The CBD of Hangzhou. [Photo/IC]

The Zhejiang Provincial Bureau of Statistics released the main population data report for 2023 on Feb 26, revealing that the capital city Hangzhou's permanent population had reached 12.52 million as of the end of 2023.

The population surge in Hangzhou traces back to 2015 when the city started prioritizing the development of the information economy and smart applications.

In 2015, Hangzhou entered the "Trillion-yuan GDP City Club" for the first time, and last year, the city's economic output surpassed the 2-trillion-yuan ($277.85 million) mark. Events like the G20 Summit and the Hangzhou Asian Games, along with various talent policies aimed at building a global talent reservoir, have attracted an influx of people to the city.

As the permanent population continues to grow, the urban area of Hangzhou is also expanding.

In 2023, the city's urban population surpassed 10 million, marking a transition from its megacity status earned eight years ago to its current status as a megacity behemoth. Sustained high-quality development and enhancement of urban connotations have attracted industry, people, and innovation to the city.

A bird's-eye view of Hangzhou. [Photo/CFP]