According to the report, the construction market in China is expected to grow by 7.4% on annual basis to reach CNY 9.13 trillion in 2025.
The construction market in the country experienced robust growth during 2020-2024, achieving a CAGR of 8.6%. This upward trajectory is expected to continue, with the market forecast to grow at a CAGR of 5.8% during 2025-2029. By the end of 2029, the construction sector is projected to expand from its 2024 value of CNY 8.50 trillion to approximately CNY 12.22 trillion.
This report provides a detailed data-centric analysis of the construction sector in China, offering a comprehensive view of market opportunities in the building and infrastructure construction industry at the country level. With over 100+ KPIs covering growth dynamics in building and infrastructure construction, construction cost structure analysis, and analysis by key cities in the country, this databook provides a wealth of data-centric analysis with charts and tables, ensuring stakeholders are fully informed.
It offers a comprehensive analysis of market dynamics in the construction sector through a range of KPIs such as value, volume, and number of units. The building construction covers detailed segmentation over 30+ segments in residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional sectors.
The analyst's research methodology is based on industry best practices. Its unbiased analysis leverages a proprietary analytics platform to offer a detailed view of emerging business and investment market opportunities.
Despite these opportunities, market uncertainty and policy restrictions challenge private developers. Stricter regulations, declining sales, and financial constraints are limiting growth potential. Developers must navigate these complexities by focusing on cost-effective and sustainable construction solutions.
Despite strong growth in logistics and high-tech real estate, structural shifts due to remote work are impacting traditional office demand. Developers must adapt by integrating flexible workspace solutions and digital innovations. Addressing cost pressures and regulatory requirements will be critical to maintaining sector growth.
However, budget constraints and bureaucratic hurdles continue to pose challenges, slowing project completion and limiting private-sector involvement. Addressing these regulatory and financial barriers will be key to accelerating institutional infrastructure growth.
However, regulatory compliance and environmental restrictions pose challenges that could slow expansion efforts. Developers must adopt sustainable practices and automation technologies to remain competitive in the evolving industrial landscape.
However, rising costs, regulatory challenges, and geopolitical uncertainties pose risks to long-term development. Developers and investors must align with sustainability goals, leverage automation, and adapt to evolving government regulations to remain competitive.
The construction market in the country experienced robust growth during 2020-2024, achieving a CAGR of 8.6%. This upward trajectory is expected to continue, with the market forecast to grow at a CAGR of 5.8% during 2025-2029. By the end of 2029, the construction sector is projected to expand from its 2024 value of CNY 8.50 trillion to approximately CNY 12.22 trillion.
This report provides a detailed data-centric analysis of the construction sector in China, offering a comprehensive view of market opportunities in the building and infrastructure construction industry at the country level. With over 100+ KPIs covering growth dynamics in building and infrastructure construction, construction cost structure analysis, and analysis by key cities in the country, this databook provides a wealth of data-centric analysis with charts and tables, ensuring stakeholders are fully informed.
It offers a comprehensive analysis of market dynamics in the construction sector through a range of KPIs such as value, volume, and number of units. The building construction covers detailed segmentation over 30+ segments in residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional sectors.
The analyst's research methodology is based on industry best practices. Its unbiased analysis leverages a proprietary analytics platform to offer a detailed view of emerging business and investment market opportunities.
Key Insights
China Residential Construction Industry
The Chinese residential construction sector benefits from strong government support for affordable housing and urban renewal initiatives. Policy-driven incentives and direct state intervention are helping stabilize the market. Sustainable and technology-driven developments are shaping the future of residential construction in China.Despite these opportunities, market uncertainty and policy restrictions challenge private developers. Stricter regulations, declining sales, and financial constraints are limiting growth potential. Developers must navigate these complexities by focusing on cost-effective and sustainable construction solutions.
Macroeconomic Factors
- Rising material and labor costs are significantly increasing the overall cost of residential projects, making homeownership less affordable. Developers are adjusting project budgets and timelines to accommodate these rising expenses, reshaping investment strategies in the residential sector.
- The demand for smart homes and mixed-use residential complexes grows as urbanization continues across China. Consumers seek integrated living spaces with modern amenities, pushing developers to incorporate advanced technologies. The shift toward sustainable and energy-efficient homes is also gaining momentum.
- Real estate market instability remains a major risk, with tightening government regulations affecting developers' liquidity. Declining property sales in major cities lead to an oversupply of housing units. Policymakers are implementing stricter measures to curb speculative investments, adding further challenges to the industry.
Project Landscape
- Large-scale affordable housing developments under China's urban renewal plans are currently underway. These projects aim to address housing shortages and provide more accessible living options. The government's focus on improving housing conditions in lower-income areas remains strong.
- New state-backed housing projects are set to expand in second-tier and third-tier cities. These developments aim to decentralize residential growth from major urban centers and boost regional economies. Increased investment in these areas is expected to stimulate demand and local infrastructure.
- State-owned enterprises (SOEs) continue to dominate large-scale residential developments, while private developers face financial constraints. Many private real estate firms struggle with debt repayment and limited access to financing. Government stimulus programs are expected to support housing projects, but private sector participation remains uncertain.
Government Policies & Programs
- Stricter lending policies are being enforced to limit speculative real estate investments. These measures aim to stabilize property prices and prevent excessive borrowing. Developers must comply with tighter financial regulations to secure funding for new projects.
- The government is offering tax benefits and subsidies to encourage affordable housing construction. These incentives are designed to attract developers to invest in lower-cost housing segments. Housing affordability remains a key policy priority in China's long-term urban development strategy.
- Direct government involvement in financing and executing large-scale housing projects is increasing. Authorities are playing an active role in managing residential construction to ensure long-term sustainability. This intervention will shape future housing market dynamics and prevent financial risks.
Industry-Specific Developments
- The adoption of prefabrication and modular construction is growing, helping developers reduce costs and improve efficiency. These advanced construction techniques shorten project timelines and minimize material waste. The government is encouraging their use to modernize the sector.
- Green building certifications and energy-efficient residential designs are becoming more common. Developers are incorporating renewable energy sources and sustainable materials into new housing projects. China's commitment to carbon neutrality drives greater investment in environmentally friendly construction practices.
- An aging construction workforce pushes developers to adopt automation and robotics in building processes. Labor shortages are leading to higher wages, making automation a cost-effective alternative. Training programs are being developed to upskill workers in digital construction technologies.
China Commercial Construction
The commercial construction sector in China is evolving, driven by rising demand for mixed-use spaces and logistics hubs. Investments in smart, high-tech commercial spaces are shaping future developments. Government incentives and regulatory frameworks are supporting sustainability and innovation in the sector.Despite strong growth in logistics and high-tech real estate, structural shifts due to remote work are impacting traditional office demand. Developers must adapt by integrating flexible workspace solutions and digital innovations. Addressing cost pressures and regulatory requirements will be critical to maintaining sector growth.
Macroeconomic Factors
- High material and labor costs are increasing financial pressure on commercial construction projects. Developers are focusing on cost-effective solutions to maintain profitability while managing inflationary pressures. These factors are influencing project viability and long-term commercial investments.
- Mixed-use developments and e-commerce-related logistics hubs are gaining popularity as consumer habits shift. The demand for integrated commercial spaces that combine office, retail, and residential units is rising, driving innovation in commercial real estate design and functionality.
- The decline in demand for traditional office spaces due to hybrid work models and economic uncertainties remains challenging. Many businesses are downsizing physical office footprints, impacting commercial real estate occupancy rates. Developers are responding by creating more flexible and adaptable workspaces.
Project Landscape
- The development of commercial districts in cities such as Shenzhen and Chengdu continues to reshape China's urban infrastructure. These projects aim to enhance business environments and attract corporate investment. Government-backed initiatives support the transformation of these regions into major economic hubs.
- High-tech business hubs and commercial centers aligned with China's digital economy goals are expanding. These projects focus on integrating AI, automation, and smart infrastructure. The shift toward technology-driven developments is expected to drive long-term sector growth.
- SOEs dominate large-scale commercial developments, ensuring stability in major projects. Meanwhile, private firms focus on flexible office and retail spaces to meet evolving market demands. The investment outlook remains positive, particularly in logistics and high-tech real estate.
Government Policies & Programs
- Stricter building codes are being implemented to improve the sustainability of commercial properties. Developers must comply with new energy efficiency regulations to secure project approvals. These policies align with China's broader environmental and carbon reduction commitments.
- Tax breaks are being provided for green commercial buildings and smart infrastructure projects. These incentives encourage the adoption of sustainable construction practices. The government prioritizes eco-friendly commercial developments to align with its long-term sustainability agenda.
- The government is actively financing large commercial districts in economic development zones. These interventions aim to attract domestic and foreign investments into key commercial sectors and enhance economic resilience through infrastructure expansion.
Industry-Specific Developments
- AI-driven property management and smart building technologies are becoming standard in commercial construction. Automated systems enhance efficiency, reduce operational costs, and improve building functionality. These advancements are transforming how commercial properties are designed and managed.
- Net-zero commercial developments are gaining momentum in major urban centers. Developers are prioritizing carbon-neutral building materials and energy-efficient solutions, contributing to China's broader climate action initiatives.
- Automation is increasingly being used in commercial construction to mitigate labor shortages. Robotics and prefabrication techniques are improving project timelines and cost management, and the adoption of these technologies is expected to grow in the coming years.
China Institutional Construction
China's institutional construction sector is set to grow, driven by strong government investments in education and healthcare infrastructure. Adopting smart technology and sustainability initiatives will further enhance the sector's development.However, budget constraints and bureaucratic hurdles continue to pose challenges, slowing project completion and limiting private-sector involvement. Addressing these regulatory and financial barriers will be key to accelerating institutional infrastructure growth.
Macroeconomic Factors
- Rising costs are putting financial pressure on large-scale healthcare and education infrastructure projects, making it more challenging for developers to complete them within budget. Increased construction expenses have led to delays in project timelines and the reevaluation of funding sources for institutional development.
- Expanding research facilities, smart hospitals, and international school campuses is a key trend shaping the institutional construction sector. Demand for modernized educational and healthcare facilities is growing as China focuses on technological advancement and improved public services.
- Despite the need for more institutional infrastructure, bureaucratic delays and budget constraints slow project completion. Lengthy approval processes and funding limitations create uncertainties for both public and private sector institutional investors.
Project Landscape
- China is expanding its institutional infrastructure, with major hospitals and universities undergoing large-scale development in Beijing and Shanghai. These projects aim to improve public services and attract global talent in research and medical fields.
- Upcoming projects include the development of AI-driven research hubs and innovation districts, aligning with China's focus on technological leadership. These facilities will integrate cutting-edge technologies to enhance medical research and higher education capabilities.
- While the government remains the primary investor in institutional projects, private sector participation remains limited due to regulatory challenges. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are being explored to bridge funding gaps, but state-backed initiatives continue to drive most developments.
Government Policies & Programs
- Stricter compliance requirements are being enforced for institutional buildings, particularly in the healthcare and education sectors. These regulations focus on improving new developments' safety standards, energy efficiency, and long-term sustainability.
- Increased funding for digital and AI-driven education and healthcare infrastructure is a major government priority. Subsidies and financial incentives are being provided to encourage the adoption of smart technologies in institutional construction.
- Direct government investments in public institutional facilities continue to rise, particularly in underdeveloped regions. These state-driven projects aim to ensure equitable access to quality education and healthcare nationwide.
Industry-Specific Developments
- Adopting IoT and AI-powered smart infrastructure transforms institutional buildings, improving facility management and operational efficiency. Universities and hospitals are integrating advanced technology to enhance service delivery and research capabilities.
- Green certification programs are being expanded to encourage the development of energy-efficient institutional buildings. Sustainable design initiatives include using eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems to reduce carbon footprints.
- The demand for specialized labor in medical and educational construction is rising, with an emphasis on skilled professionals in high-tech building projects. Workforce training initiatives are being implemented to meet the evolving demands of institutional construction.
China Industrial Construction
The industrial construction sector in China is experiencing strong growth, particularly in logistics and high-tech manufacturing, driven by national self-sufficiency goals. Government-backed investments and incentives are accelerating industrial development in strategic sectors.However, regulatory compliance and environmental restrictions pose challenges that could slow expansion efforts. Developers must adopt sustainable practices and automation technologies to remain competitive in the evolving industrial landscape.
Macroeconomic Factors
- Rising material and operational costs significantly affect industrial construction, increasing project expenses and tighter profit margins. To mitigate inflationary pressures, developers are focusing on cost-effective solutions and localized supply chains.
- The growth of logistics hubs and data centers is accelerating due to increasing digitalization and e-commerce expansion. Industrial developers are prioritizing smart infrastructure and high-tech warehouses to meet the rising demand for digital commerce.
- However, land availability constraints and strict environmental regulations present challenges for industrial expansion. The government's focus on sustainable development pushes firms to adopt greener construction methods, but compliance remains costly and complex.
Project Landscape
- China continues to expand industrial zones in key regions such as the Greater Bay Area and Yangtze River Delta to strengthen its manufacturing and logistics capabilities. These projects aim to improve connectivity and boost trade efficiency.
- Upcoming high-tech manufacturing hubs and semiconductor fabrication plants are critical for China's goal of achieving self-sufficiency in advanced technology. These developments receive significant financial backing to reduce reliance on foreign semiconductor imports.
- Private investment drives growth in logistics and technology-driven industrial parks, while the government supports strategic sectors such as semiconductor manufacturing and clean energy. This public-private collaboration ensures continued industrial development despite external market uncertainties.
Government Policies & Programs
- China has implemented stricter environmental and zoning regulations to ensure industrial projects align with sustainability goals. Developers must meet higher energy efficiency and emissions reduction standards for project approval.
- Grants and subsidies are available for high-tech manufacturing zones, incentivizing firms to invest in next-generation industrial infrastructure. These policies aim to position China as an advanced manufacturing and innovation leader.
- Government-led investments enhance the country's production capacity, supporting large-scale industrial park expansions in key sectors such as renewable energy, electric vehicles, and semiconductor fabrication.
Industry-Specific Developments
- Automation and robotics are becoming essential in industrial construction, improving efficiency and reducing labor dependency. Companies are integrating smart manufacturing technologies to increase production output and operational reliability.
- Sustainability remains a priority, with firms adopting carbon-neutral materials and eco-friendly construction practices. Industrial developers invest in green building certifications to align with China's long-term environmental targets.
- The demand for specialized labor in semiconductor and high-tech industries is increasing, leading to a shift in workforce training programs. The focus is on upskilling workers to meet the needs of advanced manufacturing and automation-driven industries.
- China's infrastructure sector remains a key driver of economic growth, with strong government support and significant investments in sustainable and digital projects. AI-driven smart cities, renewable energy, and high-speed rail expansions present vast opportunities for infrastructure firms and technology providers.
- However, rising costs, regulatory challenges, and geopolitical uncertainties pose risks to long-term development. Developers and investors must align with sustainability goals, leverage automation, and adapt to evolving government regulations to remain competitive.
China Infrastructure Construction
China's infrastructure sector remains a key driver of economic growth, with strong government support and significant investments in sustainable and digital projects. AI-driven smart cities, renewable energy, and high-speed rail expansions present vast opportunities for infrastructure firms and technology providers.However, rising costs, regulatory challenges, and geopolitical uncertainties pose risks to long-term development. Developers and investors must align with sustainability goals, leverage automation, and adapt to evolving government regulations to remain competitive.
Macroeconomic Factors
- Rising material and labor costs continue to put financial pressure on large-scale infrastructure projects, leading to increased budget constraints and extended project timelines. To mitigate these inflationary impacts, developers are exploring cost-effective alternatives and localized supply chains.
- China's infrastructure sector increasingly focuses on expanding its high-speed rail network, smart cities, and digital infrastructure, integrating 5G, AI-driven urban planning, and IoT-enabled services. Investments in renewable energy infrastructure, such as offshore wind farms and solar projects, are also accelerating, aligning with the country's carbon neutrality goals.
- Despite growth opportunities, stricter environmental regulations and local government debt pose significant risks to infrastructure development. Additionally, geopolitical uncertainties and foreign investment restrictions may affect the financing and execution of large-scale projects, particularly those under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Project Landscape
- China is prioritizing cross-region infrastructure expansions, including the Greater Bay Area's transport and logistics projects, to improve regional connectivity. Other key projects include the Tuas Mega Port expansion and the modernization of major seaports to strengthen trade efficiency.
- Beijing Daxing International Airport expansion and the construction of new high-speed rail lines are set to improve transportation capacity and economic integration. Upcoming high-tech industrial zones and urban transit developments further underscore China's commitment to infrastructure-led growth.
- While state-owned enterprises (SOEs) continue to lead major projects, public-private partnerships (PPPs) drive investment in renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and smart city initiatives. The government's economic stimulus has committed trillions of yuan to infrastructure spending, focusing on AI-driven urban transformation and sustainable development.
Government Policies & Programs
- The 14th Five-Year Plan serves as the primary policy roadmap, strongly emphasizing urban renewal, sustainability, and digital integration. High-speed rail and public transit projects continue to receive priority to reduce congestion and improve nationwide connectivity.
- China has introduced tax incentives, subsidies for renewable energy infrastructure, and stricter environmental standards for new construction projects to encourage sustainable development. Green bonds and digital yuan-backed financing models are emerging as innovative funding mechanisms.
- While central government funding supports major infrastructure projects, provincial governments focus on localized transportation and housing developments. The expansion of decentralized PPP models enables greater private sector involvement while maintaining strong government oversight.
Industry-Specific Developments
- Adopting AI, automation, and digital twin technology transforms infrastructure planning, improves efficiency, and reduces costs. 3D printing and prefabrication techniques are also deployed to accelerate large-scale infrastructure projects.
- Sustainability remains a central theme, with carbon-neutral materials, green steel, and energy-efficient construction gaining traction. EV charging networks and clean transport corridors are expanding, supported by zero-emission mandates for public transit in major cities.
- China's workforce is rapidly adapting to AI-driven infrastructure management and smart city development, with increased emphasis on automation and robotics to address labor shortages. Training programs are being developed to retrain workers in sustainable construction technologies.
Report Scope
This report provides market size and forecast across 40+ construction segments for ten years from 2019-2028 in China. KPIs covered include the following:- Market size by value
- Market size by volume of construction
- Number of units
China Economic Indicators
China Top Cities Construction Data
China Residential Building Construction Coverage: 10-year market size & forecast in value and volume (area and units) terms by:
- Housing type (multi family, single family)
- Key cities (Tier - 1, Tier - 2, Tier - 3 segmentation)
- Price point/income level (luxury, mid-tier, affordable)
- Construction stage (new construction, re-development & maintenance)
China Residential Green Building Construction Coverage: 10-year market size & forecast in value and volume (area and units) terms by:
- Green building by Housing type (multi family, single family)
- Green building by Key cities (Tier - 1, Tier - 2, Tier - 3 segmentation)
- Green building by Price point/income level (luxury, mid-tier, affordable)
China Commercial Building Construction Coverage: 10-year market size & forecast in value and volume (area and units) terms by:
- Office (further broken down by Grade A, Grade B, and Grade C)
- Retail (further broken down by Grade A, Grade B, and Grade C)
- Hospitality (further broken down by Grade A, Grade B, and Grade C)
- Restaurant (further broken down by Grade A, Grade B, and Grade C)
- Entertainment
- Sports facility
- Other commercial building construction
- Construction stage (new construction, re-development & maintenance)
China Commercial Green Building Construction Coverage: 10-year market size & forecast in value and volume (area and units) terms by:
- Office green building construction
- Retail green building construction
- Hospitality green building construction
- Restaurant green building construction
- Entertainment green building construction
- Sports facility green building construction
- Other commercial green building construction
China Industrial Green Building Construction Coverage: 10-year market size & forecast in value and volume (area and units):
- Manufacturing Plants building construction
- Chemical & Pharmaceutical building construction
- Metal & Material Processing building construction
- Construction stage (new construction, re-development & maintenance)
China Institutional Building Construction Coverage: 10-year market size & forecast in value and volume (area and units) terms by:
- Healthcare construction
- Educational construction
- Other building construction
- Construction stage (new construction, re-development & maintenance)
China Institutional Green Building Construction Coverage: 10-year market size & forecast in value and volume (area and units) terms by:
- Healthcare green building construction
- Educational green building construction
China Infrastructure Construction Sectors: 10-year market size & forecast in value terms by:
- Marine and inland water infrastructure
- Utility system construction (oil and gas infrastructure, communication infrastructure, power infrastructure, water and sewer infrastructure)
- Transportation infrastructure (highway, street and bridge construction, railway construction, airport construction, and tunnel construction)
- Construction stage (new construction, re-development & maintenance)
China Green Infrastructure Construction: 10-year market size & forecast in value terms
China Construction Cost Structure Analysis: 10-year market size & forecast in value terms:
- Cost Analysis by Type (Material, Labour, Equipment, Others)
- By Material & Work Cost: It provides the cost outlook of material costs by type of materials used in construction (Cement, Steel, Sand, Aggregates, Bricks, Wood, Windows Glazing, Flooring, Plumbing, Electrical, Painting, Other Materials)
- By Labour Cost: It provides the cost outlook of labour costs (RCC Construction Work, Masonry and Plastering Work, Plumbing Work, Water Proofing Work, Carpentry Work, Electrical Work, Tile Fixing Work, CATV Antenna Points, Painting Work, Departmental Labour)
- By Type of Construction (New, Re-Development)
- By Material Cost: It provides the cost outlook of material costs by type of materials used in construction (Concreting Sand, Stone Aggregate, Ordinary Portland Cement, Reinforced Concrete (Grade 30 MPA), Reinforced Concrete (Grade 40 MPA), High Tensile Steel bars, Mild Steel Round Bars, Structural Steelwork, Plywood Formwork (1800*900*12mm), Clay Bricks)
- Type of Labour (Skilled vs. unskilled)
Reasons to Buy
- Comprehensive Insight into Construction Market Dynamics: Gain a deep understanding of the construction market, including opportunities, industry trends, and key drivers across over 40+ market segments and sub-segments.
- Detailed Analysis of Construction Costs: Explore construction costs broken down by type, including material and labor costs. The report provides detailed information on costs by construction type and worker.
- Top Ten Cities Construction Value: Access valuable data on the construction market size for major cities, focusing on key city-level sectors.
- In-Depth Volume and Value Data: Obtain a thorough understanding of the market from both value and volume perspectives, covering historical data and forecasts by activity and units.
- Strategic Market-Specific Insights: Formulate targeted strategies by identifying growth segments and opportunities and assessing key trends, drivers, and risks within the construction industry.
- City-Level Trend Analysis: Get detailed trend analyses for tier-1, tier-2, and tier-3 cities, offering actionable insights for urban-focused strategies.
Table of Contents
1 About this Report
2 China Construction Industry Dynamics and Growth Prospects
3 Key economic indicators of China
4 China Building Construction Analysis by Key Cities
5 China Residential Construction Industry Market Size and Forecast
6 Analysis by Residential Construction Markets Outlook by Construction type
7 Analysis by Residential Construction Markets Outlook by Key Cities
8 Analysis by Residential Construction Markets Outlook by Price Point
9 China Commercial Construction Industry Market Size and Forecast
10 Office Building Construction Outlook
11 Retail Building Construction Outlook
12 Hospitality Building Construction Outlook
13 Restaurant Building Construction Outlook
14 Sports Facility Building Construction Outlook
15 Other Commercial Building Construction Outlook
16 China Institutional Construction Industry Market Size and Forecast
17 Outlook and Growth Dynamics by Institutional Building Construction Sectors
18 China Industrial Construction Industry Market Size and Forecast
19 Outlook and Growth Dynamics by Industrial Building Construction Sectors
20 Infrastructure Construction Outlook
21 China Marine and Inland Water Infrastructure Construction Industry Market Size and Forecast
22 China Utility System Infrastructure Construction Industry Market Size and Forecast
23 China Transport Infrastructure Construction Industry Market Size and Forecast
24 China Construction Industry Market Size and Forecast by Cost Type
25 China Construction Cost Industry Market Size and Forecast by Type of Material
26 China Construction Cost Industry Market Size and Forecast by Labour
27 China Construction Industry Market Size and Forecast by Building Type
28 China Construction Industry Market Size and Forecast by Renovation Building Type
29 China Construction Industry Market Size and Forecast by New Building
30 China Construction Industry Market Size and Forecast by Material Cost
31 China Construction Industry Market Size and Forecast by Construction Worker
32 Further Reading
List of Figures
List of Tables