Shantou Population 2026
Shantou has a population of 3,838,900, making it the #33 biggest city in 🇨🇳 China, located in Guangdong. Roughly 0.3% of China's population lives here. It is about 6.5× smaller than Shanghai, the country's biggest city.
Population (city proper)
3,838,900
Rank in China
#33
Coordinates
23.35°N, 116.68°E
~3 m elevation · Asia/Shanghai
Distance to capital (Beijing)
1,841 km
1,143 miles, straight line
Other big cities in Guangdong
Cities near Shantou
FAQ
What is the population of Shantou?
Shantou has a population of 3,838,900 (city proper, latest official figure via GeoNames), making it the #33 biggest city in China.
What region is Shantou in?
Shantou is located in Guangdong, China.
Is Shantou the capital of China?
No, the capital of China is Beijing, about 1,841 km away.
Sources & notes
Population refers to the city proper (municipal boundaries), not the metropolitan area. Source: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0), retrieved 2026-07-07. Country data: UN World Population Prospects 2024.