Highlights
By Jin Yingying
In a recent announcement by the Zhejiang Provincial Bureau of Statistics, as of the end of 2023, the permanent population of Hangzhou has soared to 12.52 million, up by 146,000 from 2022. This significant growth not only underscores Hangzhou's appeal but also marks its evolution from a mega city to a super mega city.
As the most populous city in Zhejiang, Hangzhou's permanent residents now account for 18.9% of the province's total population. Moreover, Hangzhou has achieved double-digit population growth for nine consecutive years.
The city's population "siphon effect" began to gain momentum in 2015, following the strategic emphasis on vigorously developing the information economy and promoting smart applications, labeled as the "Number One Project". That year, Hangzhou joined the "Trillion Yuan GDP City Club" for the first time. By 2023, Hangzhou's economy reached new heights, leaping from the "One Trillion Yuan Formation" to the "Two Trillion Yuan Formation," reflecting a substantial economic breakthrough.
Major events such as the G20 Summit and the Hangzhou Asian Games, along with the introduction of new policies aimed at building a "global talent pool," have significantly contributed to the city's population increase. These initiatives have made Hangzhou an increasingly attractive destination for people from across China and around the world.