Summary of Key Points
The top ten cities with the largest increases in permanent population nationwide for 2025 have been announced, with Guangdong accounting for six of them (Shenzhen, Dongguan, Guangzhou, Foshan, Zhongshan, and Huizhou). Among them, Shenzhen leads with an increase of 259,000 people, followed by Dongguan and Guangzhou; the other four cities are Changsha, Jinan, Hangzhou, and Qingdao. Guangdong's population growth is driven by "dual engines": firstly, its strong industries attract a net inflow of migrant population (mechanical growth); secondly, its large number of young people combined with a traditional fertility culture result in a high birth rate (natural growth). The other top ten cities also attract residents due to their respective industrial strengths (such as Hangzhou's digital economy and Jinan's industrial upgrading), and the direction of population flow directly reflects the economic vitality and development potential of these cities.
I. The Pearl River Delta as a "Magnet" for Population: The Secret Behind the Six Cities in the Top Ten
The six cities in the Pearl River Delta making it into the top ten are primarily because their industries are profitable and offer numerous opportunities:
- Shenzhen: It attracts talent through its high-tech industries, with the government providing comprehensive support for recruitment, training, employment, and retention. Last year, it had a total of over 7.19 million people, including 1.66 million highly skilled professionals, attracting 259,000 new residents, the highest increase in the country.
- Dongguan: Situated next to Shenzhen, it benefits from the spillover of industrial activities (e.g., electronics manufacturing), creating many job opportunities and adding 229,600 new residents last year.
- Guangzhou: Its population has increased by more than 100,000 for three consecutive years, thanks to six advanced manufacturing clusters worth over 100 billion yuan each (e.g., automotive, electronics), as well as ten service industries worth over 100 billion yuan each. Its strong innovation capabilities (part of the "Shenzhen-Guangzhou-Hong Kong" innovation cluster) help it retain its population.
- Foshan, Zhongshan, and Huizhou: Benefiting from the Pearl River Delta's industrial development, these cities offer stable employment in sectors such as manufacturing and electronics, each gaining 70,000 to 90,000 new residents.
In short, the Pearl River Delta is like a large factory and market with plenty of jobs and opportunities, naturally attracting people.
II. Guangdong's "Dual Engines" for Population Growth: Influx of Migrants + High Birth Rate
Guangdong saw an increase of 790,000 permanent residents last year, the highest in the country, driven by two factors:
- Factor 1: Migrants are drawn to its economy (mechanical growth). With a GDP ranking first in China for 37 consecutive years and accounting for one-tenth of the national total, Guangdong's rapid industrial transformation (e.g., from traditional manufacturing to high-tech) provides many good jobs. Last year, it had a net inflow of about 500,000 migrants, equivalent to the population of a medium-sized county.
- Factor 2: Local residents are willing to have children (natural growth). Guangdong saw 1.003 million births last year, with one in every eight newborns being from there. This is due to the young age of most migrants (20-40 years old) and the strong fertility culture in regions like Chaoshan in eastern Guangdong and Zhanjiang in western Guangdong, even despite declining birth rates compared to other areas.
These two factors together contribute to Guangdong's rapid population growth.
III. The "Retention Strategies" of the Non-Guangdong Cities in the Top Ten
In addition to the six cities from Guangdong, Changsha, Jinan, Hangzhou, and Qingdao also have their own unique strengths:
- Changsha: Its economy is growing steadily, with a population increase of 104,900 last year, thanks to a balanced development of manufacturing and services and relatively low living costs (e.g., affordable housing), attracting young residents.
- Jinan: Its GDP has exceeded 400 billion yuan in the past five years, with industrial revenues reaching over one trillion yuan, and its research capabilities have improved (ranked 27th globally). This combination of industry and technology has made it the leader in population growth in Shandong for two consecutive years.
- Hangzhou: Its digital economy is a key driver, accounting for nearly 30% of GDP last year (678 billion yuan), with a 9.3% increase. The city is expanding from consumer internet (e.g., e-commerce) to industrial internet and artificial intelligence, offering good prospects for skilled professionals.
- Qingdao: It maintains a steady population growth thanks to its marine economy, manufacturing (e.g., home appliances), and port advantages, providing stable job opportunities.
These cities may not have the same cluster strengths as the Pearl River Delta, but they still manage to retain residents through their unique industries and economic vitality.
IV. Population Growth as a Barometer of Economic Vitality: The Direction of Flow Reveals Development Potential
Where people move indicates where the future lies. Cities with strong high-tech and digital economies (e.g., Shenzhen and Hangzhou) or advanced industrial clusters (e.g., Guangzhou) attract residents, which in turn bring labor, consumption, and innovation, fostering a positive cycle of economic growth ("people come → economy improves → more people come"). Conversely, slow or negative population growth may indicate weak industries and limited job opportunities.
In conclusion, population growth is not just a numerical statistic; it reflects the comprehensive strength of a city's economy, industrial prospects, and living environment. People move to where they can earn money and live well.