Ports play a critical role in the global economy, connecting countries, and regions through shipping and trade.

Cities with large ports, particularly those located near the coast, have historically had strong economic development. In this article, we will take a look at the top 5 ports in the world based on cargo throughput.

1. Ningbo Zhoushan Port: Located in Ningbo and Zhoushan City, Zhejiang Province, China, Ningbo Zhoushan Port is the only "super port" in the world with an annual cargo throughput of over 1.2 billion tons. It has held the title of the world's busiest port for 13 consecutive years.

The port has the capacity to dock ships with a load of more than 30,000 tons and can accommodate 2,300 cars at the same time. This port is also a popular destination for car companies to deliver their vehicles before distributing them to local dealerships.

2. Shanghai Port: Located in Shanghai, China, at the mouth of the Yangtze River, Shanghai Port is a major hub for container cargo trade, with connections to over 500 ports in 214 countries and regions around the world.

The port's goal is to build the world's largest and most advanced automated container terminal, with a throughput and operational efficiency that ranks first in the world. In 2021, the port's container throughput exceeded 769.7 million tons.

3. Tangshan Port: Located along the coast of China, Tangshan Port is an important part of the specialized transportation system for energy, raw materials, and other bulk materials.

The port has seen significant expansion over the past decade, with the planned shoreline increasing from 32.5 km to 65.5 km and the number of planned berths growing from 344 to 602. The port has a "one port and three districts" development plan, with a staggered layout for growth.

4. Qingdao Port: Located in Qingdao City, Shandong Province, China, across the sea from Japan and the Korean Peninsula, Qingdao Port is a major hub for container shipping.

The port has 178 container lines, the most of any northern China port, and all 20 of the world's top shipping companies call on Qingdao port. Its main businesses include container shipping, coal, crude oil, and iron ore.

5. Guangzhou Port: Consisting of a seaport and an inland waterway port, Guangzhou Port is located in Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China. Since 1978, Guangzhou Port has developed into an important hub of China's comprehensive transportation system and a major port for foreign trade in South China.

The port has been working to promote container development to a new level, and in 2021, completed a total cargo throughput of 623.67 million tons, an increase of 1.8% over the previous year.

It is clear that China is currently a central node in the global industrial chain, with a large economy and a developed industrial manufacturing industry. The top 5 ports in the world are all located in China, highlighting the country's importance in global trade and shipping.