Map of China's ProvincesNames, abbreviations, capitals and dialects — with native audio
Tap the map to explore China's provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities and special administrative regions. For each one you get its Chinese name, pinyin, native audio, the one-character abbreviation you see on car number plates, its capital, its dialect and a few things it is famous for.
Mainland China has 31 provincial-level divisions — 22 provinces, 5 autonomous regions and 4 municipalities — plus the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau.
Explore the map
- North China
- Northeast China
- East China
- Central China
- South China
- Southwest China
- Northwest China
- Taiwan
Select an area on the map to see its full guide here.
North China
Beijing
- Official name
- 北京市
- Type
- Municipality
- Abbreviation
- 京
- Dialect
- Mandarin (Beijing Mandarin)
- Historical names
- Yan (燕), Ji (蓟), Dadu (大都), Beiping (北平)
- Population
- 21.9 million 2020 · 2020 national census (第七次全国人口普查)
Beijing was the capital for the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, serving as China's center for about 700 years. It was built on the site of Ji, the ancient capital of Yan state, and was later called Beiping. The name Beijing means 'Northern Capital'.
Famous for: The Forbidden City, The Great Wall, The Summer Palace, Peking Duck
Tianjin Municipality
- Official name
- 天津市
- Type
- Municipality
- Abbreviation
- 津
- Dialect
- Mandarin (Tianjin dialect)
- Historical names
- Zhigu (直沽), Tianjin Wei (天津卫)
- Population
- 13.9 million 2020 · 2020 national census (第七次全国人口普查)
Tianjin means 'the emperor's ford,' a name given by the Ming Yongle Emperor. It grew from a small settlement called Zhigu into a key hub for the Grand Canal and sea transport. In the late Qing dynasty, it became a treaty port with foreign concessions, and many of their Western-style buildings can still be seen today.
Famous for: Xiangsheng (crosstalk comedy), Western-style buildings of the Five Great Avenues, Goubuli steamed buns
Hebei
- Official name
- 河北省
- Type
- Province
- Capital
- Shijiazhuang (石家庄)
- Abbreviation
- 冀
- Dialect
- Mandarin (Ji-Lu Mandarin)
- Historical names
- Yan (燕), Zhao (赵), Zhili (直隶)
- Population
- 74.6 million 2020 · 2020 national census (第七次全国人口普查)
Hebei means 'north of the river,' referring to the Yellow River. In ancient times, it was the location of the Yan and Zhao states. Because it surrounds Beijing and Tianjin, it has long been a key defensive region for the capital. It is home to many historical sites, including Shanhaiguan, where the Great Wall meets the sea, and the Chengde Mountain Resort.
Famous for: Chengde Mountain Resort, Shanhaiguan Pass, Eastern Qing Tombs
Shanxi
- Official name
- 山西省
- Type
- Province
- Capital
- Taiyuan (太原)
- Abbreviation
- 晋
- Dialect
- Jin Chinese
- Historical names
- Jin (晋), Hedong (河东)
- Population
- 34.9 million 2020 · 2020 national census (第七次全国人口普查)
Shanxi means 'west of the mountains,' referring to its location west of the Taihang Mountains. It was the territory of the ancient state of Jin, which is still its abbreviation. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, powerful 'Jin merchants' built a financial network across China, leaving behind well-preserved towns like Pingyao.
Famous for: Pingyao Ancient City, Yungang Grottoes, Mount Wutai, Shanxi black vinegar
Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region
- Official name
- 内蒙古自治区
- Type
- Autonomous Region
- Capital
- Hohhot (呼和浩特)
- Abbreviation
- 蒙
- Dialect
- Mandarin, Mongolian
- Historical names
- Saibei (塞北), Suiyuan (绥远)
- Population
- 24.0 million 2020 · 2020 national census (第七次全国人口普查)
Stretching 2,400 km from east to west, Inner Mongolia is China's longest provincial-level division, bordering Mongolia to the north. Its landscape varies greatly from grasslands to deserts and forests. The capital, Hohhot, means 'Blue City' in Mongolian, reflecting a culture deeply rooted in nomadic traditions.
Famous for: Dazhao Temple in Hohhot, Naadam Festival, Mutton hot pot
Northeast China
Liaoning
- Official name
- 辽宁省
- Type
- Province
- Capital
- Shenyang (沈阳)
- Abbreviation
- 辽
- Dialect
- Mandarin (Northeastern Mandarin)
- Historical names
- Shengjing (盛京), Fengtian (奉天)
- Population
- 42.6 million 2020 · 2020 national census (第七次全国人口普查)
Liaoning is named after the Liao River. The Qing dynasty originated here, and its first capital, Shenyang, still has the Mukden Palace (沈阳故宫), the Qing imperial palace from the years before the court moved to Beijing. The province later became a major center for heavy industry, with the port city of Dalian serving as a key gateway to the sea.
Famous for: Shenyang Imperial Palace, Dalian's coastline, Northeast Chinese cuisine
Jilin
- Official name
- 吉林省
- Type
- Province
- Capital
- Changchun (长春)
- Abbreviation
- 吉
- Dialect
- Mandarin (Northeastern Mandarin)
- Historical names
- Chuanchang (船厂), Jilin Ula (吉林乌拉)
- Population
- 24.1 million 2020 · 2020 national census (第七次全国人口普查)
The name Jilin comes from the Manchu 'Girin Ula', meaning 'along the river'. The province borders North Korea and Russia, and is home to the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture. Its capital is Changchun, though a separate city is also named Jilin. The region is known for its harsh winters, rime ice, and ice festivals.
Famous for: Changbai Mountains and Heaven Lake, Korean culture of Yanbian, Winter rime ice
Heilongjiang
- Official name
- 黑龙江省
- Type
- Province
- Capital
- Harbin (哈尔滨)
- Abbreviation
- 黑
- Dialect
- Mandarin (Northeastern Mandarin)
- Historical names
- Ningguta (宁古塔), Heishui (黑水)
- Population
- 31.9 million 2020 · 2020 national census (第七次全国人口普查)
Heilongjiang is named after the Heilong River (Amur River) on its northern border. As China's northernmost and easternmost province, winter temperatures can drop to -30°C. The capital, Harbin, developed through contact with Russia, and Russian-style architecture like St. Sophia Cathedral remains.
Famous for: Harbin Ice and Snow World, St. Sophia Cathedral, Major grain-producing region
East China
Shanghai
- Official name
- 上海市
- Type
- Municipality
- Abbreviation
- 沪
- Dialect
- Wu (Shanghainese)
- Historical names
- Huating (华亭), Songjiang (松江), Shen (申)
- Population
- 24.9 million 2020 · 2020 national census (第七次全国人口普查)
Shanghai's name means 'upon the sea'. Originally a fishing and textile town, it rapidly transformed into an international metropolis after becoming a treaty port in the 19th century. The establishment of foreign concessions left a legacy of unique architecture, such as the historic buildings along the Bund.
Famous for: The Bund, Yu Garden, Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings)
Jiangsu
- Official name
- 江苏省
- Type
- Province
- Capital
- Nanjing (南京)
- Abbreviation
- 苏
- Dialect
- Mandarin (Jianghuai Mandarin), Wu
- Historical names
- Wu (吴), Jiangning (江宁)
- Population
- 84.7 million 2020 · 2020 national census (第七次全国人口普查)
The name Jiangsu combines the first characters of Jiangning (now Nanjing) and Suzhou. With the Yangtze River and Grand Canal running through it, the area has long prospered from water transport. Its capital, Nanjing, served as the capital of China during several dynasties.
Famous for: Classical Gardens of Suzhou, City Wall of Nanjing, Yangzhou morning tea
Zhejiang
- Official name
- 浙江省
- Type
- Province
- Capital
- Hangzhou (杭州)
- Abbreviation
- 浙
- Dialect
- Wu
- Historical names
- Yue (越), Liangzhe (两浙)
- Population
- 64.6 million 2020 · 2020 national census (第七次全国人口普查)
Zhejiang is named after the local river, another name for the Qiantang. Its capital, Hangzhou, was the capital of the Southern Song dynasty and is famed for its scenic West Lake. The province has a long history of commerce and is the ancestral home of many overseas Chinese.
Famous for: West Lake, Longjing tea, Wuzhen Water Town
Anhui
- Official name
- 安徽省
- Type
- Province
- Capital
- Hefei (合肥)
- Abbreviation
- 皖
- Dialect
- Mandarin (Jianghuai, Zhongyuan), Wu, Hui
- Historical names
- Wan (皖), Huizhou (徽州)
- Population
- 61.0 million 2020 · 2020 national census (第七次全国人口普查)
Anhui's name combines the names of two cities, Anqing and Huizhou. The province is split between the northern plains of the Huai River and the southern mountains around Huangshan. This divide is also reflected in its dialects, with Mandarin spoken in the north and Wu and Hui languages in the south. The historic merchants of Huizhou were famous for their wealth and distinctive architecture.
Famous for: Mount Huangshan, Ancient villages of Hongcun and Xidi, Anhui cuisine
Fujian
- Official name
- 福建省
- Type
- Province
- Capital
- Fuzhou (福州)
- Abbreviation
- 闽
- Dialect
- Min
- Historical names
- Min (闽), Qi Min (七闽)
- Population
- 41.5 million 2020 · 2020 national census (第七次全国人口普查)
Fujian's name combines Fuzhou and Jianzhou, two of its cities. Its abbreviation, Min (闽), refers to the region's ancient people. The mountainous coastal terrain led to the development of many distinct Min dialects. The province is famous for its Hakka Tulou earthen buildings, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is the birthplace of Oolong tea.
Famous for: Hakka Tulou, Wuyi Mountains, Oolong tea
Jiangxi
- Official name
- 江西省
- Type
- Province
- Capital
- Nanchang (南昌)
- Abbreviation
- 赣
- Dialect
- Gan, Hakka
- Historical names
- Yuzhang (豫章), Jiangyou (江右)
- Population
- 45.2 million 2020 · 2020 national census (第七次全国人口普查)
The name Jiangxi is short for 'Jiangnan Xidao' (江南西道), a Tang dynasty administrative area. Its abbreviation, Gan (赣), comes from the Gan River. For over a thousand years, the city of Jingdezhen has been a center of porcelain production, becoming synonymous with Chinese ceramics.
Famous for: Jingdezhen porcelain, Mount Lu, Mount Sanqing
Shandong
- Official name
- 山东省
- Type
- Province
- Capital
- Jinan (济南)
- Abbreviation
- 鲁
- Dialect
- Mandarin (Jilu, Jiaoliao, Zhongyuan)
- Historical names
- Qi (齐), Lu (鲁)
- Population
- 101.5 million 2020 · 2020 national census (第七次全国人口普查)
Shandong means 'east of the mountains,' referring to the Taihang range. In ancient times, it was the territory of the Qi and Lu states and is the birthplace of Confucius. The sacred Mount Tai, where emperors once worshipped Heaven, is also located here. Shandong cuisine is considered one of China's great culinary traditions.
Famous for: Temple of Confucius in Qufu, Mount Tai, Tsingtao Beer
Central China
Henan
- Official name
- 河南省
- Type
- Province
- Capital
- Zhengzhou (郑州)
- Abbreviation
- 豫
- Dialect
- Mandarin (Zhongyuan Mandarin)
- Historical names
- Yu (豫), Zhongzhou (中州)
- Population
- 99.4 million 2020 · 2020 national census (第七次全国人口普查)
Located south of the Yellow River, Henan is part of the Central Plain (中原), long regarded as the cradle of Chinese civilization. It is home to several ancient capitals, including Luoyang, Kaifeng and Anyang. The Shaolin Temple, traditionally regarded as the birthplace of Chan (Zen) Buddhism and Shaolin kung fu, is also here.
Famous for: Shaolin Temple, Longmen Grottoes, Yinxu (Ruins of Yin)
Hubei
- Official name
- 湖北省
- Type
- Province
- Capital
- Wuhan (武汉)
- Abbreviation
- 鄂
- Dialect
- Mandarin (Southwestern Mandarin)
- Historical names
- Chu (楚), Jing (荆)
- Population
- 57.8 million 2020 · 2020 national census (第七次全国人口普查)
Hubei means 'north of the lake,' referring to Dongting Lake. It was the heart of the ancient Chu state, known for its unique bronze and lacquerware. The capital, Wuhan, is a major transport hub at the confluence of the Yangtze and Han rivers, and the famous Three Gorges are in the west.
Famous for: Yellow Crane Tower, Yangtze Three Gorges, Hot Dry Noodles
Hunan
- Official name
- 湖南省
- Type
- Province
- Capital
- Changsha (长沙)
- Abbreviation
- 湘
- Dialect
- Xiang, Mandarin (Southwestern Mandarin)
- Historical names
- Xiang (湘), Chu (楚)
- Population
- 66.4 million 2020 · 2020 national census (第七次全国人口普查)
Hunan means 'south of the lake,' referring to its location south of Dongting Lake. Its abbreviation, Xiang (湘), comes from the Xiang River. The province is famous for the otherworldly sandstone pillars of Zhangjiajie, a UNESCO World Heritage site that inspired a famous film setting, and the historic Yueyang Tower.
Famous for: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Yueyang Tower, Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐)
South China
Guangdong
- Official name
- 广东省
- Type
- Province
- Capital
- Guangzhou (广州)
- Abbreviation
- 粤
- Dialect
- Cantonese (Yue), Hakka, Teochew (Min)
- Historical names
- Yue, Nanyue, Lingnan
- Population
- 126.0 million 2020 · 2020 national census (第七次全国人口普查)
Located south of the Five Ridges, this region has long been called Lingnan. Its abbreviation, Yue (粤), comes from the ancient peoples who lived here. The capital, Guangzhou, has been a major international trading port since the Tang dynasty, and the local custom of yum cha spread from here to Chinatowns worldwide.
Famous for: Guangzhou-style dim sum (yum cha), Kaiping Diaolou and Villages, Teochew cuisine
Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region
- Official name
- 广西壮族自治区
- Type
- Autonomous Region
- Capital
- Nanning (南宁)
- Abbreviation
- 桂
- Dialect
- Cantonese (Yue), Mandarin (Southwestern), Zhuang
- Historical names
- Gui (桂), Lingnan (岭南)
- Population
- 50.1 million 2020 · 2020 national census (第七次全国人口普查)
Guangxi's abbreviation, Gui (桂), comes from the ancient Guilin Commandery, and Guilin's karst peaks and rivers look like a traditional ink painting — "Guilin's scenery is the best under heaven", as the saying goes. The Zhuang, the largest ethnic minority here, have their own language, which appears alongside Chinese on public signs.
Famous for: Li River scenery in Guilin, Longji Rice Terraces (龙脊梯田), Guilin rice noodles
Hainan
- Official name
- 海南省
- Type
- Province
- Capital
- Haikou (海口)
- Abbreviation
- 琼
- Dialect
- Min (Hainanese), Lingao
- Historical names
- Qiong (琼), Zhuya (珠崖)
- Population
- 10.1 million 2020 · 2020 national census (第七次全国人口普查)
Hainan is China's southernmost province, an island with a tropical and subtropical climate. Once considered a remote place of exile for officials like the poet Su Shi, it is now a popular beach resort destination centered around Sanya. The local Hainanese language is a branch of the Min dialect group, brought by settlers from Fujian.
Famous for: Sanya beaches, Wuzhi Mountain (五指山), Wenchang chicken (文昌鸡)
Hong Kong SAR
- Official name
- 香港特别行政区
- Type
- Special Administrative Region
- Abbreviation
- 港
- Dialect
- Cantonese (Yue)
- Population
- 7.4 million 2021 · Hong Kong 2021 Population Census
Hong Kong's name means "Fragrant Harbour." It developed as a major finance and trade hub from a port opened in the 19th century. As a Special Administrative Region, it has its own legal system and currency. Its Cantonese culture, from food to film, is known worldwide.
Famous for: Victoria Harbour, Yum cha, Cha chaan teng
Macau SAR
- Official name
- 澳门特别行政区
- Type
- Special Administrative Region
- Abbreviation
- 澳
- Dialect
- Cantonese (Yue)
The Portuguese settled in Macau in the 16th century, creating a unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures. Its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Macau became a Special Administrative Region in 1999. Both Chinese and Portuguese are official languages, but Cantonese is most commonly spoken.
Famous for: Ruins of St. Paul's, Senado Square, Egg Tarts
Southwest China
Chongqing Municipality
- Official name
- 重庆市
- Type
- Municipality
- Abbreviation
- 渝
- Dialect
- Mandarin (Southwestern Mandarin)
- Historical names
- Ba (巴), Yuzhou (渝州)
- Population
- 32.1 million 2020 · 2020 national census (第七次全国人口普查)
Known as the 'Mountain City', Chongqing is built on steep hillsides where the Yangtze and Jialing rivers meet. Its name means 'double celebration', given by a Southern Song emperor. Its abbreviation, Yu (渝), is an old name for the Jialing River. In 1997, it became a municipality separate from Sichuan. Its famous spicy hot pot is said to have originated with river boatmen.
Famous for: Chongqing hot pot, Hongya Cave, Dazu Rock Carvings
Sichuan
- Official name
- 四川省
- Type
- Province
- Capital
- Chengdu (成都)
- Abbreviation
- 川 Also: 蜀
- Dialect
- Mandarin (Southwestern Mandarin)
- Historical names
- Shu (蜀), Ba (巴), Yizhou (益州)
- Population
- 83.7 million 2020 · 2020 national census (第七次全国人口普查)
The name Sichuan is often explained as "Four Rivers", but it is actually short for 川峡四路, a Song dynasty administrative area. Also known as Shu (蜀), its fertile basin has long been called the "Land of Abundance." It is world-famous as the native habitat of the giant panda and the birthplace of its distinctively spicy and numbing cuisine.
Famous for: Jiuzhaigou Valley (九寨沟), Leshan Giant Buddha (乐山大佛), Giant pandas, Mapo tofu
Guizhou
- Official name
- 贵州省
- Type
- Province
- Capital
- Guiyang (贵阳)
- Abbreviation
- 贵 Also: 黔
- Dialect
- Mandarin (Southwestern Mandarin), Miao, Bouyei
- Historical names
- Qian (黔), Yelang (夜郎)
- Population
- 38.6 million 2020 · 2020 national census (第七次全国人口普查)
Guizhou is a mountainous province known for the saying, 'No three days are sunny, no three miles are flat.' It is home to many ethnic groups, including the Miao and Bouyei, with unique crafts. The province is also famous for Huangguoshu Waterfall and the nationally renowned baijiu liquor from Maotai.
Famous for: Huangguoshu Waterfall, Xijiang Miao Village, Maotai liquor
Yunnan
- Official name
- 云南省
- Type
- Province
- Capital
- Kunming (昆明)
- Abbreviation
- 云 Also: 滇
- Dialect
- Mandarin (Southwestern Mandarin), Yi, Tai languages
- Historical names
- Dian (滇)
- Population
- 47.2 million 2020 · 2020 national census (第七次全国人口普查)
Yunnan, meaning 'South of the Clouds', is on the Yunnan Plateau. As China's most ethnically diverse region, it is home to over twenty groups. It was the start of the ancient Tea Horse Road and is world-famous for Pu'er tea. The Old Town of Lijiang and Honghe Hani Rice Terraces are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Famous for: Old Town of Lijiang, Yuanyang Rice Terraces, Pu'er tea, Crossing-the-bridge noodles
Tibet Autonomous Region (Xizang)
- Official name
- 西藏自治区
- Type
- Autonomous Region
- Capital
- Lhasa (拉萨)
- Abbreviation
- 藏
- Dialect
- Tibetan
- Historical names
- Tubo (吐蕃)
- Population
- 3.6 million 2020 · 2020 national census (第七次全国人口普查)
Known as the 'Roof of the World', this high-altitude plateau has an average elevation of over 4,000 meters. Its capital, Lhasa, is home to the iconic Potala Palace, a World Heritage site. The local Tibetan language is very different from Chinese and has its own script, and official signs are bilingual.
Famous for: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Yamdrok Lake
Northwest China
Shaanxi
- Official name
- 陕西省
- Type
- Province
- Capital
- Xi'an (西安)
- Abbreviation
- 陕 Also: 秦
- Dialect
- Mandarin (Central Plains Mandarin)
- Historical names
- Qin (秦), Guanzhong (关中)
- Population
- 39.5 million 2020 · 2020 national census (第七次全国人口普查)
The capital, Xi'an, formerly Chang'an, was the imperial capital for over ten dynasties, including the Qin, Han, and Tang. As the eastern starting point of the Silk Road, it was a major hub for cultural exchange and is home to the world-famous Terracotta Army.
Famous for: Terracotta Army, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Biangbiang noodles
Gansu
- Official name
- 甘肃省
- Type
- Province
- Capital
- Lanzhou (兰州)
- Abbreviation
- 甘 Also: 陇
- Dialect
- Mandarin (Lanyin and Central Plains)
- Historical names
- Long (陇), Hexi (河西)
- Population
- 25.0 million 2020 · 2020 national census (第七次全国人口普查)
Gansu's name combines the ancient prefectures of Ganzhou and Suzhou. Its long Hexi Corridor was a vital part of the Silk Road, connecting east and west. The province is known for its diverse landscapes, from deserts to the snow-capped Qilian Mountains, and the famous Mogao Caves in Dunhuang.
Famous for: Mogao Caves, Jiayu Pass, Zhangye Danxia Landform
Qinghai
- Official name
- 青海省
- Type
- Province
- Capital
- Xining (西宁)
- Abbreviation
- 青
- Dialect
- Mandarin (Lanyin, Zhongyuan), Tibetan
- Historical names
- Xihai (西海), Qingtang (青唐)
- Population
- 5.9 million 2020 · 2020 national census (第七次全国人口普查)
Qinghai is named after Qinghai Lake, China's largest salt lake. Located on the northeastern Tibetan Plateau, its grasslands are the source of the Yangtze, Yellow, and Mekong rivers, earning it the name 'China's Water Tower'. Both Mandarin and Tibetan are spoken here.
Famous for: Qinghai Lake, Chaka Salt Lake, Ta'er Monastery (Kumbum)
Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region
- Official name
- 宁夏回族自治区
- Type
- Autonomous Region
- Capital
- Yinchuan (银川)
- Abbreviation
- 宁
- Dialect
- Mandarin (Lanyin and Zhongyuan)
- Historical names
- Western Xia (西夏)
- Population
- 7.2 million 2020 · 2020 national census (第七次全国人口普查)
The name comes from the Western Xia kingdom, which flourished here from the 11th to the 13th century (宁夏 roughly means "Xia pacified"). Many people here are Hui Muslims, so mosques and halal food are part of everyday life. The plains watered by the Yellow River are known as the "Jiangnan beyond the frontier" and are famous for goji berries.
Famous for: Western Xia Tombs, Shapotou, Goji berries
Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region
- Official name
- 新疆维吾尔自治区
- Type
- Autonomous Region
- Capital
- Ürümqi (乌鲁木齐)
- Abbreviation
- 新
- Dialect
- Uyghur, Mandarin (Lanyin)
- Historical names
- Xiyu (西域)
- Population
- 25.9 million 2020 · 2020 national census (第七次全国人口普查)
Xinjiang is China's largest division by area. Historically known as the Western Regions (Xiyu), it was a key part of the Silk Road. The Uyghur language, a Turkic language, is co-official with Mandarin on signs and documents. It is famous for sweet fruits like grapes and Hami melons, grown in a climate with large day-night temperature differences.
Famous for: Tian Shan Heavenly Lake, Kashgar Old City, Grapes and Hami melons
Taiwan
This page is a guide to geography, language and culture for learners of Chinese. It takes no position on questions of sovereignty or political status.
Taiwan
- Main city
- Taipei (台北)
- Abbreviation
- 台
- Dialect
- Mandarin (Guoyu), Taiwanese (Minnan), Hakka
- Historical names
- Formosa (福爾摩沙)
A subtropical island with a high central mountain range; Yushan exceeds 3,900 meters. The Portuguese once called it Formosa, meaning 'beautiful island'. Besides Mandarin (Guoyu), Taiwanese (Minnan), Hakka, and indigenous languages are spoken. Traditional characters and the Zhuyin phonetic system are widely used.
Famous for: Taipei 101, Jiufen, Night markets, Alishan
License plate abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Division | Pinyin | Alternative |
|---|---|---|---|
| 京 | Beijing | Běijīng | |
| 津 | Tianjin Municipality | Tiānjīn | |
| 冀 | Hebei | Héběi | |
| 晋 | Shanxi | Shānxī | |
| 蒙 | Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region | Nèi Měnggǔ | |
| 辽 | Liaoning | Liáoníng | |
| 吉 | Jilin | Jílín | |
| 黑 | Heilongjiang | Hēilóngjiāng | |
| 沪 | Shanghai | Shànghǎi | |
| 苏 | Jiangsu | Jiāngsū | |
| 浙 | Zhejiang | Zhèjiāng | |
| 皖 | Anhui | Ānhuī | |
| 闽 | Fujian | Fújiàn | |
| 赣 | Jiangxi | Jiāngxī | |
| 鲁 | Shandong | Shāndōng | |
| 豫 | Henan | Hénán | |
| 鄂 | Hubei | Húběi | |
| 湘 | Hunan | Húnán | |
| 粤 | Guangdong | Guǎngdōng | |
| 桂 | Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region | Guǎngxī | |
| 琼 | Hainan | Hǎinán | |
| 渝 | Chongqing Municipality | Chóngqìng | |
| 川 | Sichuan | Sìchuān | 蜀 |
| 贵 | Guizhou | Guìzhōu | 黔 |
| 云 | Yunnan | Yúnnán | 滇 |
| 藏 | Tibet Autonomous Region (Xizang) | Xīzàng | |
| 陕 | Shaanxi | Shǎnxī | 秦 |
| 甘 | Gansu | Gānsù | 陇 |
| 青 | Qinghai | Qīnghǎi | |
| 宁 | Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region | Níngxià | |
| 新 | Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region | Xīnjiāng | |
| 港 | Hong Kong SAR | Xiānggǎng | |
| 澳 | Macau SAR | Àomén |
Frequently asked questions
How many provinces does China have?
Mainland China has 31 provincial-level divisions: 22 provinces, 5 autonomous regions and 4 municipalities (Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin and Chongqing). Hong Kong and Macau are special administrative regions.
What are the one-character abbreviations?
Each division has a one-character short name (简称, jiǎnchēng), such as 京 for Beijing or 粤 for Guangdong. You see it at the start of every car number plate and in names of trains, roads and newspapers.
What is the difference between Shanxi and Shaanxi?
They are neighbours with almost the same name: 山西 Shānxī (first tone, "west of the mountains") and 陕西 Shǎnxī (third tone, capital Xi'an). The extra "a" in Shaanxi is an English spelling convention to tell them apart.
Map: made with Natural Earth (public domain). Population: China 2020 national census; Hong Kong 2021 census.