Overview of Shanghai
Shanghai is the largest international economic center and important international financial center in China, located in the eastern part of China, at the mouth of the Yangtze River, facing the Pacific Ocean. Shanghai, along with neighboring provinces of Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and Anhui, forms the Yangtze River Delta, which is one of the most active, open, and innovative regions in China's economic development. By the end of 2023, the administrative area of Shanghai will be 6340.5 square kilometers, with a permanent population of 24.8745 million and a per capita GDP of 190300 yuan. The city's gross domestic product has reached 4.72 trillion yuan, continuing to rank among the top cities in the world.
Shanghai is a Chinese city brand and a window for the world to observe China. Shanghai has a rich skyline landscape, including the Oriental Pearl TV Tower Tower, the World Financial Center, Jinmao Tower and other landmark buildings. The Shanghai center Building is the tallest building in China and the third tallest building in the world. From its 118th floor "Top of Shanghai" sightseeing hall, you can overlook the whole city. Shanghai is not only the economic and financial center of China, but also a gathering place for culture and art, hosting various high-level cultural and artistic events for many years in a row.
Shanghai has a significant international position as an international shipping and trade center. The container throughput of Shanghai Port has been leading the world for several consecutive years, reaching 49.158 million TEUs in 2023. Shanghai is also a major international trade and financial center in China, and the China International Import Expo has been held here continuously, attracting global attention. Shanghai ranks first in the world in terms of total trading volume in the financial market and has numerous licensed financial institutions, including many foreign-funded institutions.
Shanghai has achieved remarkable social and economic success, and the quality of life for its people continues to improve. In recent years, Shanghai has made significant achievements in economic development, urban construction, and social services. The total retail sales of consumer goods in Shanghai have consistently ranked first in the country for many years, with well-developed urban infrastructure and continuously improving people's living standards. In the future, Shanghai will continue to enhance its global economic governance influence and strive to build itself into a socialist modern international metropolis with global influence.
Shanghai is the first city in China's economy, with a stable total economic output ranking first among all cities in the country. From January to July 2024, Shanghai achieved a total fiscal revenue of 560.02 billion yuan, making it the only city to exceed 500 billion yuan, demonstrating steady performance.
The economic structure of Shanghai is mainly based on the service industry, with the financial and information software industries being its main pillar industries. The financial industry and the professional service industry, mainly consisting of information software, science and technology, and leasing business, contribute nearly 40% of Shanghai's total economic output. The multiple financial performance indicators of Shanghai International Financial Center have long been among the top in the country, and high-tech industries such as integrated circuits, biomedicine, and artificial intelligence also have leading advantages in the country.
Shanghai has also made significant achievements in the digital economy. In 2023, the added value of the core digital economy industry in Shanghai has exceeded 600 billion yuan, accounting for about 13% of the city's GDP. Shanghai is promoting the compliant and efficient circulation and use of data, empowering the real economy, coordinating data development and security, and tapping into the potential of data elements.
Shanghai has also made significant progress in the field of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance). In 2024, Shanghai released the first comprehensive report in China that comprehensively and systematically showcases local ESG development, demonstrating Shanghai's comprehensive exploration and efforts in promoting sustainable development. Shanghai has actively responded to the national "dual carbon" strategy and formulated a series of forward-looking and innovative ESG related policies and action plans.
