Beijing: The Capital of the People's Republic of China
The capital of the People’s Republic of China is Beijing. The city is located on the western coast of China and stands at the northern tip of the North China Plain. It is one of the most populated cities in the world. Well-known for its magnificent palaces, temples, gardens, tombs, walls and gates and its art treasures, and prestigious world- class universities, Beijing is the political, cultural, and educational center of China. In the meantime, it is an important global power city, one of the world’s leading centers for science and technology.
Few cities in the world have been the political and cultural core of a country for so long. Beijing is unique among most big cities of China since it shows at the same time the characteristics of old and new China.
China's Administrative Division System
Administrative Division System in China
China’s administrative units are currently based on a three-tier system, dividing the nation into provinces, counties and townships. At present, the People’s Republic of China has 34 provincial administrative regions, including 23 provinces, 5 autonomous regions, 4 municipalities directly under the Central Government and 2 Special Administrative Regions.
There are five autonomous regions in China, namely, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Tibet Autonomous Region, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
The System of Self-government of Ethnic Autonomous Areas
Under unified national leadership, self-government is exercised in areas heavily resided with ethnic minorities. Organs of self-government in these areas administer the right of self-government. In principle, the administrative status of areas where self-government of ethnic autonomy is exercised is decided according to the geographical size and population of the areas. Autonomous regions enjoy the same status as provinces, autonomous prefectures enjoy the same status as prefectural-level cities and autonomous counties enjoy equal status as counties.
The municipality directly under the Central Government is one of the administrative divisions of China. Its administrative status is at the same level as those of provinces, autonomous regions and special administrative regions. As a provincial administrative region of and a structured city directly under the jurisdiction of the Central Government, municipalities often need more residents and usually play an important role in the political, economic and cultural aspects of the country.
The Special Administrative Region (SAR) is one of the administrative divisions of China. Its administrative level is the same as that of the provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the Central Government. As a provincial administrative region of the People’s Republic of China, it is established in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution and enjoys the special legal status with the implementation of capitalism within the administrative region of the People’s Republic of China. The Special Administrative Region is a special local administrative region established by China to solve the issues of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan left over from history by peaceful means. The establishment of the special administrative region constitutes a major feature of China’s administrative system. The establishment of the Special Administrative Region will help maintain the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macao.
