator for bulk cargo trade
  • Developing smart port systems including 5G and blockchain applications
  • An important role in the revitalization of Northeast China’s economy
  • Integrated logistics park covering 1.8 million square meters
  • Green port initiatives with LNG-powered trucks and shore power facilities

12. Rizhao Port

Rizhao Port, situated in Shandong Province, is a critical hub for bulk cargo and container shipping.

• Container volume (2023): 6.26 million TEUs
• Economic impact: Over USD 110 billion
• Key features:
  • Natural deep-water port with minimal siltation, capable of handling 400,000-ton vessels
  • 60 production berths including 50 deep-water berths
  • Major bulk commodity port, especially for iron ore, coal, and grain
  • Home to Asia’s largest iron ore terminal with a 400,000-ton capacity
  • Expanding container handling capabilities with new automated terminals
  • Strong rail connections to inland provinces, serving 22 provinces
  • Pioneering “Intelligent Port Brain” system for digital management
  • Green port initiatives including shore power facilities and solar power plants
  • Integrated with the New Eurasian Land Bridge economic corridor

13. Lianyungang Port

Lianyungang Port is important for its handling of bulk cargo and industrial products, supporting trade in Eastern China.

• Container volume (2023): 5 million TEUs
• Economic impact: Over USD 100 billion
• Key features:
  • The eastern terminus of the New Eurasian Land Bridge
  • A natural deep-water port on the Yellow Sea coast
  • Over 50 berths, including specialized terminals for containers, bulk cargo, and LNG
  • Serves as a crucial link between East Asian sea routes and Central Asian land routes
  • A key node in China’s Belt and Road Initiative
  • Integrated sea-rail intermodal transportation system
  • Direct shipping routes to over 160 ports in more than 60 countries
  • Home to China’s first fully automated container terminal in the Yellow Sea region
  • Specialized facilities for handling grain, ore, and petrochemical products
  • Developing smart port systems with AI and big data applications
  • Green port initiatives including shore power and energy-efficient equipment
  • Lianyungang Port Group operates the port and related logistics services
  • Strategic importance for trade with Central Asia and Europe
  • Ongoing expansion projects to increase capacity and efficiency

I hope you now have a good understanding of the major ports in China. Ready to choose the right port for your shipments? If you have any other questions or need further assistance, please contact us. Our experts are here to help you find the best port for your needs and optimize your logistics.

Let’s get your goods moving efficiently!

Sources: Lloyd’s List, Port Technology International, Xinhua News, China Daily, Container News, marineinsight, etc.