Shanghai has become the country's most popular city for the floating population, a survey showed, but the accolade also renews concerns among residents over increased pressure on urban resources.

The city recorded a net inflow population of about 9.54 million while Beijing ranked second with about 7.72 million, the research showed. The southern boom city of Shenzhen ranked third, with a net inflow of 7.56 million people.

Shanghai's new ranking was based on research by Value Line, a Shanghai-based financial magazine.