What Is My Elevation

Topography & Elevation Map of China

China Elevation Facts

Average elevation 1,840 m (6,037 ft)
Highest point Mount Everest: 8,849 m (29,032 ft)
Lowest point Turpan Depression: 154 m (505 ft) below sea level
Elevation range 9,003 m (29,537 ft) from the lowest point to the highest
Highest-elevation city Chengdu: 500 m (1,640 ft)
Lowest-elevation city Tianjin: 3 m (10 ft)

China is home to some of the most varied topography in the world. From the glaciers in the Tibetan Plateau to the subtropical forests in the south, China's terrain offers a diverse ecosystem for plants, animals, and humans to thrive.

Flag of China

The country's highest point is located in the Himalayas and stands at a towering 8,849 meters above sea level. This mountain, known as Mount Everest, is the highest peak in the world and draws climbers from around the globe. Its summit sits on the border with Nepal, which was jointly surveyed by China and Nepal in 2020.

In contrast, China also has several low-lying regions, such as the Turpan Basin, which lies 154 meters below sea level. These regions often experience extreme heat and droughts, making them challenging environments for both humans and wildlife.

Overall, China's topography is a dynamic landscape that shapes both the natural environment and the country's culture and society.

Highest Point in China

The highest point in China is Mount Everest, standing at 8,849 meters (29,032 feet) above sea level. This peak is located in the Himalayas and draws climbers from around the world, who brave the extreme conditions to reach the summit.

Lowest Point in China

The lowest point in China is Turpan Basin, lying 154 meters below sea level. This region is known for extreme heat and dryness, with temperatures often reaching over 40 degrees Celsius during the hottest months of the year.

Countries with Similar Topography to China

Compared to its neighbours, China has one of the most complex and diverse topographies of any country on earth. Russia, India, Kazakhstan and Mongolia share its high plateaus and vast mountain belts, but few offer such a range of terrain as China, from the Tarim Basin below sea level to the glaciers of the Tibetan Plateau.

Highest-Elevation Cities in China

Of the 10 cities listed below, Chengdu is the highest at 500 m (1,640 ft) above sea level, and Tianjin is the lowest at 3 m (10 ft).

City Elevation Elevation in feet
Chengdu 500 m 1,640 ft
Xi'an 400 m 1,312 ft
Chongqing 271 m 889 ft
Beijing 43 m 141 ft
Shenzhen 38 m 125 ft
Guangzhou 10 m 33 ft
Nanjing 8 m 26 ft
Hangzhou 7 m 23 ft
Shanghai 4 m 13 ft
Tianjin 3 m 10 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the highest point in China?

The highest point in China is Mount Everest, at 8,849 m (29,032 ft) above sea level.

What is the lowest point in China?

The lowest point in China is Turpan Depression, at 154 m (505 ft) below sea level.

What is the average elevation of China?

The average elevation of China is 1,840 m (6,037 ft) above sea level, based on the CIA World Factbook.

What is the highest-elevation city in China?

Of the cities listed for China, Chengdu is the highest, at 500 m (1,640 ft) above sea level.

What is the lowest-elevation city in China?

Of the cities listed for China, Tianjin is the lowest, at 3 m (10 ft) above sea level.

What is the elevation range in China?

Elevation in China ranges from 154 m (505 ft) below sea level at Turpan Depression to 8,849 m (29,032 ft) at Mount Everest, a difference of 9,003 m (29,537 ft).