Container gateway · China
Port of Shanghai
Shanghai is a container gateway on the East China Sea in China (East Asia). Below: key facts, how it connects with Vietnam and what to prepare when shipping through it.
Key facts
- Country / territory
- China
- UN/LOCODE
- CNSHA
- Port type
- Container gateway
- Region
- East Asia
- Waters
- East China Sea
- Coordinates
- 30.63°N, 122.07°E
- Container throughput
- ≈ 49.2 million TEU (2023)
- Local name
- 上海港
- Sea distance from Vietnam
- approx. 1,430 nm
About the port of Shanghai
Shanghai has been the world’s busiest container port for more than a decade. Its deep-water Yangshan terminals, connected to the mainland by the Donghai Bridge, handle the largest ships, while the Waigaoqiao terminals serve the Yangtze River Delta.
From Vietnam, Shanghai is reached on frequent direct intra-Asia services through the Taiwan Strait, typically in four to six days.
Shanghai is a container gateway: most boxes handled are imports and exports for its own hinterland, carried on mainline and regional services.
According to port authority reports and widely published rankings, Shanghai handled approximately 49.2 million TEU in 2023.
Role in trade with Vietnam
Trade between Vietnam and East Asia (China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong) runs on one of the densest intra-Asia networks in the world, with many direct weekly services and short transit times.
Sea routes and transit times from Vietnam
Estimated port-to-port distances and transit times on typical routings. Actual schedules depend on the service and its port rotation.
| Route | Distance | Transit (direct) |
|---|---|---|
| Hai Phong → Shanghai | 1,430 | 3–5 days |
| Cat Lai (Ho Chi Minh City) → Shanghai | 1,600 | 4–5 days |
Shipping lines
Carriers often associated with services through Shanghai that are relevant to Vietnam (indicative only — networks change every season):
Customs and documentation tips
- Make sure the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and customs declaration show consistent descriptions, HS codes, quantities and weights.
- Agree the Incoterms® rule and who arranges freight, insurance and destination charges before booking.
- Choose the bill of lading type (original, telex release or sea waybill) according to the payment terms with your buyer or supplier.
- Declare the verified gross mass (VGM) of each container before the carrier’s cut-off, as required by SOLAS.
- Check destination import requirements early: licences, product standards, labelling, fumigation or phytosanitary certificates where applicable.
- For China, manifest data must be transmitted to customs in advance of loading, so accurate consignee and cargo details are needed early.
Vietnam has free trade agreements with China that may reduce import duties with a valid proof of origin: RCEP, ACFTA. Vietnam’s free trade agreements →
Frequently asked questions about Shanghai
Where is the port of Shanghai?
Shanghai is in China, on the East China Sea, in the East Asia shipping region.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Shanghai?
The UN/LOCODE commonly used for Shanghai is CNSHA. Check the exact terminal or location code required by the carrier when booking.
How long does sea freight take from Vietnam to Shanghai?
On a typical routing from Cat Lai (Ho Chi Minh City), the sea distance is about 1,600 nautical miles and a direct service takes roughly 4–5 days port to port. Services with transshipment take longer.
How big is the port of Shanghai?
According to published rankings, Shanghai handled approximately 49.2 million TEU in 2023.
What documents are needed to ship via Shanghai?
Usually a commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading, plus any certificates required by the destination (origin, phytosanitary, fumigation, licences). Advance cargo filings may apply before loading.
Can Global Logistic Group arrange shipping to or from Shanghai?
Yes. We arrange FCL and LCL ocean freight, customs clearance and inland transport for Shanghai through our carrier contracts and agent network. Send us your cargo details for a quote.
Information on this page is general guidance compiled by Global Logistic Group from public sources. Port facilities, carrier networks, routings and transit times change frequently; always confirm current schedules, cut-offs and requirements with us or the carrier before booking. Data as of October 2026.