Guangzhou, China
Guangzhou is China’s southern gateway and a major global port, trade, and innovation hub with rich cultural heritage.
Port Overview
Guangzhou is the capital of Guangdong Province in southern China, located on the Pearl River approximately 120 kilometers northwest of Hong Kong. As China's third-largest city, it covers 7,434 square kilometers with a population exceeding 18 million. The city serves as one of China's nine National Central Cities and stands at the heart of the Pearl River Delta Economic Zone, anchoring one of the world's largest urban agglomerations with over 70 million residents. Guangzhou functions as a major international port and transportation hub, historically serving as a terminus of the maritime Silk Road and hosting the prestigious Canton Fair, China's oldest and largest trade exhibition.
Facilities & Infrastructure
Guangzhou Port features major terminals at Nansha and Huangpu. Nansha Port offers 16 deep-water container berths, advanced automated terminals (including the fully automated Phase IV terminal), and specialized RoRo and reefer facilities. Huangpu Port focuses on bulk cargo with dedicated terminals for minerals, steel, and petroleum. The port is equipped with modern ship-to-shore cranes, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), X-ray inspection systems, and extensive storage, supporting efficient handling of containers, bulk, and specialized cargo.
Container Terminals
Guangzhou Port operates 8 major container terminals, primarily in the Nansha, Xinsha, and Huangpu port areas. The port has over 40 dedicated container berths and an annual container handling capacity exceeding 25 million TEUs. Automation is advancing, especially at Nansha, with modern automated equipment and digital systems. The main operator is the state-owned Guangzhou Port Group Co. Ltd., overseeing all container terminal operations and infrastructure development.
Port Services
Main Services at Port of Guangzhou
Container Operations
- Container loading/discharging and transshipment services
- Approximately 25 million TEUs annual capacity
Cargo Handling
- Bulk cargo, general cargo, and break-bulk operations
- Specialized handling for oil, coal, grain, steel, ore, automobiles, and chemicals
Ship Services
- Comprehensive berthing facilities with over 2,000 berths
- Deep-water berths accommodating vessels up to 150,000 tonnage class
Warehousing & Storage
- Bonded warehousing facilities
- Cold storage and specialized cargo storage
Customs & Inspection
- Centralized inspection center with 7-day clearance capability
- Pre-clearance and streamlined customs services
Global Connectivity
Guangzhou is a major maritime hub in South China, connecting over 300 ports in more than 80 countries. Its main terminals, Nansha and Huangpu, serve the Pearl River Delta and inland provinces, linking to key regions such as Guangxi, Yunnan, Sichuan, and Hunan. Guangzhou offers direct shipping routes to Asia, North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Australia, supporting global trade through frequent connections and advanced logistics infrastructure.
Port Statistics
Port of Guangzhou Key Statistics
Container Throughput: 13.64 million TEUs (January-June 2025), positioning it as China's fifth-largest container port
Global Ranking: Among the world's top container ports, serving as South China's largest comprehensive port
Coverage: Serves over 300 ports across more than 80 countries and regions worldwide
Strategic Location: Located at the confluence of the Dongxiang, Xinjiang, and Beijing rivers in the Pearl River Delta
Top Trading Partners: European Union, United States, and ASEAN nations
Recent Developments: Implementing eco-focused upgrades including electric handling equipment and expanded rail connectivity to support green-port initiatives
