Reflecting trends seen across the industrialized world, China's drivers are spending an average of nine working days per year stuck in traffic according to research released by TomTom in the first edition of its China Traffic Index.

“Rapid urbanization has led to increased car sales across the country. Despite measures to reduce traffic congestion, such as limiting vehicle registration and building new roads, traffic continues to be a significant issue”, said Ralf-Peter Schäfer, head of Traffic at TomTom.

The top ten most congested cities in China, ranked by overall congestion level are:

1. Tianjin

2. Hangzhou

3. Beijing

4. Changchun

5. Nanjing

6. Shijiazhuang

7. Shanghai

8. Changsha

9. Chongquing

10. Fuzhou

The TomTom Traffic Index is a comprehensive measurement report of traffic congestion, comparing travel times of passenger vehicles in China during non-congested hours with travel times in peak hours, according to the company. The Index measures both local roads and highways.

To download the full China Traffic Index Report, go here.