Hefei, the capital of East China's Anhui Province, has officially become China's 18th city to surpass 10 million permanent residents, according to the 2024 Annual Population Sample Survey. The milestone underscores rapid urbanization trends and economic vitality in the Yangtze River Delta region.
Anhui Province's total permanent population reached 61.23 million by late 2024, with Hefei accounting for 10.002 million residents—a reflection of its 86.38% urbanization rate. This places Hefei alongside mega-cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen in the exclusive '10 Million Club.'
Notably, 15 of China’s 17 other cities with populations above 10 million also reported GDP exceeding 1 trillion yuan ($138 billion), reinforcing the link between dense urban populations and economic dominance. Hefei’s growth aligns with broader patterns visible in the Yangtze River Delta, where cities like Wenzhou and Nanjing are nearing the 10-million threshold.
Analysts highlight Hefei’s rise as a tech and manufacturing hub, attracting domestic migrants and businesses. This demographic shift signals opportunities for investors tracking Asia's urban development trends, while offering researchers insights into sustainable growth strategies for fast-expanding cities.
