Important ports in China

If you are interested in importing Chinese products, it is essential to be familiar with the most prominent ports in China and choose the best routes to optimize processes, speed up times and reduce costs.

China's strategic geographical location, with its extensive coastline and internal waterways, facilitated the flourishing of the maritime transportation and the construction of some of the largest and most impressive ports that have become modern logistics centers, equipped with the latest technology and an infrastructure that even surpasses other powers such as the United States. Currently , the country's ports , from which approximately 300 million TEU containers are moved per year, together represent close to 20% of the world's total container traffic.

Seven of the ten main commercial ports in the world are located in China, we list them below, classifying them by their relevance and specialization in specific commercial activities:

1.Shanghai port
Currently, it is considered the port with the largest container traffic in the world. Located on the east coast, at the mouth of the Yangtze, Huangpu and Qiantang rivers, it is known as the "economic engine" of the region and specializes in container trade, general cargo handling and chemicals . One of its peculiarities is that it is, at the same time, a river port and a sea port. That is to say, many of the goods can reach the port by navigating internally through the rivers of Chinese territory .

Furthermore, since 2005 China has invested heavily in improving the port's infrastructure, for example, building a deep-water port on the neighboring island of Yangshan or a group of artificial islands in Hangzhou Bay linked to Shanghai . over the now famous Donghai Bridge.

Given its relevance in the trade industry, Shanghai is a region in which TEUs are also manufactured, and can produce more than four million of these containers per year.

2.Shenzhen port
Located in Guangdong province, Shenzhen port is the third largest in the world and is noted for being a center of electronic trade and manufacturing , especially for products such as mobile phones, electronic components and technology devices.
Its strategic location near Hong Kong and its direct connection to major land and sea transportation routes make it a popular choice for importers and exporters for its wide range of logistics services, including warehousing, distribution and customs services.
Shenzhen is a deep-water port and has modern terminals equipped for handling containers, bulk cargo and liquid cargo , as well as advanced technologies such as track and trace systems to improve operational efficiency and security in port operations.

3.Ningbo-Zhoushan Port
This port, located in Zhejiang province, became the fourth largest in the world and one of the fastest growing when the adjacent ports of Ningbo and Zhoushan were merged.
Its strategic location near Shanghai and other important production centers, its direct connection to a large railway and road network, as well as its capacity to manage up to 250,000 tons of oil and 200,000 tons of minerals , make it an important center of transportation and logistics in the region.

Ningbo-Zhoushan has modern port facilities and well-developed infrastructure including specialized terminals for containers, bulk cargo and liquid cargo.

4.Guangzhou port
The Port of Guangzhou, also known as the Port of Canton, is located in Guangdong province, near Hong Kong and Macau. It is one of the oldest and most important ports in China in the country.
Since ancient times, it has been a key center for maritime and river trade in the Pearl River Delta region. Currently, it is the most important gateway for international trade in southern China. It has terminals specialized in a wide range of merchandise, including containers, bulk cargo, refrigerated cargo and chemicals.

5.Qingdao port
One of China's largest and busiest ports, located on the east coast in Shandong province and recognized for its ability to handle large volumes of cargo. Qingdao is a strategic access point for trade between China and other Northeast Asian countries.
Qingdao Port specializes in the trade of chemicals, food products, machinery and equipment, standing out for its focus on environmental protection and the implementation of sustainable practices.

6.Hong Kong port
Located on the southern coast of China, in the Hong Kong special administrative region (i.e. it is part of China, but not subject to the central government), this port plays a crucial role in Asian trade and is a financial center of world renown.
Its prime geographical location in the Pearl River Delta has given it a significant advantage as a connection point between mainland China and the rest of the world. The port of Hong Kong has very advanced infrastructure and automation systems, recognized for their operational efficiency, safety and quality, specializing in the handling of containers and general cargo.
One of the distinctive features of the Port of Hong Kong is its focus on logistics and value-added services. In addition to cargo handling, the port offers storage, distribution, consolidation and product valuation services , which makes it especially attractive to importers and exporters .

7.Tianjin port
The port of Tianjin is located very close to Beijing and has great historical importance. Currently, it is recognized for its activity in the trade of bulk, minerals and petroleum products .
These are just a few examples of China's most notable ports, but the country has an extensive network of ports along its extensive coastline, each with its own focus and specialization.

Guangzhou China-Latin Logistics: your best ally to import from China
When importing from China, choosing the right port and route is a crucial factor for the success of the operation. Some elements to consider include geographic location, port infrastructure, specialization in the type of product you want to import , availability of logistics services, and associated fees.
At Guangzhou China-Latin Logistics, we understand the challenges involved in international trade and specialize in providing comprehensive solutions for importing. from China:
- Own office in the Asian giant
- Wide network of commercial allies
- Personalized and efficient services to all types of companies
- More than 10 years of experience
In addition, we maintain a close relationship with our commercial allies in China's ports, which allows us to access updated information on the most efficient ports and routes at all times.

Our team of highly trained professionals will be in charge of managing all aspects of your operation, from the search for reliable suppliers to transportation logistics and customs management. We ensure that your products reach their destination safely and on time, optimizing costs and guaranteeing your satisfaction, contact us!

Written by YEN