China
Russia
Area Comparison
Guangzhou is 3.0x larger than Moscow
Population Comparison
Guangzhou has 1.5x more people than Moscow
Yes — Guangzhou is 3.0x larger than Moscow by area. Guangzhou spans 7,434 km² (2,870 mi²) while Moscow covers 2,511 km² (970 mi²) — a difference of 4,923 km². You could fit Moscow inside Guangzhou approximately 2 times.
To put Guangzhou's size in perspective, its area of 7,434 km² is about 1.2x the size of Shanghai. Meanwhile, Moscow at 2,511 km² is roughly the same size as Luxembourg.
A major port city and trade hub in southern China. Known as "Canton", Guangzhou covers 7,434 km² with a population of 18.7 million. The city was founded around 214 BC. Guangzhou is known for Canton Tower, Cantonese cuisine (dim sum), Canton Fair, among other attractions. The city's main transit system is the Guangzhou Metro.
Guangzhou has been a major trading port for over 2,000 years and was a key stop on the Maritime Silk Road
Russia's capital and largest city. Often called "The Third Rome", Moscow has an area of 2,511 km² and is home to 12.5 million people. The city dates back to 1147. Visitors come for The Kremlin, Red Square, Saint Basil's Cathedral, and much more. Getting around is easy with the Moscow Metro.
Moscow's metro stations are considered some of the most beautiful in the world, often called 'underground palaces'
Looking beyond city limits, the Guangzhou metropolitan area covers 7,434 km², which is 1.3x larger than greater Moscow at 5,891 km². The Guangzhou metro area is also more populous, with 18.7 million people compared to 17.1 million.
Guangzhou has a population density of 2,513 people per km² — a moderately dense city. Moscow, with 4,994 people per km², is a moderately dense city. Moscow is noticeably denser, packing 2.0 times more people per square kilometer.
This comparison spans continents — Guangzhou in Asia versus Moscow in Europe. Despite the geographic distance, comparing their sizes reveals surprising insights about how cities grow worldwide.
Guangzhou has a humid subtropical climate while Moscow experiences humid continental conditions. Winters differ dramatically: Guangzhou stays around 14°C while Moscow drops to -8°C. When it's noon in Guangzhou, it's 7:00 AM in Moscow — a 5-hour time difference.
Size Ratio
Moscow fits inside Guangzhou ~2 times
Density Gap
Moscow is 2.0x more densely populated
Time Difference
5 hours apart
History
Guangzhou is ~1,361 years older
The straight-line distance from Guangzhou to Moscow is 7,012 km (4,357 miles), with an estimated flight time of ~8h 45m. See full distance details, including timezone difference and city facts.
Want to explore more? Compare city sizes for any two cities worldwide, or share your location live with friends.