Below is the list of cities and towns in 🇨🇳 China whose name begins with the letter S. You will also find some general information about each of them.
| Name | Province | Population (rounded) |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Shanghai | 24,870,000 |
| Shenzhen | Guangdong | 17,560,000 |
| Shijiazhuang | Hebei | 11,230,000 |
| Shenyang | Liaoning | 9,070,000 |
| Suqian | Jiangsu | 4,780,000 |
| Suzhou | Jiangsu | 10,720,000 |
| Shaoxing | Zhejiang | 5,130,000 |
| Shantou | Guangdong | 5,600,000 |
| Sanmenxia | Henan | 2,190,000 |
| Shihezi | XUAR | 650,000 |
| Shangqiu | Henan | 7,700,000 |
| Shiyan | Hubei | 3,360,000 |
| Sanya | Hainan | 1,030,000 |
| Songyuan | Jilin | 2,850,000 |
Shanghai
Pronunciation: “Shahng-hai”
Shanghai is China’s largest city and one of the world’s most populous cities. Located on the eastern coast, it is a global financial hub and a major center for trade, culture, and technology. The name “Shanghai” means “Upon the Sea,” reflecting its coastal location. Shanghai is known for its towering skyscrapers, such as the Oriental Pearl Tower, and its vibrant cultural scene.
Shenzhen
Pronunciation: “Shen-jzen”
Shenzhen, located in Guangdong Province, is one of China’s most rapidly growing cities, often considered a tech capital. Once a small fishing village, it transformed into a metropolis due to its designation as a Special Economic Zone. Its name means “Deep Drainage,” referring to the deep rivers in the region. The city is famous for its innovation and as the birthplace of major tech companies like Huawei.
Shijiazhuang
Pronunciation: “Shur-jya-jwong”
Shijiazhuang is the capital of Hebei Province in northern China. The name translates to “The Village of the Shi Family.” Once a small village, it became an industrial and transportation hub with a strong economy based on textiles, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. The city is known for its historical significance and proximity to the Taihang Mountains.
Shenyang
Pronunciation: “Shen-yang”
Shenyang, the capital of Liaoning Province, is one of China’s major industrial cities, particularly in heavy machinery and aerospace. Historically known as Mukden, it played a crucial role during the Qing Dynasty. Its name means “The Yang Side of the Shen River.” Shenyang is also known for the Mukden Palace, a smaller version of Beijing’s Forbidden City.
Suqian
Pronunciation: “Soo-chyen”
Suqian is a city in northern Jiangsu Province, known for its agriculture and wine production. The name Suqian refers to “The Land of Su and Qian,” which are historical regions. Suqian has a fast-growing economy, driven by industries such as textiles, food processing, and light manufacturing. It is also known for its natural beauty, including Lake Hongze.
Suzhou
Pronunciation: “Soo-joe”
Suzhou is one of China’s most famous historical cities, located in Jiangsu Province. Known for its canals, gardens, and classical Chinese architecture, Suzhou is often referred to as the “Venice of the East.” The name means “The Garrison of Su,” referring to its military history. Suzhou is renowned for its silk industry and its UNESCO World Heritage-listed classical gardens.
Shaoxing
Pronunciation: “Shaow-shing”
Shaoxing, located in Zhejiang Province, is a city with a rich cultural and historical heritage. It is well-known for its production of Shaoxing wine, a traditional Chinese rice wine. The city’s name translates to “The Flourishing of the Shao Dynasty,” referencing an ancient Chinese dynasty. Shaoxing is also famous for its waterways and ancient bridges.
Shantou
Pronunciation: “Shahn-tow”
Shantou is a port city in Guangdong Province, historically one of China’s treaty ports. The city is known for its deep harbor and strategic location for maritime trade. Shantou means “Swallow’s Head,” referencing the shape of the nearby mountains. The city is famous for its seafood, traditional crafts, and unique Teochew culture.
Sanmenxia
Pronunciation: “San-men-shyah”
Sanmenxia is a city in Henan Province, known for the Sanmenxia Dam on the Yellow River. The city’s name means “The Gorge of Three Gates,” referring to the natural formations in the river that shaped the region’s geography. Sanmenxia is a key point in China’s water conservation and hydroelectric projects.
Shihezi
Pronunciation: “Shih-huh-zeh”
Shihezi is a city in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, known for its agriculture and production of cotton, fruit, and other crops. The name means “The Stone River,” referencing the region’s rocky terrain. Shihezi is notable for its planned, modern layout and for being a base for reclamation and settlement in the arid lands of Xinjiang.
Shangqiu
Pronunciation: “Shahng-chyou”
Shangqiu, located in Henan Province, is one of China’s oldest cities, with a history dating back more than 4,000 years. The city’s name translates to “The Hills of the Shang,” referencing the ancient Shang Dynasty. Shangqiu is known for its historical sites, including ancient city walls and ruins.
Shiyan
Pronunciation: “Shee-yen”
Shiyan is a city in Hubei Province, best known for its role in China’s automotive industry, particularly as the home of Dongfeng Motors. Its name means “The Stone Crag,” referring to its mountainous terrain. Shiyan is also close to Wudang Mountain, a famous Taoist pilgrimage site.
Sanya
Pronunciation: “Sahn-yah”
Sanya is a tropical city on the southern tip of Hainan Island, known for its sandy beaches and warm weather. The city’s name means “Three Cliffs,” referring to the rocky coastline. Sanya is a popular tourist destination and is famous for its luxury resorts and cultural diversity, including a mix of Han Chinese, Li, and other ethnic minorities.
Songyuan
Pronunciation: “Song-yuan”
Songyuan is a city in Jilin Province, located in the northeast of China. The city’s name means “The Source of the Songhua River,” referencing the nearby river. Songyuan is a center for the oil and gas industries, with its economy driven by natural resources. The city also has significant agricultural production, particularly in corn and soybeans.
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