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Turkey
China
Area Comparison
Istanbul is 1.2x smaller than Shanghai
Population Comparison
Istanbul has 1.6x fewer people than Shanghai
Shanghai is significantly larger, covering 1.2 times the area of Istanbul. Shanghai spans 6,341 km² (2,448 mi²) while Istanbul covers 5,461 km² (2,109 mi²) — a difference of 880 km².
To put Istanbul's size in perspective, its area of 5,461 km² is about 1.2x smaller than Shanghai. Meanwhile, Shanghai at 6,341 km² is about 1.5x the size of Los Angeles metro.
Turkey's largest city, spanning Europe and Asia. Known as "The City on Two Continents", Istanbul covers 5,461 km² with a population of 15.5 million. The city was founded around 660 BC. Istanbul is known for Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, among other attractions. The city's main transit system is the Istanbul Metro.
Istanbul is the only city in the world that spans two continents — Europe and Asia
China's largest city and a global financial hub. Also known as "The Pearl of the Orient", Shanghai has an area of 6,341 km² and is home to 24.9 million people. It was established in 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 Shanghai metropolitan area covers 6,341 km², which is 1.2x larger than greater Istanbul at 5,461 km². The Shanghai metro area is also more populous, with 28.5 million people compared to 15.5 million.
Istanbul has a population density of 2,831 people per km² — a moderately dense city. Shanghai, with 3,922 people per km², is a moderately dense city. Both cities have comparable density, though Shanghai is slightly more compact.
This comparison spans continents — Istanbul in Europe versus Shanghai in Asia. Despite the geographic distance, comparing their sizes reveals surprising insights about how cities grow worldwide.
Istanbul has a oceanic climate while Shanghai experiences humid subtropical conditions. When it's noon in Shanghai, it's 7:00 AM in Istanbul — a 5-hour time difference.
Density Gap
Shanghai is 1.4x more densely populated
Time Difference
5 hours apart
History
Istanbul is ~1,951 years older
The straight-line distance from Istanbul to Shanghai is 7,985 km (4,962 miles), with an estimated flight time of ~9h 54m. See full distance details, including timezone difference and city facts.
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