It has an area of 424.58 square kilometers (163.93 sq mi) and had a population of 2,235,218 at the time of the 2020 Chinese census.

The Wisdom Bay Industrial Park has the world's largest concrete 3D printed pedestrian bridge.

The main campus of Shanghai University is located in Baoshan District.

Ferries to Chongming Island operate from Wusong, Baoyang Rd, and Shidongkou.

The district is home to Baosteel Group's original factory, still a major producer of iron and steel.