China’s 10 most important Sea Shipping Ports 

Finding the right shipping port for your goods can be a challenging task during the import process. It’s crucial to select a port that is nearby, has low congestion, and is easy to navigate, particularly during peak times like holidays and seasons. 

When importing goods from China, you’re in luck because the country boasts 34 major ports and over 2,000 secondary ports. Additionally, many of China’s major cities are either ports themselves or have easy access to nearby ports.

Shanghai Port

The Shanghai Port holds the title of being the largest port in the world in terms of cargo passage. It is situated at the mouth of the Yangtze River and covers an impressive area of approximately 3,619 square kilometers. The port is operated by the Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG).

With a remarkable 125 berths and a combined berth length of 18 kilometers, the Shanghai Port handles a staggering volume of over 2,000 ship containers per month. In fact, this accounts for a significant quarter of China’s total foreign trade.

When it comes to container productivity, the Shanghai Port achieved an impressive output of around 47 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) in 2021. This demonstrates its efficiency in handling a vast number of containers.

The port plays a crucial role in processing various commodities, including coal, mineral ore, petroleum and petroleum products, crucifixion, as well as machinery and equipment. These industries rely on the Shanghai Port as a vital outlet for their import and export operations.

Ningbo-Zhoushan Port

Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, positioned 250 kilometers south of Shanghai, ranks as one of China’s primary shipping ports. This port offers extensive capabilities and facilities to support various maritime operations.

With a total of 309 productive berths, including 60 deep-water berths capable of handling 10,000 or more Tons of Weight (TWT), Ningbo-Zhoushan Port provides ample capacity for vessel docking. Additionally, it features a crude oil terminal with a capacity of 250,000 dead tons and a crude loading and unloading station with a capacity of 200,000 dead weight (dwt).

The port has recently witnessed impressive container freight activity. In the most recent tally conducted from January 1 to January 3, the average daily container transport exceeded 97,000 containers. This represents a remarkable increase of 108.5% compared to the same period in the previous year, highlighting the port’s growing significance in containerized trade.

Ningbo-Zhoushan Port primarily engages in the loading, unloading, storage, and transportation of various commodities. Its operations encompass imported iron ores, domestic and foreign trade containers, crude oil, oils, liquid chemical products, coal, and other goods. The port’s diverse range of activities contributes to its vital role in facilitating trade and logistics operations.

Shenzhen Port (Shenzhen)

Shenzhen Port in Shenzhen, China, is an impressive contender in the global shipping industry. It secures the third position among the largest container ports worldwide, based on the measurement of TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit). TEU is a standard unit used in the shipping industry to gauge cargo capacity on vessels and determine container types for calculating port activity.

Situated in the southern part of China’s Guangdong Province, Shenzhen Port encompasses multiple ports along the scenic Shenzhen coast. This coastal stretch spans approximately 260 kilometers and boasts an impressive annual transshipment capacity of around 194.9 million tons.

Within the port, you’ll find approximately 40 esteemed shipping companies operating, collectively providing access to a vast network of international container lines. These companies have established around 130 international container shipping routes, making Shenzhen Port a crucial gateway and corridor for global trade. 

Guangzhou Port

Guangzhou Port, located in Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China, serves as the primary seaport for the region and stands as the fifth largest container port globally. This bustling port handles a wide array of maritime activities and plays a significant role in facilitating both domestic and international trade.

With a comprehensive infrastructure, Guangzhou Port comprises 45 berths, 133 buoys, and 2,359 berths in the 1,000-ton category. Notably, Nansha Port, which is the deep-water port within Guangzhou Port, contributes over 70% of the total cargo volume handled by the entire port of Guangzhou.

Guangzhou Port excels in various operations, including loading, unloading, storage, and container shipping services. The port is involved in the transportation of diverse goods, including agricultural, industrial, and processed products. Notable commodities transported through the port include oil, coal, grains, chemical fertilizers, steel, crude, and automobiles. These activities contribute to the dynamic trade landscape of Guangzhou Port, fostering economic growth and connectivity within the region.

Hong Kong port 

Hong Kong Port, situated on the Kowloon Peninsula along the South China Sea, stands as a bustling and highly efficient international container port. It is renowned for its remarkable operational capacity and ranks among the busiest ports worldwide. In 2020, Hong Kong Port successfully handled approximately 18 million TEUs, demonstrating its significance in global trade.

A key player in freight transport, Hong Kong Port manages a staggering 89% of the total freight transport in Hong Kong. It operates an extensive network of 400 container services per week, connecting to over 500 destinations across the globe. The port proudly hosts approximately 795 vessels, representing 14 government departments.

The Port of Hong Kong comprises nine container terminals, covering a vast area and boasting a deep-water façade spanning 7,694 meters. With this infrastructure, it possesses a substantial handling capacity of over 19 million TEUs. This exceptional capacity enables the port to efficiently manage the flow of goods, facilitating seamless trade operations.

Qingdao Port

Qingdao Port is indeed recognized as one of the top ten busiest ports globally. Positioned on the coast of the Yellow Sea near the city of Qingdao in Shandong Province, China, this port plays a significant role in facilitating international trade and maritime activities.

Qingdao Port handles a diverse range of cargo, including general goods, bulk commodities, and project-specific shipments. Some of the primary cargoes handled at the port include iron ore, coal, crude oil, and grains. These commodities form a substantial portion of the port’s trade operations, contributing to its overall significance in the global shipping industry.

With its strategic location and robust infrastructure, Qingdao Port serves as a crucial gateway for trade in the region, supporting the efficient movement of goods and fostering economic growth.

Tianjin Port 

The largest port in northern China, the Tianjin Port, spans an extensive area of over 120 square kilometers. It boasts an impressive infrastructure, featuring 151 production berths and approximately 31.9 kilometers of pier beaches. Situated about 160 kilometers southeast of Beijing, Tianjin Port serves as the primary maritime gateway to the capital city and is a common seaport to transit your cargo to Mongolia 

Tianjin Port enjoys a robust network of trade relations, connecting with around 500 ports in over 180 countries and regions worldwide. This extensive reach facilitates a significant volume of international trade, with more than 500 scheduled vessels linking the port to major international ports on a monthly basis.

The port handles a diverse range of cargo, including agricultural products, automobiles, and crude oil. Notably, natural gas imports have experienced substantial growth, with a year-on-year increase of 1.7 times, amounting to 2.37 billion Chinese yuan. This highlights the port’s growing role in facilitating energy imports.

Tianjin Port’s strategic location, impressive infrastructure, and extensive trade connections solidify its position as a key player in international trade, contributing to the economic development of the region and beyond.

Dalian Port

The port you are referring to is Dalian Port, situated on the Liadong Peninsula in Liaoning Province, China. Dalian Port is recognized as the ninth largest port globally, reflecting its significant role in international trade and maritime activities. 

The port boasts an extensive infrastructure, which includes specialized railway lines spanning 160 kilometers, warehouses covering an area of 300,000 square meters, stacking yards occupying 1.8 million square meters, and over 1,000 units of various loading and unloading machinery and equipment. This robust infrastructure enables efficient handling and transportation of goods within the port.

Dalian Port plays a pivotal role in the region’s logistics and trade operations. It handles approximately 70% of the goods in Liaoning Province, acting as a crucial clearance point. Moreover, the port manages around 90% of the transport containers in the province, underscoring its significance in containerized trade.

With around 80 berths and connectivity to approximately 99 shipping lines worldwide, Dalian Port facilitates extensive maritime connections. This expansive network enables seamless trade flows and supports the port’s position as a major gateway for international shipping. 

Overall, Dalian Port’s impressive infrastructure, pivotal role in goods clearance, extensive container handling capabilities, and broad maritime connectivity contribute to its status as one of the world’s leading ports.

Xiamen Port

The port you are referring to is Xiamen Port, located on the island of Xiamen in China. Xiamen Port holds an impressive position as the fifth-ranked port among the top 10 container ports globally. It is a significant hub in the Asia-Pacific region and holds the distinction of being the fourth port in China capable of handling sixth-generation container ships.

In 2019, Xiamen Port provided 74 berths, including one capable of handling vessels over 100,000 tons and 23 berths for 10,000-ton or larger vessels. In the same year, the port handled around 10.7 million TEUs (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units) of cargo, emphasizing its substantial capacity.

The port handles various types of commodities, including iron, cement, chemical fertilizers, grains, granite, containers, and general cargo. Xiamen Port is currently focusing on expanding a significant berth to accommodate container and liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargo.

It is important to note that China possesses a vast network of ports and deals with a wide range of goods. When choosing a port for shipping goods, it is crucial to consider factors such as optimal location, proximity to the destination, and flexibility in operations. Based on specific requirements and circumstances, selecting the most suitable port will ensure efficient and effective transportation of goods.