Where is Shanghai Located
Complete geographic guide to Shanghai’s strategic location in China and the world, with detailed maps, coordinates, and regional context
Last Updated: January 15, 2025
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Jan 2025
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Geography Experts
Why Shanghai’s Location is Strategically Important
Shanghai’s geographic position at the mouth of the Yangtze River and on the East China Sea coast has made it China’s most important commercial gateway for over 150 years. Understanding Shanghai’s location is crucial for appreciating its role as a global financial center, international trade hub, and cultural bridge between East and West.
Shanghai sits at the precise coordinates 31.2304°N, 121.4737°E, positioning it at the center of China’s most economically developed region and within 2 hours flight time of major Asian capitals.
The city’s location at the Yangtze River Delta provides access to China’s interior via the world’s third-longest river, connecting 40% of China’s GDP and 25% of its population to global markets.
Shanghai’s coastal position on the East China Sea places it on major international shipping routes, handling over 47 million TEU annually and ranking as the world’s busiest container port.
Pro Tip from Our Geography Experts
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Shanghai’s Precise Geographic Coordinates
LATITUDE
31.2304°N
Northern Hemisphere
Subtropical Climate Zone
LONGITUDE
121.4737°E
Eastern Hemisphere
China Standard Time (UTC+8)
Elevation: 4 meters above sea level
Area: 6,340.5 km² (2,448 sq mi)
Coastline: 172 km along East China Sea
Climate: Humid subtropical (Cfa)
Time Zone: China Standard Time (UTC+8)
Postal Code: 200000-202183
Shanghai in Regional Context
╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ YANGTZE RIVER DELTA REGION ║
╠══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ ║
║ JIANGSU PROVINCE ║
║ ║
║ ┌─────────────┐ ┌─────────────┐ ┌─────────────┐ ║
║ │ NANJING │ │ SUZHOU │ │ WUXI │ ║
║ │ (280km SW) │ │ (100km W) │ │ (130km NW) │ ║
║ └─────────────┘ └─────────────┘ └─────────────┘ ║
║ ║
║ ┌─────────────┐ ║
║ │ SHANGHAI │ ║
║ │ ★ 31.23°N │ ┌─────────────┐ ║
║ │ 121.47°E │ │ EAST CHINA │ ║
║ └─────────────┘ │ SEA │ ║
║ └─────────────┘ ║
║ ZHEJIANG PROVINCE ║
║ ║
║ ┌─────────────┐ ┌─────────────┐ ┌─────────────┐ ║
║ │ HANGZHOU │ │ NINGBO │ │ WENZHOU │ ║
║ │ (180km SW) │ │ (150km S) │ │ (350km S) │ ║
║ └─────────────┘ └─────────────┘ └─────────────┘ ║
║ ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
Distances to Major Cities
| City | Distance | Direction | Travel Time | Transportation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing | 1,213 km | North | 4.5-5.5 hours | High-speed rail/Flight |
| Guangzhou | 1,213 km | South | 6-7 hours | High-speed rail/Flight |
| Shenzhen | 1,239 km | South | 7-8 hours | High-speed rail/Flight |
| Chengdu | 1,647 km | West | 7-8 hours | High-speed rail/Flight |
| Xi’an | 1,200 km | Northwest | 6-7 hours | High-speed rail/Flight |
| Wuhan | 839 km | West | 4-5 hours | High-speed rail |
Shanghai’s Administrative Structure & Boundaries
Municipality Status & Governance
Shanghai is one of only four direct-controlled municipalities in China, holding the same administrative rank as provinces. This special status, shared only with Beijing, Tianjin, and Chongqing, grants Shanghai significant autonomy in economic planning, urban development, and international relations. The municipality reports directly to the State Council of China rather than through provincial government structures.
National Level
Direct-controlled Municipality
Reports to State Council
Municipal Level
16 Districts
Municipal Government
District Level
Streets & Towns
Local Administration
Shanghai’s 16 Districts
| District | Chinese Name | Area (km²) | Population | Key Features | Economic Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Huangpu | 黄浦区 | 20.5 | 662,000 | Historic center, Bund | Finance, Tourism |
| Xuhui | 徐汇区 | 54.9 | 1,113,000 | French Concession | Technology, Education |
| Changning | 长宁区 | 38.3 | 693,000 | Diplomatic quarter | Aviation, Trade |
| Jing’an | 静安区 | 37.4 | 975,000 | Shopping, Business | Finance, Retail |
| Putuo | 普陀区 | 55.5 | 1,284,000 | Industrial heritage | Technology, Logistics |
| Hongkou | 虹口区 | 23.5 | 757,000 | Jewish heritage | Finance, Shipping |
| Yangpu | 杨浦区 | 60.6 | 1,242,000 | Universities | Innovation, Education |
| Pudong | 浦东新区 | 1,210.4 | 5,681,000 | Financial district | Finance, Technology |
| Minhang | 闵行区 | 372.6 | 2,653,000 | Suburban development | Manufacturing, Residential |
| Baoshan | 宝山区 | 424.6 | 2,239,000 | Steel industry | Heavy Industry, Port |
| Jiading | 嘉定区 | 464.2 | 1,834,000 | Automotive hub | Automotive, Manufacturing |
| Jinshan | 金山区 | 611.2 | 832,000 | Petrochemicals | Chemical Industry |
| Songjiang | 松江区 | 605.6 | 1,909,000 | University town | Education, Technology |
| Qingpu | 青浦区 | 676.1 | 1,274,000 | Water towns | Logistics, Tourism |
| Fengxian | 奉贤区 | 720.4 | 1,199,000 | Agricultural heritage | Manufacturing, Agriculture |
| Chongming | 崇明区 | 1,411.0 | 704,000 | Ecological island | Agriculture, Eco-tourism |
Administrative Summary
📊 Total Area: 6,340.5 km² across 16 districts
👥 Total Population: 24.87 million residents (2023)
🏙️ Urban Core: 8 central districts (Huangpu to Pudong)
🌳 Suburban Areas: 8 outer districts with mixed urban-rural character
Natural Geographic Features
Major Rivers & Waterways
Yangtze River (长江)
Length in Shanghai: 113 km
Width: 6-90 km at mouth
Significance: China’s longest river
Economic Role: Major shipping route
Forms Shanghai’s northern boundary
Huangpu River (黄浦江)
Length: 113 km total
Width: 300-700 meters
Significance: Shanghai’s mother river
Economic Role: Urban waterway
Divides city into Puxi and Pudong
Suzhou Creek (苏州河)
Length in Shanghai: 54 km
Width: 45-65 meters
Significance: Historic waterway
Economic Role: Urban development
Connects to Huangpu River
Water System Significance
🌊 Delta Formation: Shanghai sits on alluvial deposits from the Yangtze River Delta
🚢 Port Access: Deep-water channels connect to international shipping lanes
🏙️ Urban Planning: Rivers define district boundaries and development patterns
💧 Water Supply: Multiple sources ensure reliable freshwater access for 25 million residents
Climate & Environmental Characteristics
Temperature Patterns
Annual Average: 17.1°C (62.8°F)
Summer High: 35°C (95°F)
Winter Low: 0°C (32°F)
Growing Season: 300+ days
Humid subtropical climate (Cfa)
Precipitation & Humidity
Annual Rainfall: 1,166 mm (45.9 in)
Rainy Season: June-July (Meiyu)
Humidity: 70-80% average
Typhoon Season: July-September
Monsoon-influenced precipitation
Seasonal Characteristics
Spring: Mild, variable weather
Summer: Hot, humid, rainy
Autumn: Cool, dry, comfortable
Winter: Cold, occasional snow
Four distinct seasons with transitions
Environmental Considerations
🌊 Sea Level Rise: Coastal vulnerability requires ongoing flood protection
🏭 Air Quality: Industrial activity impacts air quality, improving with regulations
🌪️ Extreme Weather: Typhoons and heat waves increasing in intensity
🌱 Green Initiatives: Urban forestry and renewable energy projects expanding
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