'Shì zhǎng' literally combines 'shì' (city) and 'zhǎng' (head or leader), meaning the elected or appointed chief executive of a city government in China. Unlike mayors in some Western systems, a Chinese mayor is typically a member of the Communist Party and works under the leadership of the local Party secretary — the Party position holds greater authority. The role involves overseeing urban planning, public services, economic development, and local implementation of national policies.

The title is used formally and respectfully, especially in official contexts, news reports, or formal introductions. It applies to cities at various administrative levels — prefecture-level cities (e.g., Shanghai, Guangzhou) and county-level cities — but not to towns (which have 'zhèn zhǎng') or villages (which have 'cūn zhǎng'). 'Shì zhǎng' is never used for provincial or national leaders; those roles carry different titles like 'shěng zhǎng' (governor) or 'zǒng lǐ' (premier).