Administrative divisions of China
The administrative divisions of China have consisted of several levels since ancient times, due to China's large population and geographical area. The constitution of China provides for three levels of government. However in practice, there are five levels of local government; the provincial (province, autonomous region, municipality, and special administrative region), prefecture, county, township, and village.
Administrative divisions of China |
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Province-level (1st) |
Sub-provincial level Sub-provincial cities
Sub-provincial autonomous prefectures Sub-provincial city districts |
Prefecture-level (2nd) |
Sub-prefectural-level Sub-prefectural cities
Provincial-controlled cities Provincial-controlled counties Provincial-controlled districts |
Counties
Banners (Hoxu) Shennongjia Forestry District Liuzhi Special District Wolong Special Administrative Region Workers and peasants districts |
Analogous county level units Management areas Management committee |
Township level (4th) Townships
Towns Subdistricts Sum County-controlled districts Management committees Town-level city |
Analogous township level units Management areas Management committee Farms area (Overseas Chinese Farm Region), Prison area, University towns, etc. |
Village level (5th) (Grassroots Autonomous Organizations)
Villages · Gaqa · Ranches Communities |
Others Regions
Capital cities New areas Autonomous administrative divisions National Central Cities Special Economic Zones |
History: before 1912, 1912–49, 1949–present Administrative division codes |
Politics of China |
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Leadership
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Organization
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National People's Congress (14th)
State representative Executive organ
Military organ
Supervisory organ
Judicial organs
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United front
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Propaganda
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Related topics |
China portal
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Since the 17th century, provincial boundaries in China have remained largely static. Major changes since then have been the reorganisation of provinces in the northeast after the establishment of the People's Republic of China and the formation of autonomous regions, based on Soviet ethnic policies. The provinces serve an important cultural role in China, as people tend to identify with their native province.