Administrative divisions of China |
---|
|
Analogous county level units Management areas Management committee |
Townships
Subdistricts County-controlled districts (pilot) |
Analogous township level units Management areas Management committee Farms area (Overseas Chinese Farm Region [zh]), Prison area, University towns, etc. |
(Grassroots Autonomous Organizations)
Villages · Gaqa · Ranches Residential Committees |
History: before 1912, 1912–49, 1949–present Administrative division codes |
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.
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.