Countries That Border China: All 14 Neighboring Nations

China shares land borders with 14 nations, from the frozen steppes of Russia and Mongolia to the tropical jungles of Vietnam and Laos — a total land boundary of approximately 22,117 km.

Overview

China is the world's third-largest country by area at 9.6 million km², with a total land boundary of approximately 22,117 km. It shares borders with 14 nations, tied with Russia for the most land neighbors of any country. China's borders span some of the most diverse terrain on Earth, from the highest mountains to tropical lowlands.

Complete List of Neighbors

Russia (4,209 km)

The northeastern border follows the Amur and Argun rivers through densely forested terrain. This is China's second-longest border.

Mongolia (4,630 km)

China's longest border, running across the Gobi Desert and the Mongolian steppe. The region is arid and sparsely populated on both sides.

Kazakhstan (1,765 km)

The border crosses the Tian Shan Mountains and the Dzungarian Gate, a historic mountain pass on the Silk Road between the two countries.

Kyrgyzstan (1,063 km)

A mountainous border through the Tian Shan range, with peaks exceeding 7,000 m. The Irkeshtam and Torugart passes are key crossing points.

Tajikistan (477 km)

The border runs through the Pamir Mountains, some of the highest and most remote terrain on Earth. The Wakhan Corridor of Afghanistan nearly separates the two countries.

Afghanistan (92 km)

China's shortest land border, running through the narrow Wakhan Corridor in the Pamir Mountains. There is no official border crossing, and the terrain is among the most inaccessible on Earth.

Pakistan (438 km)

The border crosses the Karakoram Mountains, connected by the Karakoram Highway — one of the highest paved roads in the world, reaching 4,693 m at the Khunjerab Pass.

India (2,659 km)

A disputed border running through the Himalayas and the Aksai Chin plateau. The Line of Actual Control is one of the most heavily contested boundaries in Asia.

Nepal (1,389 km)

The border follows the crest of the Himalayas, including the north side of Mount Everest. Several important trade and pilgrimage routes cross this frontier.

Bhutan (477 km)

A mountainous border through the eastern Himalayas. Parts of this boundary remain disputed, particularly the Doklam plateau area.

Myanmar (2,129 km)

The border winds through rugged mountains and tropical forests in Yunnan province. Cross-border trade and ethnic ties are significant along this frontier.

Laos (475 km)

A short mountainous border in southern Yunnan province. The Boten-Mohan crossing connects to the China-Laos Railway completed in 2021.

Vietnam (1,297 km)

The border runs through karst limestone mountains and river valleys. Trade between the two countries flows through several busy crossing points.

North Korea (1,352 km)

The border follows the Yalu and Tumen rivers. The city of Dandong on the Chinese side faces the North Korean city of Sinuiju across the Yalu River bridge.

Border Geography

China's borders traverse an extraordinary range of terrain. The western borders cross the world's highest mountain ranges — the Himalayas, Karakoram, Pamir, and Tian Shan. The northern border follows the Gobi Desert and the river valleys of Manchuria. The southern borders wind through tropical mountains and river valleys. The sheer variety of landscapes along China's perimeter is unmatched by any other country.

Key Facts

• China's total land border is approximately 22,117 km.
• China shares its longest border with Mongolia at 4,630 km.
• The Afghanistan border (92 km) is China's shortest, running through nearly impassable Pamir Mountain terrain.
• China borders 14 countries by land, tied with Russia for the most neighbors.
• China also has maritime boundaries with South Korea, Japan, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Taiwan.

Fun Facts

• The Karakoram Highway connecting China and Pakistan is often called the "Eighth Wonder of the World" and took 20 years to build.
• Mount Everest sits exactly on the China-Nepal border, and can be climbed from either side.
• China's border with Afghanistan is so remote that there is no road or official crossing point.
• The China-North Korea Friendship Bridge in Dandong is one of the most watched border crossings in the world.