Administrative divisions of China

Since the 15th century, the administrative divisions of China have consisted of several levels due to China's large population and geographical area. The Ministry of Civil Affairs determines that there are four levels of divisions: provincial-level, prefecture-level, county-level, and township-level.

Since the 17th century, provincial-level division boundaries in China have remained largely static. After the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949, major changes include the reorganization of provinces in the Northeast and the formation of autonomous regions, based on the subdivisions of the Soviet Union. Provincial-level divisions serve an important cultural role in China, as people tend to identify with their native province.