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India
China
Area Comparison
Delhi is 4.3x smaller than Shanghai
Population Comparison
Delhi has 1.5x fewer people than Shanghai
In terms of area, Shanghai is 4.3x the size of Delhi. Shanghai spans 6,341 km² (2,448 mi²) while Delhi covers 1,484 km² (573 mi²) — a difference of 4,857 km². You could fit Delhi inside Shanghai approximately 4 times.
To put Delhi's size in perspective, its area of 1,484 km² is roughly the same size as London. Meanwhile, Shanghai at 6,341 km² is about 1.5x the size of Los Angeles metro.
India's capital territory and a historic city. Known as "Dilli", Delhi covers 1,484 km² with a population of 16.8 million. The city was founded around 1500 BC. Delhi is known for Red Fort, Qutub Minar, India Gate, among other attractions. The city's main transit system is the Delhi Metro.
Delhi has been continuously inhabited for over 3,000 years and served as capital for multiple empires
China's largest city and a global financial hub. Nicknamed "The Pearl of the Orient", Shanghai has an area of 6,341 km² and is home to 24.9 million people. The city dates back to 1291. Visitors come for The Bund waterfront, Pudong skyline, Yuyuan Garden, and much more. Getting around is easy with the Shanghai Metro.
Shanghai's Maglev train reaches 431 km/h, the fastest commercial train in the world
Looking beyond city limits, the Delhi metropolitan area covers 46,208 km², which is 7.3x larger than greater Shanghai at 6,341 km². The Delhi metro area is also more populous, with 32.9 million people compared to 28.5 million.
Delhi has a population density of 11,314 people per km² — an extremely dense urban environment. Shanghai, with 3,922 people per km², is a moderately dense city. Delhi is noticeably denser, packing 2.9 times more people per square kilometer.
Both cities are in Asia, but they represent different national approaches to urban development. Delhi (India) and Shanghai (China) offer a fascinating regional contrast.
Both cities share a humid subtropical climate, though local geography creates distinct microclimates in each. When it's noon in Shanghai, it's 9.5:00 AM in Delhi — a 2.5-hour time difference.
Size Ratio
Delhi fits inside Shanghai ~4 times
Density Gap
Delhi is 2.9x more densely populated
History
Delhi is ~2,791 years older
The straight-line distance from Delhi to Shanghai is 4,255 km (2,644 miles), with an estimated flight time of ~5h 30m. See full distance details, including timezone difference and city facts.
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