Abstract: In the context of the joint development of the ’Belt and Road Initiative’, border port regions have transitioned from inland locations to the forefront of opening-up. However, these regions remain geographically distant from economic development hubs, face challenges of limited urban scales, small populations, underdeveloped industrial bases, and serve as weak links in China’s coordinated regional development framework. To enhance the economic growth momentum of port cities and optimize their construction layouts, this research prioritizes the analysis of 10 rapidly developing border port cities across different regions that have achieved initial scale. Through systematic examination of their industrial structures, demographic trends, and urban spatial configurations, the study identifies distinct patterns of industrial-urban-population synergy in border port cities. Policy recommendations are formulated from three dimensions-industrial policy formulation, industrial ecosystem construction, and urban spatial planning-to inform the strategic development of border port cities.