China has established 22 Free Trade Zones (FTZs) plus the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) since 2013. Each FTZ has different focus industries, incentives, and geographic advantages. This complete list helps you find the right FTZ for your business.
Complete China FTZ List (22 + Hainan FTP)
| # | FTZ Name | Year | Key Focus | 15% CIT | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shanghai FTZ | 2013 | Finance, trade, HQs, R&D | ✅ Lingang | Regional HQs, finance, tech |
| 2 | Guangdong FTZ | 2015 | Qianhai (finance/HK), Nansha (trade), Hengqin (tourism) | ✅ Qianhai | HK-linked business, GBA |
| 3 | Tianjin FTZ | 2015 | Aerospace, logistics, finance | ❌ | Manufacturing, north China port |
| 4 | Fujian FTZ | 2015 | Taiwan cross-strait, trade | ❌ | Taiwan-linked business |
| 5 | Liaoning FTZ | 2017 | Dalian (port/logistics), Shenyang (equipment) | ❌ | Northeast Asia trade |
| 6 | Zhejiang FTZ | 2017 | Ningbo (port/trade), Hangzhou (digital) | ❌ | E-commerce, port logistics |
| 7 | Henan FTZ | 2017 | Zhengzhou (logistics, CBEC) | ❌ | Central China logistics |
| 8 | Hubei FTZ | 2017 | Wuhan (optoelectronics, biotech) | ❌ | Central China tech |
| 9 | Chongqing FTZ | 2017 | Electronics, automotive, logistics | ✅ Western | Western China manufacturing |
| 10 | Sichuan FTZ | 2017 | Chengdu (software, aviation) | ✅ Western | Western China tech |
| 11 | Shaanxi FTZ | 2017 | Xi\'an (aerospace, trade) | ✅ Western | Aerospace, NW China |
| 12 | Hainan FTP | 2018 | Full island - most open | ✅ All encouraged | Holding co, tourism, trade |
| 13-22 | + 10 more FTZs | 2019 | Shandong, Jiangsu, Guangxi, Hebei, Yunnan, Heilongjiang, Beijing, Hunan, Anhui, Xinjiang | Varies | Regional specializations |
How to Choose the Right FTZ
| Your Business | Recommended FTZ | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Regional headquarters | Shanghai (Lingang) | Best ecosystem, 15% CIT, HQ grants |
| Hong Kong-linked business | Shenzhen (Qianhai) | HK professional recognition, 15% CIT, 30min to HK |
| Holding company / treasury | Hainan FTP | 15% CIT, capital account convertibility, zero tariffs |
| Manufacturing | Suzhou/Chongqing | Supply chain, 15% CIT (western) |
| Cross-border e-commerce | Zhengzhou/Hangzhou | CBEC pilot cities, logistics |
| Central Asia trade | Xinjiang (Horgos) | Belt & Road gateway |
| Taiwan-linked business | Fujian (Xiamen) | Cross-strait cooperation |
Quick decision: If you need 15% CIT + simplest setup -> Hainan FTP. If you need HK access -> Qianhai. If you need the best overall ecosystem -> Shanghai Lingang. If you need lowest costs -> Western China (Chengdu/Chongqing/Xi\'an).
Why Were FTZs Created?
China created FTZs as "reform test labs" - controlled areas to test new economic policies before national rollout:
- 2013 (Shanghai): Tested the first Negative List for foreign investment, free trade accounts, simplified customs
- 2015-2017: Expanded to test cross-border RMB, financial opening, HK integration
- 2018 (Hainan): Testing full free trade port model (zero tariffs, capital account convertibility)
- 2019 (10 more): Regional spread to test industry-specific reforms
Many policies now nationwide (e.g., the Negative List) were first tested in FTZs. FTZs remain at the frontier of China's opening-up reforms.