Population density in China 2011-2021

In 2021, the estimated population density of China was around 150.4 people per square kilometer. This value has slightly increased over the past years as the total population has increased. Although China is the most populous country in the world, its overall population density is not much higher than the average population density in Asia.

Uneven population distribution

China is one of the largest countries in terms of land area, and its population density figures vary dramatically from region to region. Overall, the coastal regions in the East and Southeast have the highest population densities, as they belong to the more economically developed regions of the country. These coastal regions also have a higher urbanization rate. On the contrary, the regions in the West are covered with mountain landscapes which are not suitable for the development of big cities.

Populous cities in China

Several Chinese cities rank among the most populous cities in the world. According to estimates, Beijing and Shanghai will rank among the top ten megacities in the world by 2030. Both cities are also the largest Chinese cities in terms of land area. The previous colonial regions, Macao and Hong Kong, are two of the most densely populated cities in the world.