The population has been a gauge for urban development. The main data of Zhejiang’s populations in 2022 released by Zhejiang Provincial Bureau of Statistics on February 22 reveal some interesting information. 

Hangzhou’s permanent population reaches a record high of 12,376,000, of which, 84% are urban population, already surpassing developed European and American countries in urbanization ratio. This indicates Hangzhou’s potential in economic development. 

Permanent population growth mainly falls into two categories: 1) Natural growth, in which births outnumber deaths; 2) Mechanical growth as a result of immigration. Of the 11 prefecture-level cities in Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou has the highest birth rate and the lowest death rate. This indicates that young adults dominate the age structure, due to Hangzhou’s preferential policies for talented personnel. With massive inflow of unmarried young people without children, Hangzhou is “younger”, with permanent population hitting a record high of 12,376,000 at the end of 2022.