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China
Iran
Area Comparison
Shanghai is 8.7x larger than Tehran
Population Comparison
Shanghai has 2.7x more people than Tehran
Shanghai is significantly larger, covering 8.7 times the area of Tehran. Shanghai spans 6,341 km² (2,448 mi²) while Tehran covers 730 km² (282 mi²) — a difference of 5,611 km². You could fit Tehran inside Shanghai approximately 8 times.
To put Shanghai's size in perspective, its area of 6,341 km² is about 1.5x the size of Los Angeles metro. Meanwhile, Tehran at 730 km² is roughly the same size as New York City.
China's largest city and a global financial hub. Known as "The Pearl of the Orient", Shanghai covers 6,341 km² with a population of 24.9 million. The city was established in 1291. Shanghai is known for The Bund waterfront, Pudong skyline, Yuyuan Garden, among other attractions. The city's main transit system is the Shanghai Metro.
Shanghai's Maglev train reaches 431 km/h, the fastest commercial train in the world
Iran's capital and largest city. Nicknamed "The City of 72 Nations", Tehran has an area of 730 km² and is home to 9.1 million people. The city dates back to 1524. Visitors come for Golestan Palace, Grand Bazaar, Milad Tower, and much more. Getting around is easy with the Tehran Metro.
Tehran sits at the foot of Mount Damavand, the highest volcano in Asia at 5,610 meters
Looking beyond city limits, the Shanghai metropolitan area covers 6,341 km², which is 2.8x larger than greater Tehran at 2,235 km². The Shanghai metro area is also more populous, with 28.5 million people compared to 16.0 million.
Shanghai has a population density of 3,922 people per km² — a moderately dense city. Tehran, with 12,507 people per km², is an extremely dense urban environment. Tehran is dramatically more crowded, with 3.2x the population density.
Both cities are in Asia, but they represent different national approaches to urban development. Shanghai (China) and Tehran (Iran) offer a fascinating regional contrast.
Shanghai has a humid subtropical climate while Tehran experiences hot-summer Mediterranean conditions. When it's noon in Shanghai, it's 7.5:00 AM in Tehran — a 4.5-hour time difference.
Size Ratio
Tehran fits inside Shanghai ~8 times
Density Gap
Tehran is 3.2x more densely populated
Time Difference
4.5 hours apart
History
Shanghai is ~233 years older
The straight-line distance from Shanghai to Tehran is 6,381 km (3,965 miles), with an estimated flight time of ~8h. See full distance details, including timezone difference and city facts.
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