Guangzhou vs Rio de Janeiro - City Size Comparison

Is Guangzhou Bigger Than Rio de Janeiro?

Yes — Guangzhou is 6.1x larger than Rio de Janeiro by area. Guangzhou spans 7,434 km² (2,870 mi²) while Rio de Janeiro covers 1,221 km² (471 mi²) — a difference of 6,213 km². You could fit Rio de Janeiro inside Guangzhou approximately 6 times.

About Guangzhou

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

About Rio de Janeiro

Brazil's iconic coastal city known for Carnival. Nicknamed "The Marvelous City", Rio de Janeiro has an area of 1,221 km² and is home to 6.8 million people. It was established in 1565. Visitors come for Christ the Redeemer, Copacabana Beach, Carnival, and much more. Getting around is easy with the MetrôRio.

Rio's Christ the Redeemer statue is struck by lightning an average of 6 times per year

Metropolitan Area Comparison

Looking beyond city limits, the Guangzhou metropolitan area covers 7,434 km², which is 1.1x larger than greater Rio de Janeiro at 6,744 km². The Guangzhou metro area is also more populous, with 18.7 million people compared to 13.5 million.

Population Density

Guangzhou has a population density of 2,513 people per km² — a moderately dense city. Rio de Janeiro, with 5,528 people per km², is a densely populated city. Rio de Janeiro is noticeably denser, packing 2.2 times more people per square kilometer.

Climate & Time Zone

Guangzhou has a humid subtropical climate while Rio de Janeiro experiences tropical savanna conditions. When it's noon in Guangzhou, it's 1:00 AM in Rio de Janeiro — a 11-hour time difference.