Area

Shanghai covers an area of 6,340.5 square kilometres, 0.06% of China's total territory, consisting of 19 districts and 1counties, of which the city proper occupies an area of 2,642.6 square kilometres . It extends about 120 kilometres in north and south and nearly 100 kilometres in east and west. Shanghai has a land area of 6,219 square kilometres and water area of 122 square kilometres. The city's Chongming Island is the third largest island in China, covering an area of 1,041 square kilometres.

Dotted with many rivers and lakes, the Shanghai area is known for its rich water resources. Most of the rivers are tributaries of the Huangpu River. Originated from the Taihu Lake, the 113-kilometre-long Huangpu River winds through the downtown area of the city. The river is about 300 to 770 metres wide with an average width standing at 360 metres. The ice-free Huangpu River is the main waterway in the Shanghai area.