Shanghai's journey toward becoming a global aviation and shipping hub began with strategic endorsements from the State Council in the 1990s. The vision has since evolved into the ambitious blueprint set out in the 14th Five-Year Plan for the Shanghai International Shipping Center (2021-25).

Key achievements and highlights

Shanghai Port has maintained its position as the world's top container port for 16 consecutive years, handling more than 55.06 million twenty-foot equivalent units, or TEUs, in 2025. On Dec 22, 2024, it became the first port in the world to surpass 50 million TEUs in annual container throughput.

In 2025, Shanghai's Pudong and Hongqiao international airports handled 839,000 flights, marking a 4.5 percent year-on-year increase. Passenger throughput reached 135 million passenger trips, up 8.3 percent, while cargo and mail throughput rose 7.9 percent to 4.54 million metric tons.

China's first domestically built large cruise ship, Adora Magic City, which made its maiden commercial voyage from Shanghai on Jan 1, 2024, welcomed its one-millionth passenger on Feb 8, 2026.

A large number of international and domestic shipping enterprises have established their headquarters in Shanghai, reflecting the city's growing importance as a global maritime hub.

In 2026, Shanghai will accelerate major projects, including development of the area north of Xiaoyangshan Island, construction of Shanghai East Railway Station, and Phase IV expansion of Pudong International Airport. The city will also complete the second phase renovation of the container terminal at Luojing Port.

Shanghai Shipping Exchange

The Shanghai Shipping Exchange serves as a central platform for global shipping and indices, facilitating the exchange of freight rates and ship trading data. The freight indices tracked by the exchange are key indicators of the global shipping market. Most notably, China's first shipping index futures began trading in 2023.

History and goals

Since the 1990s, Shanghai has been working towards its vision of becoming an international aviation and shipping hub.

The State Council approved the strategy in 1996, with Shanghai's deep-water port as its core and ports in Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces providing support. The State Council clarified this objective twice: in May 2001 and April 2009.

In July 2021, Shanghai unveiled its 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) for the International Shipping Center, with the goal of establishing a new development pattern by 2025 that prioritizes enhanced services, influence, innovation and competitiveness.

Shanghai aspires to build a world-class international shipping center that is convenient, efficient, functional, open, green, and smart.

Updated in February 2026

Sources: Shanghai Municipal Government Work Report, 2025 Shanghai Basic Facts