About Shanghai
Shanghai is a megacity located in People's Republic of China, in the Shanghai region. According to the latest available data (2026), the population of Shanghai is approximately 24,870,895 residents, making it the second largest city in People's Republic of China.
Globally, Shanghai ranks #3 among the world's most populated cities. As a megacity with over 10 million inhabitants, Shanghai is one of the largest urban agglomerations on Earth.
It has a population of 29,558,908 in the urban area as of 2025. The city is located on the Chinese shoreline on the southern estuary of the Yangtze River, with the Huangpu River bisecting the city. Shanghai is a global center for finance, business and economics, research, science and technology, manufacturing, transportation, tourism, and culture. The Port of Shanghai is the world's busiest container port. As of 2022, the Greater Shanghai metropolitan area was estimated to produce a gross metropolitan product (nominal) of nearly 13 trillion RMB.
Shanghai City Statistics
| City | Shanghai |
| Country |  People's Republic of China |
| Population | 24,870,895 |
| Global Rank | #3 |
| Rank in People's Republic of China | #2 of 2,667 cities |
| City Category | megacity |
| Region | Shanghai |
| Latitude | 31.2325 |
| Longitude | 121.4692 |
| Data Year | 2026 |
Shanghai Overview
Shanghai is a megacity in People's Republic of China, situated in the Shanghai area. With a population of 24,870,895 people, it represents approximately 28.6% of the total urban population in People's Republic of China.
As one of the largest cities in the world, Shanghai is a significant hub for commerce, culture, and transportation. The city's metropolitan area extends well beyond its official boundaries, encompassing numerous satellite cities and suburban areas.
Population Comparison
To put Shanghai's population of 24,870,895 into perspective:
- Shanghai has more people than many entire countries, including Sweden, Portugal, and Hungary.
- If Shanghai were a country, it would rank among the top 100 most populous nations.
- It ranks #2 among all cities in People's Republic of China.
Where is Shanghai Located?
Shanghai is located in People's Republic of China, in the Shanghai region, at coordinates 31.2325° latitude and 121.4692° longitude. Shanghai sits in the subtropics, typically enjoying warm temperatures year-round.
Nearby Cities
Other Cities in People's Republic of China
Largest Cities in People's Republic of China
| # | City | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kaifeng | 4,824,016 |
| 2 | Yuncheng | 4,774,508 |
| 3 | Chenzhou | 4,667,134 |
| 4 | Yibin | 4,588,804 |
| 5 | Huai'an | 4,556,230 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Shanghai?
The population of Shanghai is approximately 24,870,895 residents according to the latest available data (2026).
Where is Shanghai located?
Shanghai is located in People's Republic of China at approximately 31.2325° latitude and 121.4692° longitude.
Is Shanghai one of the largest cities in People's Republic of China?
With a population of 24,870,895, Shanghai is one of the major urban areas in People's Republic of China. It ranks #2 out of 2,667 cities in the country.
