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Updated September 7, 2026

Top ports in China

The 20 best-connected seaports of China, ranked by the number of shipping lines serving them.

Ports ranked

20

Carrier connections recorded

395

Most connected port

Shanghai Port
43 carriers

Top 3 in detail

The three best-connected ports of this ranking, with their profile summary from the Seadex port index.

1
Shanghai Port
CNSHA· China

Shanghai Port, located in the heart of one of the world's most vibrant cities, stands as a critical global maritime hub and the busiest port in the world by cargo tonnage. Strategically positioned at the mouth of the Yangtze River on the East China Sea, Shanghai Port serves as a gateway for international trade and logistics, connecting China with markets across the globe. Established as a trading post in the 19th century, the port has undergone significant modernization and expansion, becoming a sophisticated facility equipped to handle an extensive range of cargo types including containers, bulk goods, and liquid cargo. The port's two main sections, the Waigaoqiao and Yangshan ports, together form an integrated system that enhances its capacity to accommodate the largest vessels in operation today. Sustainability is a focal point for Shanghai Port, with numerous initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact, promoting green logistics, and supporting transportation efficiency. As a linchpin in global trade networks, Shanghai Port plays a vital role in driving economic growth not only for Shanghai but for the entire nation, facilitating millions of container shipments each year and supporting both import and export activities.

43 carriers serving this port
2
Qingdao Port
CNTAO· China

Qingdao Port, located in Shandong Province, China, is one of the busiest and most important ports in the world. The port is situated at coordinates 36º 3' 53'' N and 120º 23' 7'' E, making it a strategic gateway for maritime trade in Northeast Asia. With an operational history dating back to the late 19th century, Qingdao Port has undergone extensive development and modernization, serving as a vital hub for international trade and shipping. Its deep-water berths accommodate a wide range of vessels, including container ships, bulk carriers, and oil tankers, playing a critical role in the import and export of goods. As a key node in China's Belt and Road Initiative, Qingdao Port serves not only domestic logistics but also enhances connectivity across the globe, facilitating trade routes linking Asia to Europe and beyond. The port's infrastructure includes sophisticated cargo handling facilities, capable of managing high volumes of container traffic efficiently. Additionally, Qingdao Port supports diverse industries such as textiles, machinery, and chemicals, contributing significantly to the local and national economy. Continuous investments in technology and sustainability initiatives ensure that Qingdao Port remains competitive and environmentally responsible, maintaining its status as a critical player in the global shipping industry.

38 carriers serving this port
3
Ningbo Port
CNNGB· China

Ningbo Port, located in Zhejiang Province, China, is one of the busiest and most significant seaports in the world, playing a vital role in global shipping and trade. Situated at coordinates 29º 52' 18'' N and 121º 33' 33'' E, the port has developed into a crucial maritime gateway that connects China to international markets. With its deep-water berths, advanced cargo handling facilities, and strategic location near the East China Sea, Ningbo Port serves as a principal hub for container traffic, bulk cargo, and general cargo. As a historic port, Ningbo has long been a center of commerce, facilitating trade routes that have evolved over centuries, significantly contributing to the economic development of the region. In the recent years, Ningbo Port has invested heavily in expanding its capacity and improving its infrastructure to accommodate larger vessels and increasing cargo volumes. The port operates multiple container terminals, offering efficient loading and unloading services, along with robust logistics support systems that enhance operational efficiency. Ningbo Port plays a pivotal role in the Belt and Road Initiative, strengthening its position as a key facilitator in China's trade relationships with countries around the globe. Furthermore, the port is actively engaging in sustainable practices by implementing green initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions and improving environmental performance. As Ningbo Port continues to grow, it remains committed to enhancing its role in the global logistics network while supporting the local economy and contributing to sustainable trade practices.

36 carriers serving this port

Where these ports are located

All ranked ports in China

Ports ranked by the number of distinct shipping lines recorded as serving them in the Seadex index. Click any port for its full profile.

#PortCarriers
1Shanghai Port43
2Qingdao Port38
3Ningbo Port36
4Xiamen Port31
5Xingang Port30
6Yantian Port29
7Dalian Port25
8Chiwan Port23
9Shekou Port23
10Tianjin Port16
11Huangpu Port16
12Shenzhen Port14
13Shantou Port12
14Nanjing Port12
15Zhangjiagang Port9
16Wuhan Port8
17Nansha Port8
18Nansha Port8
19Fuzhou Port7
20Zhuhai Port7

Frequently asked questions

How many major ports does China have?
Seadex ranks 20 ports in China with at least one recorded carrier connection; Shanghai Port leads the ranking.
What is the busiest port in China?
By carrier connectivity, Shanghai Port is currently the best-connected port in China with 43 shipping lines serving it.
How is this ranking built?
Seadex records which shipping lines serve each port worldwide. Ports are ranked by the number of distinct carriers linked to them — a practical proxy for connectivity. The ranking refreshes daily as new carrier–port links are ingested.

Source: Seadex aggregated data, 2026